Man, I remember when you first got to the squadron. The quiet kid out of the group but smart and quick witted. I remember coming in just to mess with you guys, that’s all we did! Pizza hangouts, hangouts at the vortex arcade, movies, hikes, jokes smash bros, and gym days. Then out on all of our first deployments. We stayed pretty tight knit, gaming on all the off time we had and just hanging out always as a group, Miranda, Estrada, Gabriel, Shaw, you, and me. Wild times. Even after we all stayed pretty close, even went with you to pick out that Nissan. I remember when things started happening and I just wish I was there to do more. I love you like a brother, all of you guys. Find peace Big Baby, you’re missed more than you know.

-Powell

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman William Kern, left, and U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Steven Brinkley, loadmasters assigned to the 61st Airlift Squadron, rig container delivery systems for an airdrop mission on a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 19th Airlift Wing at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, May 22, 2021.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman William Kern, a loadmaster assigned to the 61st Airlift Squadron, cuts the restraint of a container delivery system bundle for an airdrop mission on a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 19th Airlift Wing above Wisconsin, May 22, 2021.

Mom & Dad's Family @ Dad's 90th Birthday Celebration

Dad's (Will's Pappy) 90th Birthday Party

Bruce & Will chilling 😎

I remember in Afghanistan we would always fly every other day. On our days off we would always either watch movies in the movie room or play smash bros. We would always drink near beers or be slamming RIP it energy drinks. He would always plan ganondorf. We always hated that character because it was so over powered. Other times we would play board games. We loved playing magic the gathering a lot and dungeons and dragons. Every time we played magic he would always have this big smile on his face when he would win. I will always have that memory of his big grin. Even when we flew we would play the switch on the plane. When we got back from deployment. I remember when we lived together in the same house. I would wake up to a sweet aroma. I would get out of bed and see him bakeing sweets at 2 or 3 am. I would tell him what are you doing up this late baking sweets. He would tell me I couldn’t sleep so I started baking. I would laugh and stay up with him. Anything he baked was so good. I would tell him your going to make me fat and he would laugh with his big smile. Other nights we would wake up and go get Waffle House almost all the time. It was our favorite place to go. I miss it so much eating out with him! I remember when he had that PT cruiser always driving it around. Waiting for it to break down haha. My mother came to visit me one day and we drove one day to buy him his new car that he bought. He was so excited when he bought it. I loved him like a brother and can’t believe he’s gone. I am heart broken. That he passed away. I have and will always consider him as one of my brothers! I love and cherished him. I know he’s still up in the sky waiting for me. He’s on a bigger and better mission. Don’t have to much fun without my Big kern❤️ -Love Estrada 

So sorry for your loss. You and your loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers.

The Need For Speed (Just One More Time- 5 times later)

Enjoying the pool

Thinking of you & your family, Jill. The memories you shared of Will were so beautiful & I hope you all continue to find comfort, strength, and peace in those happy, wonderful moments with him. Hugs to you & here if you need anything.