Allen Francis Kent

It is with a heavy heart, our family announces the passing of our beloved husband, dad and papa, Allen “Gunner” Kent on May 17^th, 2022.

Allen “Gunner” Kent was a past VFW National Commander and Adjutant General. He was elected VFW National Commander at the organization’s 95th national convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1994. After his term, he served as the Veterans Service Organization Liaison in the Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, D.C., until being appointed the VFW Adjutant General in 2005. He would hold this position until his retirement in 2013.

Gunner was on active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1958 until 1982.  During this time, he served as a Drill Instructor, Recruiter and as a team member with the 17th Interrogation and Translation Team, 1st and 3rd Marine Divisions in Vietnam in 1967-68.  He also served on a six-month assignment with an Army advisory group and participated in Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of U.S. personnel from Saigon on April 29-30, 1975.

During his military service he received a Bronze Star with Combat V, Navy Commendation with two stars, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal with four stars, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with one star, National Defense Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal with two stars, Marine Corp Unit Commendation with two stars, Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Sea Deployment Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Civic Action Ribbon as well as several unit commendations, citations and foreign decorations.

His VFW activity began in 1968 when he joined Post 2811 in Gainesville, Florida. He served as chairman of the Americanism Committee, vice chairman of both the National Legislative and National Security and Foreign Affairs committees, and was named All-American Post and Department commander. He was selected as Arizona's 1979 "Young Vietnam Veteran of the Year” as well as inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame in 2014.

Gunner was a Gold Legacy Life member of VFW Post 9972 in Sierra Vista, Arizona. He was also affiliated with the American Legion, AMVETS, Military Order of the Cootie, Marine Corps Mustang Association, Marine Corps League, Marine Corps Intelligence Association, Marine Corps Interrogator Translator Association and Vietnam Veterans of America.

Gunner left an everlasting mark on the VFW, working tirelessly on behalf of America’s veterans, service members and their families. He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Becky Kent of Sierra Vista, Az; his two loving children; daughter Kim (Jim) Harney of Sierra Vista, Az and son, Allen Kent, Jr (Michelle) of Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica. 4 grandchildren – Topaz, Dakota, Patrick (Michelle) and Travis and two great grandchildren – Kimberly and Brooke and his beloved dog, Max.

Below is the information regarding his funeral/burial.

Tuesday, May 24 – Visitation 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
Hatfield Funeral Home
830 AZ 92
Sierra Vista, AZ
 

Wednesday, May 25 – Service 10:30 a.m.
St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church
800 Taylor Drive
Sierra Vista, AZ

 Interment to follow at:
Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery
1300 S. Buffalo Soldier Trail
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

Celebration of Life at 1 pm
VFW Post 9772
549 Veterans Drive
Sierra Vista, AZ  85635

Flowers are welcome. Cards of condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Becky Kent & Family
3649 La Terraza Drive
Sierra Vista, AZ  85650

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