KANSAS CITY, Mo. – It is with a heavy heart, that the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) announces the passing of past VFW National Commander and Adjutant General, Allen “Gunner” Kent.
Gunner was elected VFW National Commander at the organization’s 95th national convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1994. After his term, he served as the Veterans Service Organization Liaison in the Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, D.C., until being appointed the VFW Adjutant General in 2005. He would hold this position until his retirement in 2013.
Gunner was on active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1958 until 1982. He served with the 17th Interrogation and Translation Team, 1st and 3rd Marine Divisions in Vietnam in 1967-68, as well as a six-month assignment with an Army advisory group. He also participated in Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of U.S. personnel from Saigon on April 29-30, 1975.
During his military service he received a Bronze Star with Combat V, Navy Commendation Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal with four stars, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, as well as several unit commendations, citations and foreign decorations.
His VFW activity began in 1968 when he joined Post 2811 in Gainesville, Florida. He served as chairman of the Americanism Committee, vice chairman of both the National Legislative and National Security and Foreign Affairs committees, and was named All-American Post and Department commander. He was also selected as Arizona's 1979 "Young Vietnam Veteran of the Year.”
Gunner was a Gold Legacy Life member of VFW Post 9972 in Sierra Vista, Arizona. He was also affiliated with the American Legion, AMVETS, Military Order of the Cootie, Marine Corps Mustang Association, Marine Corps League, Marine Corps Intelligence Association, Marine Corps Interrogator Translator Association and Vietnam Veterans of America.
Gunner left an indelible mark on the VFW, working tirelessly on behalf of America’s veterans, service member and their families. He will be dearly missed.
Below is the information regarding his funeral/burial.
Tuesday, May 24 – Visitation 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
Hatfield Funeral Home
830 AZ 92
Sierra Vista, AZ
Wednesday, May 25 – Service 10:30 a.m.
St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church
800 Taylor Drive
Sierra Vista, AZ
Interment to follow at:
Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery
1300 S. Buffalo Soldier Trail
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
Celebration to follow:
VFW Post 9772
549 Veterans Drive
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
Flowers are welcome. Cards of condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Becky Kent & Family
3649 La Terraza Drive
Sierra Vista, AZ 85650