Major Kim Bennett, center, has the full support of her parents, Richard and Mary Bennett of North Redington Beach.
NORTH REDINGTON BEACH – Last week Major Kimberly Bennett deployed to Iraq with the 1st Cavalry Division of the U.S. Army. Her parents, Mary and Richard Bennett of North Redington Beach came to Fort Hood, Texas, to wish their daughter well before her departure.
Major Bennett has been in the army for nearly 15 years and is a chemical officer. Her assignment in Iraq is as a chemical and biological weapons specialist working on the division staff, advising the division commander on everything that involves chemicals on the battlefield.
“You would be amazed,” said Bennett. “Google ‘chemicals in Iraq’ and see how many hits you get.”
Bennett received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Tampa and a master’s degree from Baylor University. After doing non-traditional Army work for the last six years, including three years teaching chemistry at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., Bennett asked to go to Fort Hood because she knew they were preparing to deploy to the Middle East.
“It’s my turn,” responded Bennett when asked how she felt about going.
Bennett admits that it was her father who inspired her to seek a career in the Army. Commissioner Richard Bennett served 26 years in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (three years active duty during the Vietnam era and 23 years in the reserves).
“I think my Dad being in the Army made me see how, even though a lot of people are patriotic, it takes something more,” said Kim. “Being in ROTC in college confirmed for me that the Army was what I wanted.”
Bennett’s assignment in Iraq is for 12 months. She acknowledges that the vacillating political climate may alter that either way and says she is prepared for whatever happens. When asked what she would miss most while out of the U.S., Bennett responded, “I think I will have everything I could ever need or want, short of my own bed, my family and friends.
In reflecting on her deployment, Bennett had this to say: “Well, I think the support the American people have for our service members is amazing, and we certainly appreciate it,” she said. “It’s a shame that politics get in the way of all that sometimes. I just hope people continue to support our troops and our commander-in-chief regardless of the decisions that are made for our future in Iraq. We have a job to do and I think we have to finish it before we come home – if for no other reason than to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice trying to get the job done.”
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