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A Tribute to John J. McKenna IV John was born on March 17, 1976 to John J. III and Karen McKenna of Brooklyn, NY. He was the brother of Allyson Zehrfuhs, Clifton Park, NY. He attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School in Brooklyn and graduated from Bishop Ford Central Catholic High School in Brooklyn, NY. John was active in civic and athletic pursuits and earned his Eagle Scout. Additionally, he served as a lifeguard for several years in Fleischmanns, NY. From 1992-1993, John studied in Vienna as part of the Ronald Lauder Foundation International Exchange Program. In 1998, John earned a Bachelor’s degree in History from Binghamton University. In 1998, he accepted a commission in the United States Marine Corps as a Second Lieutenant after his successful completion of Officer’s Candidate School Upon completion of The Basic School he was assigned to the 2nd Marine Air Wing where he served with distinction to include tours in Uzbekistan/Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. John then went on to serve as part of the initial invasion force during Operation Iraqi Freedom and subsequently earned a Naval Meritorious Service Award. Captain McKenna left active duty in 2003 to pursue selfless devotion to public service and enter into a career with the New York State Police. He graduated from the New York State Police Academy on August 8, 2005 and was stationed in Saratoga and Clifton Park with Troop G before receiving permanent assignment to the Kingston Barracks in Troop F. In light of the ongoing war on terror, John felt compelled to continue his service to his country by joining Company F, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marines in Albany, NY. John successfully completed Marine Corp Infantry Officers School and was assigned as an Infantry Platoon Commander. A voracious reader and student of history, professionally he was the consummate Marine Officer always leading by example, continuing that same mindset when he donned the Gray Uniform of a New York State Trooper. On August 16, 2006, New York State Trooper Captain John J. McKenna IV was killed in the line of duty in Iraq.
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