Westfield Native Sergeant Kevin White Will Be Posthumously Honored For His Sacrifice To Our Nation

ALBANY – Sergeant Kevin W. White, a native of Westfield, will be posthumously honored by having a bridge named after him under legislation sponsored by Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I- 57th District) that passed the Senate today.

The span on U.S. Route 20, between Oak Street and South Portage Street in the town of Westfield, will be designated as the “Sergeant Kevin W. White Memorial Bridge.” Sergeant White, a Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient, was killed in Afghanistan in 2011 when his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device.

“Sergeant White is a true American hero. He selflessly stepped forward to serve his country, knowing full well it could ultimately cost him his life. This bridge and roadway will stand as a testament to Sergeant White’s patriotism, and serve as a reminder to everyone traveling the roadway the true cost of living in our free nation,” said Senator Young.

Last summer, after being contacted by a constituent and getting the blessing of Sergeant White’s family, Senator Young introduced the legislation to rename the bridge.

“Sergeant White felt called to duty by his country. Like so many brave armed forces members before him, he was willing to fight and die to protect the freedoms we hold so dear. His bravery and valor are commendable, and stand as examples for all us to live by,” Senator Young said.

Sergeant Kevin White was born on May 20, 1988 and graduated from Westfield Academy in 2006. He enlisted in the US Army after graduation and completed basic training and advanced infantry training at Fort Benning, Georgia. After finishing his training he was stationed in Baumholder, Germany, with the First Armored Division as a Bradley Armored Personnel Carrier driver.

In April 2008, Sergeant White was deployed to Iraq, where he drove the lead Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle in over 200 patrols. During a patrol in January 2009, Sergeant White’s MRAP was struck by an explosive device, causing severe damage to the vehicle. The attack left Sergeant White and his fellow soldiers unharmed and each was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge.

While still serving in Iraq, Sergeant White re-enlisted in the U.S. Army. He completed his tour of duty in June 2009, and was re-assigned to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, with the 25th Infantry Division in October 2009. Sergeant White volunteered for and earned his Air Assault Badge at the Sabalauski Air Assault School with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

In April 2011, Sergeant White deployed to the Pech River Valley, Kunar Province, Afghanistan – which is less than a mile from the border of Pakistan. On May 2, 2011, less than one month into his Afghanistan deployment, Sergeant White volunteered to command the lead patrol vehicle. While on patrol, Sergeant White’s vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device, killing him.

Prior to his death, Sergeant White had earned, but had not yet had the opportunity to be awarded, the rank of Sergeant. The promotion was awarded posthumously.

For his service and sacrifice on behalf of our nation, Sergeant White was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, two Army Commendation Medals, the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross with two silver devices and the Hawaii Medal of Honor.