X

Kenny is a Veteran of the Vietnam War. In December of 1962, Powers joined the National Guard and was a part of the Springfield Engineering Unit. He was 17 at the time. Being he was 17, he had to wait a year until he was able to go to basic training. On September 23, 1963, Powers left for basic training. He was sent to Fort Leonard Wood, MO for his training. Not only did he complete his basic training there, but he completed his advanced individual training (AIT) as a heavy equipment operator, spending all six months of training at the Fort Leonard Wood base. Powers served in the National Guard three different times, serving a total of 14 years. His first enlistment was from December 10, 1962, until December 9, 1970. His second was from July 13, 1973, until July 13, 1975. Powers’ final enlistment was from December 18 ,1976, until December 17, 1980. During the last enlistment, Kenny was a squad leader. When asked why he joined the National Guard, Kenny said that it felt like the right thing to do. The night he first enlisted in the National Guard; 28 other young men also joined his unit. Camaraderie with his fellow soldiers and the training were the highlights of his military service. Powers grew up in Avon and has always been a part of the Avon community. Growing up, his parents lived in town, but he spent his summers at his grandparents’ farm outside of Avon helping them farm. The National Guard allowed Kenny to be able to continue to be local and farm, but also enabled him to honorably serve his country at the same time. Powers worked at the furniture store in Avon for ten years, before buying it. He owned and operated it for 44 years before retiring. He continues to spend most of his weekday mornings at the store that his son, Stacey now owns and operates. Powers met his wife Florence (Pesek), at a basketball game and they have been married for 56 years. They have a son, Stacey and a daughter, Melissa. Florence has always been very supportive of Powers’ enlistments with the National Guard. Kenny’s hobbies include visiting his son, daughter and grandchildren, morning coffee at the locker, going to the Black Hills, supporting and attending Avon’s school activities, and going to church every Sunday. He has been a very active member of the Avon community. Powers has or currently does belong to the Lions Club, the Avon American Legion, the Avon Chamber of Commerce, the Avon Fire Department and a member of the Lutheran Church in Avon. In the Lions Club he has been a member for 45 years, is currently the president, and has held all offices except for the secretary. He has been a Legion member for over 39 years, is currently the commander and has been for over the past 20 years. Kenny is an elder and trustee of the Lutheran Church. He was also a member of the Chamber of Commerce for 45 years and served on the Avon Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years. Thank you, Kenny, for your service, all that you have done for the Avon community and for being the August Veteran of the Month.