Corporal Keith E. Essary served in the U.S. Army during Operation Enduring Freedom where he was assigned to C Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Division. He was killed during his first deployment by a suicide bomber while on foot patrol in Maiwand, Afghanistan. Loved by all who knew him, Keith was loyal, funny, and would help anyone he could. He knew from a young age that he wanted to serve his country in the United States Army. He enlisted after graduating from Dyer County High School.

Keith had always loved his country and he died protecting it and those he loved.