Baltimore Marine Dies In Chopper Crash Victim's Father Has Strong Words For Bush

wbaltimore ^ | 3-21-03

[TheRedSoxWinThePennant]

Baltimore Marine Dies In Chopper Crash
Victim's Father Has Strong Words For Bush

BALTIMORE -- WBAL-TV 11 NEWS first broke the news that a Baltimore man is among a group of Marines killed in a helicopter crash inside Kuwait Thursday night.

He is identified as Marine Staff Sgt. Kendall Waters-Bey, 29, (pictured, right), of northeast Baltimore, WBAL-TV 11 NEWS reported. He is based out of Camp Pendleton in California and leaves behind a 10-year-old son who lives in Baltimore and four sisters.

"It's sad that this war is going on and that we have to lose so many people over nothing. I can't bring my brother back, but I really miss him," one of the victim's sisters said.

WBAL-TV 11 NEWS reporter Noel Tucker spoke with the Marine's father who lives in northeast Baltimore where family members and neighbors were seen sobbing in the streets, sharing their grief with the family. Friends in the area were seen walking the neighborhood sidewalks crying and hugging each other.

The family spoke with WBAL-TV 11 NEWS Friday afternoon and shared their strong feelings against the war.

As he held a picture of his son, Waters-Bey's father, Michael, (pictured, left), said: "I want President Bush to get a good look at this, really good look here. This is the only son I had, only son." He then walked away in tears, with his family behind him. Kenneth, the Marine's only son, was with the family.

A military spokesperson visited the family Friday morning to confirm that Waters-Bey had died in the crash. But the family had a feeling since Thursday night that he had died in the helicopter, Tucker reported.

Waters-Bey's wife saw television footage of the helicopter crash and recognized the identification numbers. The family came to the conclusion that their son, brother and husband was on helicopter.

And, before he left, Waters-Bey told his mother that he didn't think he would be coming home after his deployment, Tucker reported.

Waters-Bey moved to California with his wife but has been in constant contact with his son and the boy's mother, Tucker reported. Waters-Bey, who attended Northern High School in Baltimore, was last seen by his son, (pictured, right), a couple of months ago.

According to the family, Waters-Bey didn't talk much about the war, but he said it was just something he had to do.

"My brother was the type of person that was loving, caring, and outgoing ... [he was a] joking type of guy, having you laugh. ... It's a loss for us," Shernell Waters-Bey, the victim's sister, said.

A police officer visited the family to convey the condolences of Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley to the family. The mayor ordered all city flags to be flown at half-staff late Friday, Tucker reported.

And Gov. Bob Ehrlich issued a statement in response saying that Waters-Bey's death was "a heroic effort to make the world a safer place."

At around 6 p.m., the Marines spoke about the deaths of those who perished in the helicopter crash.

"To all those who have lost someone in this conflict, our hearts are with you. We are grateful to your sacrifice and the sacrifice your loved ones have made," Camp Pendleton Maj. Curtis Hill said.

The three other Marines who died in the CH-46E helicopter crash were identified as Maj. Jay Thomas Aubin, 36, of Waterville, Maine; Capt. Ryan Anthony Beaupre, 30, of Bloomington, Ill., and Cpl. Brian Matthew Kennedy, 25, of Houston, Texas.

[Exit148]

This poor father, in his grief, can only lash out. I hope he someday can come to terms with this difficult sacrifice.

Until then, I will honor

Marine Staff Sgt. Kendall Waters-Bey

[Itzlzha]

"It's sad that this war is going on and that we have to lose so many people over nothing. I can't bring my brother back, but I really miss him," one of the victim's sisters said.

To quote a GREAT SNL skit...

"It's not about YOU, douche-bag!"...

Your brother wore the uniform PROUDLY, and his death was at tragedy, but it was definitely NOT for nothing...ask the Iraqi people in a couple of months if he died in vain!

But, I share your grief at his loss, as I do the loss of ANY who serve this Nation! His courage and honor did him proud, and he will be missed by all his brethren.

The one thing he would NOT want is you stabbing his legacy in the back!

Take a BIG gulp of STFU, and mourn as we all do!

[Bosco]

I had a chat with a co-worker today. He's a Jordanian national, and Muslim. We've talked on and off about the events of 9/11/01 and our respective faiths.

This morning I had a chat with him about the action in Iraq and here's what he said: "It's a good idea to get rid of Hussein. He has been trouble to the Iraqis for 20-some years. If you have ever seen the Iraqi people face to face you would understand."

Some people get it, others never will.

[Anomaly in Illinois]

Some 'journalists' are revolting vultures, circling families in their darkest hours, salivating over the opportunities to exploit them.

* I hope this mans son dosn't grow up thinking his fater died for nothing. His father was a hero.

May God be with this faily and bring them healing, and may God spare us all from this vile display from the press.

[Rome2000]

The three other Marines who died in the CH-46E helicopter crash were identified as Maj. Jay Thomas Aubin, 36, of Waterville, Maine; Capt. Ryan Anthony Beaupre, 30, of Bloomington, Ill., and Cpl. Brian Matthew Kennedy, 25, of Houston, Texas

Who thankfully won't disgrace the ultimate sacrifice made by their heroic offspring by blaming the Commander in Chief for their sons loss in a VOLUNTEER ARMY!

[Extremist]

The disgrace lies with the cheesy NBC station's attempt to make anti-American hay out of this. This story is about a young man who volunteered to protect his country and in doing so escaped a stupid family. They (the family and NBC affilliate) have crapped on his honor and should be ignored.
His family should be kept away from the Military Funeral he is to receive.
He is OUR hero and was no doubt a much, much better man than his father.

[FreedomCalls]

About 40,000 people are killed in traffic accidents every day in America. Each one of them has died in vain. No one volunteers to give his/her life so that others may get to work on time.

Staff Sgt. Kendall Waters-Bey did not die in vain. It is the noblest cause to volunteer to give your life so that others can be free.

Sing the words of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic":

As he died to make men holy, let us die to make men free

Many hundreds of thousands of men died in 1861-1865 to make Staff Sgt. Kendall Waters-Bey free so he could make his own choice. He is not enslaved. He made a choice to give that same freedom to others who are enslaved and tyrannized by an evil dictator. Let us pray for his soul and get down on our knees and thank our almighty God that our country still produces men with the moral courage of Staff Sgt. Kendall Waters-Bey.

[FreedomCalls]

Change "every day" to "every year" in my last post or alter the numbers to read "100" instead of "40,000."

The correct statement is "over 100 people die each day in traffic accidents in America."

[FirstTomato]

I saw this man on local tv tonight. He is distraught, so give him a break, even though he seems unreasonable. The loss of a child, no matter how old that child may be, is the most horrendous thing that can happen to a parent.

We know his son died with honor, for the people of the United States, and for the freedom of the Iraqi people. Perhaps one day that will bring him some small measure of comfort. But do not be surprised if it doesn't, because there is no end of pain for someone who grieves over a child.

[TBall]

Wow, that is such an overwhelming picture.

[Dog Gone]

I think the Baltimore station is a disgrace, too. But I remain appalled at the family reaction.

It wouldn't surprise me in the least if they turn this man's funeral into an anti-Bush protest.

[NEWSOUTH]

His son is a hero. Let the grieve...

[faithincowboys]

I tend to agree with you. It was a slap in the face to the african american men who fought so hard to integrate the armed forces. An integrated army brings about equal risks.
it is no longer the case that black men can only be cooks. he fought for his country, he volunteered to serve, and he died in a crash that could have happened in a routine stateside training mission.

the other families did not behave like this. i think this man is not helping his grandson process his grief. better to think your father died a hero in a righteous war than a chump for a bs war.

i feel for the family, but was nauseated by this display. also, nbc has in the recent hours shown it many times. these, my friend, are the first salvos since hostilities began to turn the country against the President and the War.

[Neenah]

I agree. I also think the News Media should be told how DISPICABLE it is that they "featured it".

What a sly way to turn the screw.

[2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten]

I'm going to put my asbestos flame suit on and mention the following incident. I of course would in no way defend what clinton did before, during or after Mogadishu and I certainly can't fathom what he said to the MOH's recipient's mother.

But, Sgt Shughart's father refused to shake clinton's hand and blamed him for his son's death. I would wager that 99.9% of freepers would not condemn that father for his actions.

So I'm going to go way out on a limb here and give this particular father the same benefit of the doubt. I realize that the situations are not identical but since I can't imagine many folks critisizing one father, I'm not going to come down too hard on this father.

Am I wrong here?

From here

Eventually, after Clinton had sat on the paper work for eight weeks, two of the slain soldiers, Master Sergeant Gary Gordon and Sergeant First Class Randall Shughart, were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. As usual in such cases, the medals were presented to the next of kin. Following the May 23 presentation at the White House, the families of the two men were invited into the Oval Office for a private visit with Clinton. Inside the office, the father of Sergeant Shughart refused to shake Clinton's hand, then looked him in the face and calmly told him that he was responsible for his son's death, that it was for no purpose, that he was not fit to be President, and not fit to be Commander in Chief.

Clinton was visibly shocked, amazed, and momentarily speechless. It is revealing that he was surprised that the man should feel that way. Clinton really doesn't think the way most people do, seeming to lack a sense of personal responsibility. After a brief, awkward silence, Clinton caught his breath. Becoming angry, he turned to the mother of the dead soldier and said, "What's he jumping on me for? I didn't kill the kid!"

Yes, he really did say that--to the bereaved mother--he really did! It was an eloquent demonstration of Clinton's insensitivity, and of his absolute inability to understand sacrifice and responsibility.

[MississippiMan]

I saw this guy's bitter father on television, pointing at his picture and making that "address" to Bush. Very sad that he chose to dishonor his own son's contribution to freedom, which is IMO exactly what he did. Everyone in my house who saw it was just shaking their head. The coverage moments before was of another family who lost a son/brother in the same crash. They were of course devastated, but they were also proud and it showed.

MM

[Endeavor]

Thank You.

[Maigrey]

I bet that the President knows the cost, and will carry it with him all his days. But he also knows the cost of inaction.

[kaboom]

Consider this...

GW Bush will be contacting this family directly to speak with them. This will not be a form letter as in previous engagements.

also...the war is not over. If Iraq does have or uses WMD that we know they have, then this man would have given his life for a much greater cause.

[NoControllingLegalAuthority]

My son died "for nothing" in a senseless and tragic auto accident. This young Marine died helping to liberate a nation. I cannot imagine a more worthy cause for which to sacrifice one's life. This young Marine is a hero regardless of his father's blinding grief and misguided bitterness. It is George W. Bush who is bringing light into the dark tyranny of Iraq. This murdering scoundrel, Saddam, has met his fate because George W. Bush had the courage to stand against the world, if necessary, to do the right thing - that which lesser men feared to do.