Politics & Government

Remembrance Ceremony Held for Spc. Kelli Bordeaux

Fort Bragg pays tribute to a missing unit member by keeping her memory alive.

Fort Bragg's 261st Multifunctional Medical Battalion shared their hope and memories today during the Remembrance Ceremony for Spc. Kelli Bordeaux.

The soldier disappeared just over one year ago, but her memory is kept alive today by family, friends and peers.

At the private ceremony for unit members and family, Hangar 4 at Pope Army Airfield was filled with supporters who shared who Kelli was to them.

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The Battalion Commander LTC Heather Kness opened with remarks about the young soldier and her zest for life.

Tearful tributes by fellow soldiers in her chain-of-command were shared by 1LT Annie Davis, Sgt. Dontae Gibson, Spc. Kaydi Owens and Spc. Marshalee Meikle.

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Kelli's most staunch advocate in keeping her memory alive through managing social media site and working with the media is her sister, Olivia Cox.

"It doesn't get easier the longer she is gone," said Cox. "I know many talk about bringing Kelli home for closure, but I don't want Kelli's body. I want her smiling, vibrant, jubilant, ready to play, 'let's go get this done' Kelli back."

Cox is a military spouse from Fort Stewart, Ga. who travelled up for the Remembrance Ceremony.

Kelli's sister holds onto the hope that somebody, somewhere saw something and she hopes that they will step forward and provide information in the investigation.

"Maybe you are carrying a weight so heavy, that hopefully soon you'll come forward and bring that knowledge to us," said Cox in an interview on Friday morning.

Having disappeared on April 14, 2012 after last seen at the Froggy Bottoms bar on Ramsey Street, near her Meadow Ridge Apartment, no clues have surfaced in the mystery case.

Photo collages and video displays of Kelli's life lined the perimeter of the hangar. Kelli's smile was evident in each photo frame, one could tell that she lives life to the fullest and is a happy, go-lucky girl as described by her co-workers and military peers.

Visit the Kelli Bordeaux Topics Page on Fort Bragg Patch that lists previous coverage and photos.

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