101-year-old veteran honored for bravery on battlefield

Surprise, AZ – In a heartfelt ceremony, Ned Kent, a 101-year-old World War II veteran, was honored for his bravery and service. At 18, Kent joined the Army in January 1940, serving until July 1945. As a technical sergeant, he fought in the Battle of the Bulge and participated in the D-Day invasion at Normandy, earning a Bronze Star for his heroism.

Kent’s daughter, Debi, expressed immense pride in her father’s courage, though Kent himself humbly downplayed his heroism. “I’m no hero. I just served in the Army,” he said. His service, however, included witnessing the horrors of a concentration camp liberation, a topic he found difficult to discuss for decades.

Roberta Fellows, a social worker at Hospice of the Valley, sought to give Kent the recognition he deserved. With the help of veteran volunteer Rodney Dehmer from the Saluting Our Veterans program, a tribute was arranged. Surrounded by family and framed medals, Kent was moved by the acknowledgment of his service.

Rodney Dehmer, a fellow veteran, emphasized the bond shared among combat veterans. “There’s a brotherhood and we appreciate each other,” he said. Roberta and nurse Michelle Stilphen, who were present, noted the significance of the tribute, particularly as Roberta’s own father was a World War II veteran.

For more information on Hospice of the Valley’s Salutes program or to become a veteran volunteer, visit hov.org/volunteer or call (602) 636-6336.

Contact: Lin Sue Flood
Director of Community Engagement
Hospice of the Valley
Phone: (602) 636-6336
Email: [email protected]

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