In 1973, CSM Kenneth J. Merritt was selected as one of the five
Command Sergeant Majors in the Army allowed to serve five years beyond
the mandatory 30 years service prescribed by Army Regulations.
Kenneth (Rock) Merritt served five terms as President of the
508th Parachute Infantry Regiment Association.
On October 19, 2004, at Camp Blanding, Florida. Rock officiated
at the formal retirement of the Association.
Rock also served three terms as Vice President of the
Association, and many years as Association Parliamentarian.
In August 1943, Rock Merritt married Sally (Hatley) of
Stillwell; Oklahoma and they raised three children.
Over the years Rock and Sally Merritt sponsored 508th
PIR Association and Hq1 reunions. Additionally, they provisioned and operated
outstand-ing Hq1 hospitality suites (Command Posts) during Association annual
reunions.
Sally went all the way with Rock, supporting his decisions,
raising their three children, and sharing the joys and hardships of military
life. Our beloved Sally
Merritt died at home July 11, 2004 in the arms of her family. We all loved
Sally. We will miss her.
Kenneth (Rock)
Merritt resides at 1517 Atwick Drive, Fayetteville, NC
28304-3901 | 
