Funerals were held in southeast Georgia for two young Army Reserve soldiers who tragically lost their lives in a drone attack while deployed to the Middle East. The packed 1,200-seat auditorium of Ware County Middle School in Waycross solemnly hosted the service for 24-year-old Sgt. Kennedy Sanders. Sanders was remembered for her courage, loving personality, and her willingness to take on challenging tasks, such as learning to operate earth-moving equipment to aid in building roads and shelters.
Colonel Jeffrey Dulgarian spoke on Sanders' remarkable determination, emphasizing how she approached her responsibilities with vigor and skill. Known for her infectious smile, Sanders was also remembered as a former point guard for Ware County High's Lady Gators, showcasing pure joy both on and off the basketball court.
In a Baptist church in Savannah, a similar farewell was given for Sgt. Breonna Moffett, where her family requested privacy from the media. Moffett, who had enlisted alongside Sanders in 2019 as a construction engineer in the 926th Engineer Battalion, was fondly remembered by her loved ones. She had worked with United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia in Savannah, helping individuals with disabilities acquire essential life skills, such as cooking.
Both Sanders and Moffett had forged a close friendship before being deployed to the Middle East. They were among three Army Reserve soldiers who tragically died in a drone strike on a U.S. base in Jordan near the Syrian border on January 28th. Their unit, the 926th Engineer Battalion, was based at Fort Moore in west Georgia.
Staff Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46, was the third soldier killed in the attack and was laid to rest in Carrollton after a service earlier in the week. The military posthumously promoted all three soldiers in recognition of their service.
With hopes and dreams for the future abruptly cut short, the untimely deaths of these young soldiers serve as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by those in uniform. Through their dedication, kindness, and unwavering spirit, Sgt. Kennedy Sanders and Sgt. Breonna Moffett leave behind a lasting legacy of service and camaraderie.