Army Specialist Chancellor A Keesling, born June of 1984, in Jamaica, beloved son of Gregg and Jannett Keesling; beloved brother of O’Neil and Tiana.
Chance attended Paradise Preparatory School while living in Jamaica. Growing up, he nurtured a love for all things Jamaican, including reggae and football. After his family moved to Indianapolis in 1996 to start a business, he quickly adapted to life in the United States and “football” became “soccer.” Following a successful try-out, he joined the F.C. Dynamo Soccer team; thus becoming one of his proudest achievements. He was a 2003 graduate from Lawrence North High School.
Following the example of his family, he devoted much of his time in the service of others and was especially sensitive to the needs of those less fortunate. It was that compassion that spawned his military career when he enlisted in the Army in 2003.
SPC Chancellor Keesling was currently serving his second tour of duty in Iraq with 961st Engineer Company in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Chancellor began showing signs of post traumatic stress disorder from his first tour, his family said. Those who knew him best encouraged him not to redeploy. But unable to find a long-term job, he agreed to go back to Iraq, where he would help build roads and other infrastructure.
The issues he faced became all too much for this warrior to bear.
SPC Chancellor A Keesling lost his battle with PTS, June 19, 2009, in Baghdad, Iraq, while serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was 25 years old.