Otis Kennemer may seem like your ordinary small town resident, but his life story shows he endured extraordinary sacrifices in service to our country.
Recently, a local civic group honored the 82-year-old nursing home resident for his outstanding service to our country.
A native of Union Hill, Otis Kennemer joined the Army in 1948 at the young age of 17. He was soon called to battle in the Korean War. After one particular battle, Chinese soldiers captured him and other members of his division. Mr. Kennemer endured over two and a half years of harsh conditions as a prisoner of war.
Thankfully, Mr. Kennemer survived and went on to raise a family and have a successful career with NASA.
To recognize his brave service, the Daughters of the Confederacy presented Mr. Kennemer with the prestigious Southern Cross. The ceremony was held at Athens Rehab Center & Senior Care where Mr. Kennemer now resides.
The Daughters of the Confederacy also presented medals to Mr. Kennemer’s three brothers who attended the ceremony. In addition to friends and fellow nursing home residents, State Representative Dan Williams was on hand to watch the presentation.
Military service is a part of Mr. Kennemer’s family. Two of his sons followed in their father’s footsteps and served in the Army and two sons served in the Navy.
Mr. Kennemer speaks fluent Chinese. Over the years he enjoyed singing in his church choir and traveled to Alaska, Hawaii and Japan. Local author Jerry Barksdale chronicles Mr. Kennemer’s story, along with those of other soldiers from Limestone County, Alabama, in the book “When Duty Called”.
About Athens Rehab Center & Senior Care:
Athens Rehab Center & Senior Care is a 149-bed skilled nursing facility offering speech, physical and occupational therapy along with long term care. Sara Wallace in the Administrator and Diana Goodin is the Director of Nursing. The facility is located in Athens, AL.
Do you know someone who bravely served our country? Please tell us about their story in the comments section below.
Otis Kennemer, seated, is pictured with members of the Daughters of the Confederacy and two of his brothers.
Rep. Dan Williams congratulates Otis Kennemer on receiving the Southern Cross from the Daughters of the Confederacy.
