09/06/2026
RIP Past Detachment Commander Kevin O’Connell
Kevin J. O’Connell
March 15, 1953 – September 5, 2026
Kevin passed away overnight at home. He was comfortable and where he wanted to be. For over a year, he battled cancer.
Kevin was a Paid-Up-For-Life and thirteen-year member of Des Plaines Squadron 36. Kevin was a Past Squadron, 9th District, and 1st Division Commander of each. He served as Detachment Commander in the year 2022-2023. Currently, Kevin was our National Executive Committeeman (NEC) and was recently re-appointed to the National organization’s Emergency Preparedness Ad-hoc committee, which all the members are either former or current first responders.
Kevin’s eligibility, his WHY, came from his father, John O’Connell, a WWII Veteran who served in the Army Air Corp’s 7th Air Force Pacific theatre from 1942 – 1946. John was a life member at Joseph M. Sesterhemm Post 166 in Glenview, Illinois.
Kevin was a career law enforcement officer of 39 years reaching the rank of Chief. He then transitioned to the private sector, being Director of Security for a large corporation, before finally retiring. He is a proud father of Melissa, Meghan, and Maggie. And an even prouder grandfather of Marty, Tegan, Tinsley, and Taylor. Kevin’s significant other is Tammy Girten, whom they spent years enjoying each other’s company.
To say Kevin was well-liked by many is truly an understatement. He honored the Four Pillars and did all he could to bring awareness to each. Over ten years ago, Kevin started placing flags at the headstones of Veterans at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, Illinois on the Saturday before Memorial Day. It has grown tremendously over the years and over 5,000 flags are placed that Saturday morning with over 200 volunteers each year.
Arrangements are currently being made. We will share that information once released, along with his obituary.
Rest in Peace, Kevin. The weather will always be good for you now.
