Master Sgt. Bradley S. Keys

Master Sgt. Bradley S. Keys obituary

Bradley Keys Obituary

Master Sgt. Bradley S. Keys

FAYETTEVILLE, NC-- Master Sgt. Bradley S. Keys, 33, of Inman, SC, died Thursday, December 13, 2012, of injuries sustained during a military free fall training accident in Eloy, Arizona.
He was assigned to Headquarters, United States Army Special Forces Command (Airborne), Fort Bragg, NC.
Keys enlisted as an automated logistical specialist in the U.S. Army in 1998. After completion of his initial training, to include the U.S. Army Airborne School, he was assigned to Ft. Bragg, NC as a Unit Logistical Sgt. where he served for two years. He attended the Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course and graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course in mid-2006. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Ft. Carson, Colo. as a Special Forces Engineer Sergeant.
In 2007 and 2009, Keys was deployed with the 3rd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served with 3rd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) as a Senior Engineer Sgt. for almost 6 years, completing jumpmaster training and free fall parachutist training while there. In August of 2012, Master Sgt. Keys was assigned to Headquarters, United States Army Special Forces Command (Airborne) where he served in the Operations and Training Section.
His military education includes U.S. Army Airborne School, Warrior Leaders Course, Advanced Leaders Course, Special Forces Qualification Course, Jumpmaster Course, Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat Course, the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Special Operations Target Interdiction Course, Senior Leaders Course, Free Fall Parachutist, Military Free Fall Parachutist, Military Free Fall Jumpmaster and Combatives Level 1.
Keys' military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (1), the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (3), the Army Achievement Medal (6), Valorous Unit Award (2), the Army Good Conduct Medal (4), the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Non-Commissioned Officers' Professional Development Ribbon (3), the Army Service Ribbon, the Certificate of Achievement (14), the Senior Parachutist Badge, Special Forces Tab, the Combat Infantryman Badge, Military Free Fall Master Parachutist Badge and Marksman Qualification Badge - Expert with a Rifle.
Surviving MSG Keys is his wife, Lisa Marie Keys of Fayetteville; stepson, Ethan Tyler Hall of Fayetteville; parents, William and Natalie Olmstead of Spartanburg, SC; and brother, Daniel Olmstead of Inman, SC.
Funeral Services to celebrate his life will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, December 22, 2012, at the JFK Memorial Chapel, Ft. Bragg, NC with Chaplain Keith Croom officiating. Visitation will follow the service at JFK Chapel reception hall.
Burial with Full Military Honors will be held 9:00 AM, Friday, January 4, 2012 at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.
Services for the family are in the care of LaFayette Funeral Home, 6651 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304. On-line condolences may be made at www.lafayettefh.com.

Published by Spartanburg Herald-Journal from Dec. 20 to Dec. 21, 2012.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Memories and Condolences
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I remember Brad from basic. He liked the poem in my walllocker. It stated "remember me as you pass by as you are now so once was I, As I am now soon you will be, Therfore prepare to follow me." I can't ever forget my friend .

January 9, 2013

I knew Brad from 3rd BN, 10th Group. Always considered him to be a stand-up guy. I don't think I ever walked by him without getting into a conversation. Brad, you will be missed.

Michael Lindsay

January 8, 2013

Blue Skies Brother

Sean Mahoney

December 25, 2012

Rest in peace Bradley.

Henryk Zaleski

December 23, 2012

I know only of Brad through my son, Jeremey Sidney. They were and are forever friends. I am so so sorry for your loss. I thank you for allowing Brad to give such service to our country. I have made a donation in Brad's memory to the USO. His name will live on for his valor and courage.
Betty Sidney Pomerleau

December 22, 2012

So sorry to hear of the loss of Brad.I met Brad a couple of times while visiting my daughter Leigha in Fayettville.My first impression of him was how kind he was,he was a brave young man who be missed by many.A true American hero !

Donna Stackpole

December 22, 2012

So sorry for your loss.....praying for God's love and peace to comfort your family

Stacy Wilson

December 22, 2012

It is so hard to hear news like this. The first reactions is NO.. Then it sinks in and there is such a great loss. Even though i havent got to see him in a while he is my family and was thought of often. Know that we are here if at any time you need anything, a shoulder or a hug even. You can rejoice in knowing he is in a better place and always in your hearts. I love you my family and am sending lots of prayers and special thoughts.

Pamela McCoy, Brock

December 21, 2012

My heart is breaking and my prayers are almost constant for you all. I pray that you'll receive strength from your faith and comfort from each other.
I was so in awe of Brad and his accomplishments. He truly embodied the American Spirit and he most certainly loved his family.
Love, Patti

Patrica Scott-Hall

December 21, 2012

My deepest sympathy for Brad's family, I was looking forward to the time he was scheduled to come to the Northwest and meet us. I feel like I already knew him from all my aunties talked of him. He was handsome and represented us well. Sending hugs and much love.
Jo Ann Scott Starrs daughter and family

Susie and Terry Bence

December 21, 2012

The Final Salute

“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.

This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to MSG Bradley S. Keys our “Brother-in-Arms”. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Brad. And to Brad it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to his country during multiple deployments on various Operations including Iraqi Freedom while serving more than 14 years in the U.S. Army. Brad, no greater patriotism is shown than a soldier lay down his life in service to his country. We bid you a sad farewell. While you will be dearly missed from among our ranks, you will always be remembered for your dedicated and loyal service to our great nation. Be at Ease. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the 1,307 members of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Brad's family and loved ones.

Stephen J. Lavery, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

For the Commander, Carroll R. Michaud

December 21, 2012

Sorry for your loss. Did not know him, but he was an airborne brother, prayers for his family

December 20, 2012

So sorry for your loss, the entire McCoy Family was shocked and sadden by the news, he was such a fine young man and will be truly missed, May God Bless you all, Until we see you again Brad.

Michael Lowery

December 20, 2012

So sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family.

Allan & Maryann Cyr

December 20, 2012

Brad was the best of the best.

December 20, 2012

SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSE HERE AT CHRISTMAS ,I WILL BE PRAYING FOR ALL THE FAMILY.HE WILL BE A HERO ...

AMY BELUE

December 20, 2012

I am so sorry about Brad. He was such a good guy & we were so proud of him. I know Bryan thought of him as a brother. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Elizabeth Teague

December 20, 2012

Donna Brock

December 20, 2012

We wanted to express not only our heartfelt condolences to the family but also our deep appreciation for all that Brad did to serve and protect our nation. May God bring a sense of peace to his family.

David and Dianne Snelgrove

December 20, 2012

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