On Tuesday, 15 March 2005, while leading his soldiers, SSG Ricky A. Kieffer, age 36, of Ovid, Michigan, C Company, 1st Battalion, 182nd Field Artillery Regiment (MLRS), Army National Guard, Detroit, Michigan, attached to the 720th MP Battalion, was shot and killed by a sniper as he was preparing his squad to depart a checkpoint.

On 18 March a Memorial Service for SSG Kieffer was held by the Battalion in Iraq. Ricks Platoon Sergeant made a memorial plaque that is displayed in honor on the wall of the Battalion confrence room. Funeral services with full military honors for SSG Kieffer were held Thursday, March 24, at 11a.m., at the Grove Bible Church, 6990 East Price Road in St. Johns, Michigan.  A graveside ceremony will followed at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Ovid, Michigan. The U.S. Army and members of the Michigan Army National Guard provided military honors at the grave site.

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"Rickey believed in his mission in Iraq"
18 March 2005

        The family of Staff Sergeant Rickey A. Kieffer very much appreciates the outpouring of support that they have received from their friends and community. Their son, a Michigan Army National Guard soldier assigned to the Battery B, 1st Battalion, 182nd Field Artillery, Bay City, Mich., was killed Tuesday while serving his country in Iraq.

Rickey joined the U.S. Army in 1986 and served 4 years during with time he was deployed to Iraq in support of Operations Desert Shield/Storm. He joined the Michigan National Guard in 1991. Before he was deployed, he worked for the Michigan National Guard at the Combined Support Maintenance Shop in Lansing as a mechanic.

Rickey was an avid fisherman and loved the outdoors. He was noble and always carried himself with honor. He was kind and gentle and always gave all he could without hesitation. He was a loving husband and father.

Rickey believed in his mission in Iraq. He was a strong man and stood up for what he knew was right. He will be dearly missed.

Donations may be made in Rickey Kieffer’s name to the Michigan National Guard Family Fund, which provides a grant of up to $500 to soldiers, airmen, and their families who are experiencing financial difficulties during a deployment. Donations should be mailed to Michigan National Guard Headquarters, ATTN: Family Fund, 2500 S. Washington Ave., Lansing, MI 48913.

MAJ Dawn Dancer, Michigan National Guard Headquarters, at 517-483-5600

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"Ricky, your loss has already affected us deep. I can't believe you're not here with the funny jokes and sayings. We will continue the mission that you started and make you proud. God Speed." SSG Jason P. Rogers of 1-182FA MLRS.

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"SSG Kieffer I will never forget you and the things you brought to this deployment from Fort Dix to Iraq. My Prayers are with you and your family. You will be missed by all of us and this year we are in Iraq will never be forgotten. 1st Platoon Allen's Hero's" SGT Scott Halm of 1/182 FA (MLRS) Michigan.

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"The best friend a guy could have, the "Walleye God". God must have an over stocked lake and sent for the best to help thin them out! I'll miss you my brother. God bless you Rick" Scott Powelson, Sunfield Michigan

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"This was a guy who could spend hours wrenching under a track in the mud, and still smile. He will be missed." CPT Don Darnell, Dexter, Michigan

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"Kieffer and I were stationed together (room mates) with the 3/20th FA Maintenance Section, 1989-91. I was deeply saddened to hear the news of his untimely death, as I browsed through an Army Times newspaper. He was without question one of the hardest working mechanics(self-named "Mechanic Supreme") I had the pleasure to serve with, and I owe a debt of gratitude to him for all he taught me as a peer. I would make mistakes fixing trucks and he would often help rather than criticize. We could always count on him to do something crazy for a laugh or two and I'll never forget his temper during moments of frustration. As room mates we got along fine, despite the differences in our backgrounds, he being from the suburbs and caucasian and me being black from the city. My condolences goes out to his family, and may god bless them and help them through this tragic loss. This guy was truly a hero." SFC Charles Starks, Hohenfels, Germany

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"Hey Ricky, I just heard the sad news. At first I thought they were wrong, but how many Ovid, Michigonian's are there. And I only remember one Ricky Kieffer that I grew up with. I'm currently stationed at Ft. Benning, Ga. as a drill sergeant. I feel a sense of guilt as it is my place as an Infantry soldier to be over there fighting. The young men I am training will eventually be over there carrying on the fight. I train them hard so they will know that they can do the job when asked. As an American soldier I hope you gave them one hell of a fight. Rest in Peace Rick, you deserve it.  Duty, Honor, Country" Drill Sergeant Jimmy Garcia of Fort Benning, Georgia

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LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today ordered that United States flags throughout the state of Michigan and on Michigan waters be lowered for one day on Tuesday, March 22, in honor of Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Ricky A. Kieffer of Ovid who died March 15 while on active duty in Iraq.

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