PROFILE OF A MUSEUM VOLUNTEER: KENNETH E. HAYES

Kenneth Hayes was born October 20, 1930 in Hazard, Kentucky, the only child of Edward and Lassie Hayes.

Ken graduated from Honey Creek High School in Terre Haute, Indiana, then continued his education at Hamilton Business College in Hamilton, Ohio.  He entered the United States Marine Corps in 1948, serving through 1953.  Upon discharge, Ken joined the U.S.M.C. Reserve and served as a weekend warrior through 1970.

Ken met his future wife Helen, and they were married June 28, 1969.  Ken and Helen raised three children, Hans, Tobie, and Hunter.  They have been blessed with one grandson, Derek Schwenk.  Ken has been a widower since Helen’s death in March 2000.

Continuing his commitment to the Reserves, Ken again joined and served with the Marine Corps Reserve from 1975 through 1980.  He was a shooting member of their National Rifle team for eleven years, holding a Master Rifleman classification in all types of shooting.  Ken enlisted in the National Guard in 1980, serving through 1986, then served with the California State Guard from 1986 through 1996.

Ken saw no combat time during his 45-year military service, but he accumulated 27 Award Ribbons and a Command and General Staff Badge, retiring as a Colonel.  Ken has been self-employed as an accountant the past twenty-five years. Ken also enjoys his membership in the Knights Templer, and was knighted in September 1998. 

After encouragement from Ron Markarian and Art Hill during a visit, Ken became interested in the Legion of Valor Museum.  He has served as a volunteer at the museum since January 23, 2003.  Ken enjoys the camaraderie of fellow veterans and reminiscing about the past while looking forward to the future,