U.S. MILITARY 'Calm ... courageous': Marine from Poland gets the Flying Cross

Kennedy directed more than 30 strikes against weapons caches of Saddam's Republican Guard.
YOUNGSTOWN -- The well-wishers and family filled the Mahoning County Courthouse rotunda to pay homage to a man who put his life on the line for democracy.
Maj. Brian Kennedy of the Marine Corps said the support he received from his squadron mates is what helped him earn the Distinguished Flying Cross, and he would wear it with pride for them as well.
Kennedy said he originally just wanted his family to be part of a small ceremony, but using the courthouse rotunda Monday was a way to provide an opportunity to thank everyone at one time who has supported him.
Origin
The Distinguished Flying Cross originated after World War I and is awarded to any officer or enlisted member who distinguishes himself or herself in aerial combat or aerial support of ground combat operations through heroism or extraordinary achievement. The first recipient was Charles Lindbergh after his solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927.
Marine Brig. Gen. Thomas L. Conant presented the award and read a description of Kennedy's actions.
During Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, Kennedy served as a flight leader and flew an AH-IW Cobra attack helicopter. He conducted close-air support during more than 70 combat missions and directed more than 30 strikes against fortified Iraqi weapons caches of Saddam Hussein's Republican Guard.
Conant added that Kennedy's aerial work also helped support the British forces in taking the Iraqi city of Basra. All the while, Kennedy sometimes faced "extreme enemy fire," Conant added.
Conant called Kennedy, a 15-year Marine veteran, a true patriot and worthy of the award, which the Marines have given to just six others since the war began.
Lt. Col. Doug Hardison, Kennedy's executive officer in Iraq, said Kennedy was an officer who was "calm, confident and courageous" in his service and well-liked by his squadron and fellow servicemen. He said that was evident as several Marines from around the country, including three other Distinguished Flying Cross recipients, came to the Mahoning Valley for Kennedy's special day.
Hardison said Kennedy wasn't being honored for what he did on one particular day in Iraq, but rather for "what he did for weeks and weeks. He was a pillar [of strength] within our squadron."
In addition to family and friends, members of the Marine Service League were on hand to support Kennedy.
Background
Kennedy, 39, is a 1984 Poland Seminary High School graduate and earned his bachelor's degree from Ohio State University in 1989. He has since left active duty and is in the Marine Reserves.
He works with STAT MedEvac, where he is an emergency medical services helicopter pilot in Pittsburgh. STAT MedEvac provides air medical transport to patients with critical illness and/or injuries.
Kennedy lives in Poland with his wife, Stephanie, and their daughters, Caitlin, 11, and Grace, 7. He is the son of Bill and Margaret Kennedy of Canfield and the son-in-law of Brad and Gretchen Price of Boardman. Kennedy's father is a pharmacist and CEO of Udderly Smooth Udder Cream, which is made in Salem.