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<p><em>John Kenneth Christian</em> came to West Point from Temple, TX. His father, John J. “Jack” Christian, was a physician with the U.S. Army Medical Corps and served at Camp Swift, TX during World War II. His mother, Elizabeth Quinn (Libby) Christian, joined the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and served as a combat nurse in the South Pacific during the war. Ken grew up outside Fort Hood (now Fort Cavazos), TX, the largest military base in the United States and home, then, of two armored divisions. With both parents as veterans, he had Army green coursing through his veins from the moment of his birth.</p>
<p>Ken was born and bred to be a member of the U.S. Army, and he set his sights on attending the United States Military Academy during his high school years, partly because of his heritage and partly because, in his words, “I was (and still am) fascinated with all things Army.” His discipline and determination were evident early on. He was one of the elite four percent of Boy Scouts to earn the Eagle Scout rank, a point of pride all his life. He did not receive an appointment to USMA after high school, but that did not blunt his determination. He enrolled in the Marion Military Institute, the military college in Marion, AL. While there, he received his appointment to USMA from Texas Senator John Tower.</p>
<p>Ken learned to shoot as a boy. With steady nerves and calm demeanor, he became an excellent shot. So, after Beast Barracks, he joined the USMA Rifle Team. During his four years on the team, the team beat Navy consistently. Along with being a crack shot, Ken had a keen interest in music. He had learned to play the trumpet in high school and continued to play throughout his life. He played the trumpet in his church orchestra and praise band, and he played in his community band until COVID-19 forced them to stop. During plebe year, he took up the classical guitar, but the academic demands were such that he could not devote the time to it. Ken owned one of the first reel-to-reel tape players at the Academy, and his room was often filled with music. Indeed, rooming with him was like getting a minor in music education.</p>
<p>Given his upbringing outside Fort Hood, it was no surprise when he chose Armor as his branch. After Ranger School, he attended the Armor Officer Basic Course at Fort Knox, KY and was then posted to Fort Hood as a tank platoon leader. Shortly thereafter, he served in the Vietnam War as an armored cavalry platoon leader, troop executive officer, and squadron S-4. Following Vietnam, he attended flight school and then returned to Vietnam as an air cavalry troop executive officer. After his second tour in Vietnam, he returned to Fort Hood and served as a tank company commander. While attending the Armor Officer Advanced Course, he met and married Carol Ann Carroll. In the early years of their marriage, he had two tours in Germany, another assignment at Fort Hood, and a tour at Fort Benjamin Harrison, IN. Their children—David, Katherine, and Matthew—were born during this period.</p>
<p>Upon retiring from the Army, Ken and his family settled in Elizabethtown, KY. He returned to school at the University of Louisville and earned a master’s degree in education. He taught mathematics and science courses in four high schools and two local colleges, and he was the assistant and then head soccer coach at three of those high schools. He also coached soccer in the local youth sports association for several years.</p>
<p>One of Ken’s major sources of pride was his family and his community. He believed in giving back and caring for those in need. He served a term on the board of directors of Habitat for Humanity and participated in building 31 Habitat for Humanity homes. Ken played many roles during his life: husband, father, grandfather, brother, leader, teacher, builder, philanthropist, musician, and soldier. At West Point, he was a classmate, roommate, friend, and comrade-in-arms. </p>
<p>Ken Christian is remembered as a tall, quick-witted, fast-talking Texan with a dry sense of humor. He was laconic and could be irascible at times. He would argue a point in his baritone voice with wry observations that were invariably on target. Behind his calm, steady eye and no-nonsense demeanor, however, he was a genuinely kind soul with a warm heart and a willing hand. He was a steadfast and loyal husband, father, and friend. His unspoken motto—whether to his family, children, friends, or the Army—was “always faithful.” </p>
<p>Army green ran through his veins. During his later years, one could often find him watching television programs and documentaries about World War II or the U.S. Army, cuddled in his comforter, with his dog Belle at his side. He remained fascinated by all things Army until he left us. After a short illness, Ken passed on May 21, 2023.</p>
<p><em>— Terry Bacon, Classmate</em></p>
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