Local soldier knows the cost
of defending our country

By Tom Waring
Times Staff Writer

After graduating from North Catholic High School in 2005, Kevin McCloskey worked for a year before deciding to enlist in the U.S. Army.
McCloskey, of Tacony, believed he’d mature and learn some skills in the Army.
“He wanted to feel like he was making a difference and was setting himself up for the future,” said his mom, Joann.
McCloskey enlisted on June 14, 2006. His family was surprised, since he hadn’t indicated an interest in a military career.
“When the recruiter called, we hung up. We thought it was one of his friends pulling a prank,” said his dad, Tom.
Soon, though, the McCloskeys learned that Kevin was serious about his decision.
“He did a lot of research and talked to a lot of people,” said his older brother, Mike. “We supported him every step of the way.”
Kevin received his initial training at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas, and was assigned to Fort Campbell, an Army installation in Kentucky.
In the summer of 2007, he learned he would do a tour of duty in Afghanistan. His unit deployed in March of this year. A specialist, he served with the 101st Airborne and special forces.
The McCloskeys thought he would be safe, believing that the war in Iraq was much more dangerous than the war on terror in Afghanistan.
“Once he got there, the violence seemed to escalate,” said his older sister, Michelle.
On Sunday, June 8, the McCloskeys learned firsthand the dangers of war. That morning, Kevin was seriously injured by an improvised explosive device (IED) in Logar, a province south of the capital city of Kabul.
The so-called “roadside bombs” are placed on curbs and detonated when vehicles pass.
Kevin was driving while returning from a mission when he saw the bomb. He turned the wheel to try to avoid the impact, and is credited with saving the lives of the other soldiers in the vehicle. They suffered minor injuries.
In Kevin’s case, the injuries were to the right side of his body. The military called the family, with first reports being a broken leg and internal injuries.
Follow-up calls revealed the true nature of the injuries. He had a broken pelvis, arm, wrist and collarbone and burns on his thigh, face and chest. The injuries forced doctors to amputate both legs below the knees. He also has shrapnel in his right eye and has been running a high fever.
Kevin, 20, underwent surgery at an Air Force base in Afghanistan, then at a hospital in Germany. He was heavily sedated and on a breathing ventilator and communicated with medical personnel through hand signals and blinks of the eye. A nurse put a telephone up to his ears so his parents could talk to him.
Eventually, he was transported to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, a good sign that he was going to survive the ordeal. His family met him in Texas and will celebrate his 21st birthday on Sunday.
Though the national news media might not cover the wars as closely as they did in the early stages, the battles remain intense.
“We were relieved when we heard he was going to Afghanistan and not Iraq,” his mom said. “But it just goes to show that you’re not safe anywhere. War is war.”
The McCloskeys have great concern for Kevin’s recovery but are happy he is alive, considering the amount of blood he lost.
“The commander told us the men on the field saved his life,” his dad said.
The McCloskeys describe Kevin, who grew up on the 4100 block of Princeton Ave. and attended St. Bernard Elementary School, as an outgoing, funny, entertaining young man who is also sensitive, caring and loyal.
At North Catholic, he was a member of three Catholic League wrestling championships.
His MySpace page includes a picture of John Wayne in a scene from a war movie. He describes himself as an “Irish Roman Catholic from Tacony or Mayfair, I’m not really sure.” He writes, “I love where I’m from. I didn’t notice that until I left and joined the Army.”
Kevin also expresses love for his family, writing, “My family is one of a kind . . . . I’m blessed to have them.”
In Afghanistan, he engaged in peacekeeping missions with villagers. Soldiers developed good relationships with many of the children. It wasn’t always safe. There was gunfire, and some of the kids threw rocks at the Americans.
The McCloskeys kept in touch with Kevin through letters and phone calls and sent him care packages. His mother talked to him on Friday, two days before the incident. He showed no signs of being nervous or scared, believing that he was trained well.
“He loved what he did,” his dad said.
Kevin’s family has been overwhelmed by the prayers, gifts and shows of support from neighbors and the whole community. They’ve also been assisted by the offices of U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz and state Rep. Mike McGeehan. Magee Rehabilitation Hospital has also been in contact, and the Army has been accommodating.
Though Kevin is a brave soldier, he’s still the youngest child in the family, not yet 21. His family is grateful for the sacrifices of so many Americans and honors Kevin with patriotic decorations on their front door.
“I want everybody to know we have a son who is serving,” his mom said. “We love him, and we’re proud of him.”
The family expects Kevin to need up to a year of rehabilitation and therapy as part of his recovery. They hope he is transferred to a closer hospital, possibly Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
The McCloskeys understand that Kevin has a lot of recovery ahead of him, but they know that he’ll have the best medical care and a large contingent of family and friends by his side.
“That’s what is going to get him through,” his sister said.
Added his dad: “I know Kevin. He’s a tough kid. He’s very determined. We’re going to get him through it.” ••
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com