RIP
Kettle was born and raised in Texas City. He enlisted in the Army in November, 1993, and has been stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Valorous Unit Award, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Ranger and Special Forces Tabs.
"Jeffrey Duane Kettle, my brother, my hero, joined the ranks of other heroes that have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country," Clay Kettle, a combat medic deployed to Iraq, said in an e-mail sent to friends. "My brother joined the Army about a year before I did 14 years ago. He wanted nothing more than to 'Be All He Could Be' for himself, his family and his country."
Kettle is survived by his wife, Brandi, and sons Jeffrey and Logan of Raeford, N.C.; parents Ronald and Cynthia of League City; and brothers Clay and Ryan Kettle.
Kettle's death brings to 88 the number of Houston area soldiers who have died since the start of military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan