[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14542]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                             KENNETH SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD NORCROSS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 14, 2017

  Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Petty Officer 
Kenneth ``Kenny'' Aaron Smith of Cherry Hill, New Jersey for his 
service to our nation.
  Petty Officer Smith was born in Jackson, Michigan in 1995 and moved 
to Chesapeake, Virginia at the age of 10. When he was a teenager, Petty 
Officer Smith moved to South Jersey with his father, a Petty Officer in 
the U.S. Navy Reserve. In 2013, he graduated from Cherry Hill High 
School-East, and followed in his father's and grandfather's footsteps 
to join the U.S. Navy. As a third generation sailor, Petty Officer 
Smith was in his fourth year of serving.
  During his time in the Navy, Petty Officer Smith worked in radar 
technology and held the rank of Electronics Technician, 3rd class and 
was posthumously advanced to the rank of Electronics Technician 2nd 
Class. During his free time, he published science fiction writings 
through an online platform known as `Wattpad.' These writings were well 
liked by fans of the website. As an avid gamer, he also aspired to 
eventually pursue a career as a video game developer.
  Petty Officer Smith is remembered by those close to him as being 
adventurous, loyal and patriotic. During his time at sea, Petty Officer 
Smith's ship had been to Australia and Japan, and he was looking 
forward to traveling to more places throughout the world. Petty Officer 
Smith was also known for his dedication to human rights, a love for 
animals and the ability to leave a positive mark on those he was 
acquainted with.
  Petty Officer Smith was a true American hero who sadly lost his life 
while serving in the United States Navy. His service and sacrifice to 
our country will not be forgotten. Mr. Speaker, Petty Officer Kenneth 
Aaron Smith was a great American who exemplified the true meaning of 
patriotism. I ask you to join me in honoring the memory of this truly 
exceptional young man.

                          ____________________