Batesville man honored for support of fallen soldiers, veterans

(LAWRENCEBURG, Ind.) – A Batesville resident is being recognized for his unwavering support of veterans and those who have given their lives for our nation. 

Tim Kieffer isn’t a veteran but has gone above-and-beyond for several years to honor those who have served. 

He is a member of the Indiana Patriot Guard Southeast Region chapter and that group can often be found providing support at military funerals and other ceremonies.

Their efforts often include placing flags at ceremonies, leading processions, and supporting Gold Star families. 

The chapter also organizes the annual Ride to Remember which is a 300-mile motorcycle ride in southern Indiana that honors 16 local soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Kieffer has become a fixture at ceremonies and events across the region for at least two decades. 

He and his family were brought on stage during the Lawrenceburg Fall Festival on Saturday by Vietnam veteran PG Gentrup who is with the Southeast Indiana Vietnam Veterans of America Lary D. Fogle Chapter 71.

Gentrup presented him with a Purple Heart plaque that is in honor of the 16 fallen soldiers and their families that Kieffer consistently supports. 

“I haven’t seen many people with a heart as big as Tim Kieffer and it’s something that he doesn’t do for any notoriety or accolades, he is just someone you can constantly rely on to be there,” Gentrup said. 

Gentrup added, “What I like about Tim is that he always asks ‘what can I do for you’ and you never have to wonder whether he will help cause he always does.”

Kieffer was supposed to receive this award earlier this year during Biggin Bash, however, he was out of town because he was participating in a ceremony to honor Army Sgt. Steven P. Mennemeyer in Illinois that weekend. 

Here are the 16 fallen soldiers that Kieffer and the Patriot Guard chapter support on an ongoing basis:

• Army Sgt. Chad Keith (Batesville) 

• Army Pfc. Anthony P. Seig (Sunman) 

• Army Spc. Zachary Salmon (Aurora) 

• Army Sgt. Kenneth “KR” Booker (Bennington) 

• Army Spc. Jonathan Menke (Madison) 

• Army Sgt. Robert Montgomery (Scottsburg) 

• Marine Cpl. Jordan Spears (Sellersburg) 

• Army Sgt. Jonathan Peney  (New Albany)

• Army Sgt. Matthew Deckard (New Albany)

• Army Sgt. Steven Minnemeyer (New Albaby/ Granite City, Ill.) 

• Army Spc. Carlos Wilcox IV (New Albany) 

• Army Sgt. James Faulkner (New Albany) 

• Marine Sgt. Dusten Turpin (Bartlettsville) 

• Marine Lance Cpl. Hunter “HD” Hogan (Brownstown) 

• Marine Lance Cpl. Jacky D. Koenig, Jr (Vernon) 

• Marine Cpl. John Bishop (Versailles)