Scott Kroenke offered bits of history and a challenge to a somber Memorial Day audience Monday.
Kroenke, who is set to retire as a major Wednesday from the U.S. Army after 24 years of military service, provided the keynote address at Iola’s Highland Cemetery.
He challenged those in attendance to note that while Americans can never fully repay the debt owed to those who died defending the country, they can do so through other means.
Kroenke borrowed a quote from former Michigan governor and current U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm: “Ceremonies are important. But our gratitude has to be more than visits to the troops and once-a-year Memorial Day ceremonies. We honor the dead best by treating the living well.”
As promised, Kroenke reflected not only on those who have died, but those who suffered — and continue to suffer — from the mental effects of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Kroenke pointed to the story of PFC Charles Barger, a machine-gunner who voluntarily ran 500 yards through heavy gunfire to rescue wounded during a brutal World War I battle. Barger earned the Medal of Honor and numerous other awards, including 10 Purple Hearts for wounds he sustained in battle.
Upon returning home, Barger struggled to adjust to civilian life, Kroenke said. He was divorced several times and worked briefly as a police officer, but lost that job with no sort of compensation or pension.
His story ended tragically. Police were called to his home one November evening, where he had set fire to his home and was wielding a large knife. When officers approached Barger, he lunged at them with the knife, forcing one of the officers to shoot him.
The shooting was not fatal, but the burns he suffered were. Barger succumbed to his injuries two days later.
“We remember all those who still carry the wounds of their war to their body and soul,” Kroenke said. “We hold them in our hearts, alongside the patriots across generations who gave their lives to defend us all.”
Kroenke, 44, also spoke of Edison Amaya, who died in 2007 as a passenger in a drunken-driving accident; John Savage, who was killed in action in 2008, just weeks from returning home from deployment; Kendrick Sneed, who died of a drug overdose in 2015, and David Richerson, who died by suicide in 2016.
“I had the honor to serve with each of them,” Kroenke said. “They left behind spouses, parents, children, family and friends.
“We all have a story to tell about the ones we have lost or even our own,” he continued. “By sharing their stories, we keep their memories alive and give others a glimpse of military service that aims to inspire them to create a better world, a more powerful nation, and kinder communities.
“On Memorial Day, we reflect and share the experiences of our fallen loved ones,” Kroenke concluded. “But tomorrow and in the days that follow, we must act. Let’s carry their sacrifice with us in our hearts and strive to honor their memory by being good and faithful, hopeful and strong, and committed to building a brighter future for all. 
“When you go to bed tonight, ask yourself this one question,” Kroenke said. “Was I an American worth dying for today?”
