Park Hill grad killed in action on eighth combat tour

The first words of the United States Army Ranger Creed include “Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of my Ranger Regiment.” Those are the first that begin to embody and form a picture of the kind of solider Staff Sergeant Jeremy Katzenberger was. The 26 year-old Weatherby Lake native, in his eighth tour of duty oversees, was conducting a mission supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan’s Paktika Province last week when he died of wounds suffered in a heavy firefight from an insurgent attack on his unit.

Before Katzenberger committed himself to his country, he had a love for being on the water. As a young boy he could be found every summer at Weatherby Lake’s C-Point where he took up sailing and fishing. He passed his passion on when he taught other young sailors and lifeguarded at the local pool. Naturally this led him onto the swimming, diving, and water polo teams at Park Hill High School. He was also active in track, Young Life, Junior Assembly, and 4H Character Council before graduating in 2003.

Jeremy was the youngest of four boys, two of which are also in the Army, and growing up was a favorite among their friends and neighbors around the lake with a welcoming smile.

“We are so proud of these boys, and prayed this sad day would never come,” former neighbor Shawn-Marie Simmons said. “The Katzenberger family has always had our utmost respect for their amazing patriotism, with three of their boys in the Armed Forces.

Katzenberger had previously served four tours in Iraq before embarking on his fourth deployment to Afghanistan. After enlisting in October 2004 he was assigned to Company B, 1st Ballion, 75th Ranger Regiment based just outside Savannah, Georgia. A highly decorated soldier, he advanced through the enlisted ranks to Staff Sergeant and was leading his squad in the June 14th mission that claimed his life. Staff Sergeants are often said to be the elements of which the backbone of the Army is made and that their success, more than any other grade of the non-commissioned officer rank, lead the path to the Army’s success.

Hundreds of members of the Patriots guard participated in Katzenberger's funeral procession which stretched nearly a mile long down 64th Street on June 26th (via http://www.shadesofgray.com/)

In a release, 75th Ranger Regiment commander Col. Michael E. Kurilla talked about Katzenberger’s deep commitment to his country.

"I wish the American people could truly understand the dedication and sacrifice that Staff Sgt. Jeremy Katzenberger made for his country. Since early 2005, Jeremy has either been in combat or training for combat. This was his eighth combat deployment. He was the epitome of a Ranger squad leader; he is a hero to our nation, the Army and his family."

He is survived by his wife, Colleen, seven-month old son Everett, both of Richmond Hill, Georgia, outside Savannah, GA, parents Robert and Peggy Katzenberger of Weatherby Lake, MO, and three brothers. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Special Operations Warriors Foundation.