OAK HARBOR — For the sixth time this year, the small, patriotic community of Oak Harbor is reeling from the death of a local sailor in Iraq.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Kevin R. Bewley, 27, died Monday when an improvised explosive device blew up near him. Bewley was part of a division that specializes in dismantling bombs.
The Hector, Ark. man, who was based on Whidbey Island, leaves behind a 4-year-old daughter and a network of family and friends who spent chilly nights laughing and camping with him.
“As you can imagine, we’re deeply saddened,” said Naval Air Station Whidbey Island spokeswoman Kimberly Martin. “The (explosive ordinance disposal) group is a very tight-knit organization. Oak Harbor is a very small community too, so whenever anyone is lost we all feel the pain.”
On Monday, Bewley and his comrades had successfully disarmed two explosives in Salah ad Din province, when another blew up.
“They were trying to check on a third one when the vehicle was struck” by the blast, Martin said.
By Wednesday, the news was rippling through Oak Harbor.
“As a community we are always deeply saddened at the loss of one of our sailors,” said Jill Johnson, executive director of the Greater Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce. “It is a humbling reminder of how fortunate we are to live in a region that is comprised of so many heroic individuals who are willing to risk and, sadly, give their lives for the betterment of others.”
Bewley loved the outdoors. After his first tour in Iraq, he and his older brother, Patrick, camped in minus-28 degree Arctic weather to fulfill a promise they made to each other to try to see the Northern Lights.
Bewley, who was divorced, had been with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal group in Oak Harbor since August 2005. His brother said that members of the unit often would join them on their camping or road trips.
The base is planning a memorial service for the last week of November. Flags on the base are scheduled to be lowered to half-mast during the sailor’s funeral service, which is expected to be held in his hometown in Arkansas.
“His death is a tremendous loss to his family, friends, and the entire (explosive ordinance disposal) community,” said Capt. Barry Coceano, Commander of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group One. “He was a warrior who was protecting the lives of his fellow soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines, as well as local Iraqi citizens.”
Three sailors in Bewley’s unit were killed in April, and two were killed in July. He is the 16th person in the military with local ties to die in Iraq.
“Our community’s support of all our sailors and their families remains steadfast,” Johnson said. “It is in these moments of great loss that our hearts ache, but our pride in the strength and character of those who willing serve our country deepens.”
A fund has been established through the Navy Federal Credit Union to help Bewley’s family. Donations should be made to the EODMU-11 Memorial Fund ICO Kevin Bewley, access number 4780693.
Associated Press contributed to this report
Reporter Kaitlin Manry: 425-339-3292 or kmanry@heraldnet.com.
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