There is a saying in Tibetan, “Tragedy should be utilized as a source of strength. No matter what sort of difficulties, how painful experience is, if we lose our hope, that’s our real disaster.” – Dalai Lama XIV
On Oct. 30, 2006, the town of Hawthorne was tragically hit with the news that one of their own was dead. A young soldier named Kenny Bostic, who was a sergeant in the United States Army, had been killed in Baghdad. The whole town mourned the loss of this soldier, but from this hero’s tragedy, came life.
Bostic had always been involved in sports while living in Hawthorne. Both him and his older brother, Dwayne, played football and baseball since the time they were old enough to catch a ball. Their mother did all she could to keep the two in shoes and equipment and over the years, with the help of family, the boys would go on to play for Mineral County High School Serpents.
Knowing the love that Bostic had for all sports, a group of people met amongst the tragedy of this young soldier’s life, thinking of a way to give back. Looking through the photos of his life, most involved sports. So the group came together and established the Kenny Bostic Memorial Youth Athletic Fund.
Through the Kenny Fund, the board members silently help those children who may need help with a pair of sport shoes, an entry fee, team uniforms and even a sports based scholarship.
The goal of the board is simple. To honor Bostic and his love of athletics by allowing the children of Mineral County to do what children do best, and that is to “play”.
No questions are asked, no one is denied. The board simply wants to make sure that children are not hindered by the financial burdens of today’s economic state. Their only request, that the children and coaches help in “giving back”.
Last weekend, the Kenny Fund hosted a Walk to the H. Runners and walkers headed out across the desert in a race to the H. Back at the park, a barbecue awaited the runners, along with a bounce house for the children.
This weekend, during the chili cook-off at Barley’s, the Kenny Fund will again set up the bounce house for any child that would like to play.
The Kenny Fund asks that during Armed Forces weekend, the public takes the time to stop and reflect on those soldiers who have lost their lives so young. While it is alright to grieve for the loss of these lives – it is asked that you do as the Kenny Fund does.
Watch a child at play. See that they give 110 percent in all that they do and that they are learning the meaning of teamwork.
Through their eyes, the memory of Kenny will be honored.
