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<p><em>Kenneth William Pollock</em> was born to James “Jim” and Janet (Rollins) Pollock in Los Angeles CA, and the family later moved to Colorado. Ken graduated from Kiowa Undivided High School in Colorado in 1983 and won an appointment to West Point, beginning his career in the military in July 1984. Ken was always interested in computers and graduated from West Point in 1988 with a B.S. in computer science. Ken was a Renaissance man and participated in a variety of activities at West Point prior to his graduation. He was part of the West Point Glee Club, one the U.S. Military Academy’s most visible cadet organizations (which requires a competitive audition to join), for three years. Ken was also a member of the Protestant Choir for two years, which led worship services in the Cadet Chapel and participated in the wreath laying ceremonies during Homecoming and Graduation weeks, Protestant Choir, Scoutmaster Council, and Karate Club. Ken also participated in the Scout Masters Council for two years, planning events for Scouts on the expansive USMA property, including the most fun Scout Camporee in the United States. Finally, Ken was active in the Karate Club for one year, which competed against Air Force, Navy, and the Royal Military College of Canada.</p>
<p>After he graduated from West Point in 1988, Ken completed the rigorous Army Airborne School at Fort Benning, GA. He then attended the Air Defense Artillery (ADA) training course as a second lieutenant. Ken attended the ADA Officer Basic Course (OBC) at Fort Bliss, TX, followed by the Patriot Missile course. West Point classmates who attended the OBC course remember Ken as being very social, enjoying the night clubs in El Paso, TX when weekends came. Ken was lighthearted, fun, and an easy friend maker. </p>
<p>After he was promoted to first lieutenant, he was honorably discharged in January 1990 following a vehicle accident in New Mexico.</p>
<p>Although Ken left the military, he continued to serve his Army brothers and sisters in arms on the board of the Bay Area Paralyzed Veterans Association. Ken served on the chapter’s board beginning in 2004 and was an active member for 35 years, holding various positions, including president, vice president, and secretary. The Paralyzed Veterans Association (PVA) is an admirable group, dedicated to helping veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders, and diseases like multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This group’s efforts touch every aspect of a veteran’s life journey, starting with day one of their injury or diagnosis. Ken benefitted from the assistance of the VA health system to secure a van that he could operate with his wheelchair, allowing him the freedom to travel and visit family and friends and participate in all that the Bay Area of California had to offer.</p>
<p>The Bay Area and Western Chapter of the PVA recognized Ken’s years of service and contributions at their August 2024 award ceremony, bestowing the Member Chapter Speedy Award to him and starting a new award named in his honor, the Kenneth Pollock Outstanding VA Employee of the Year Award.</p>
<p>As a quadriplegic for more than half his life, Ken certainly did not let his injuries limit him. Physically his life was not what he planned, but Ken accomplished many of his goals, including moving to the Golden State of California.</p>
<p>He graduated from University of California Davis in 1995 with an MBA. While at Davis, he wrote his thesis on opening a brewery as his formal business proposal. Although Ken never did open his own brewery, he enjoyed brewing his own beer as a hobby.</p>
<p>He was a futurist, listing it as his job on LinkedIn.</p>
<p>He loved music, politics, and technology. He loved going to concerts and attending sports events. He loved the freedom of driving his van and exploring new places. He loved paragliding, and he loved his giant dog Zeus. Ken celebrated all events big and small with friends and family. </p>
<p>Ken was remembered thusly by a close friend in California: “Ken was naturally friendly and smiled easily and often. Ken could hold his own on any topic of conversation discussed. He was an avid reader and so smart. He had a remarkably persistent optimistic spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity. He received his master’s, owned a business, sold a business, flew a propeller-driven paraglider solo, drove his own van, snow skied, was a public speaker, and made his own beer. I’ll miss our on-going discussions and texts on technology, science, politics, music, astronomy, the military and his fine sense of humor.”</p>
<p>Ken had an enormous “army” of friends around the world, including those from West Point, from Davis, his neighbors, and his caretakers. He considered them all his family.</p>
<p>A Celebration of Life for Ken was held on February 17, 2024 with a small gathering at Ken’s house and a Zoom link during the event.</p>
<p>Ken is survived by his girlfriend, aunt, first cousins and their kids, and a godson.</p>
<p><em>— Family and Classmate</em></p>
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