An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | June 30, 2008

Mississippi River battle brings brothers back together

By Sgt. James D. Sims Illinois National Guard Public Affairs

QUINCY, Ill. - As the Mississippi River widens the span between Missouri and Illinois, the flood waters actually brought two brothers together for the first time in their professional military careers.

Staff Sgt. Allen Kanell, 33, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., and Capt. Jeffrey C. Kanell, 26, of Davenport, Iowa, are both serving along the upper Mississippi as part of the Illinois and Missouri National Guards' flood responses. Last week, on a bridge that spans the Mississippi between Quincy, Ill., and West Quincy, Mo., the brothers met for the first time since being activated.

"I'm tickled to be working in such close proximity to my brother for the first time since joining the Army," Allen said.

Jeffrey, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery based in Milan, Ill., was originally mobilized as a liaison officer. He eventually took command of more than 100 troops from his unit, also called up to fight the flooding Mississippi River.

"I had anticipated being called up for flood duty because some of the guys I work with from Iowa had been called up," said Kanell, who works as a maintenance manager for the Rock Island Arsenal, Distribution Management Center with the Army Sustainment Command. "The only concern I really had was not knowing how long I would be away from my Family."

As river levels continued to rise, more than 1,200 members of the Illinois Army and Air National Guard were called up to work on the levees.

After being activated, Kanell called his brother Allen, who serves with the Missouri Guard's Detachment 1, 735th Quartermaster Company in Poplar Bluff, to let him know he was on flood duty. Less than 24 hours later, Allen and his unit were activated by the Missouri Guard.

Initially, the 735th provided security, filled and transported sandbags, and monitored levees.

The brothers have spoken periodically throughout the operation, sharing what they are doing on opposite sides of the river. The exchange has given them a better idea of the overall flood response.

"If the Illinois side has a levee breach, then we can expect the Missouri side of the river water level to drop and some of the pressure to be taken off this side," Allen said.

On opposite sides of the river, the brothers are working to maintain the levees and protect the population from the rising flood water.

Allen said he and his brother grew up in Poplar Bluff, but took different paths. Allen joined the Army directly out of high school and served on active duty. When Jeffrey finished his education, he joined the Army. The brothers decided to return to the Midwest and join to Guard so they would have more time to spend with their Families.

The meeting on the river had a special significance for the brothers. It was one of the few opportunities they've had to see each other since Allen came home after an eight-month Iraq deployment.

"It was a great feeling to get to see Allen; I haven't been able to spend much time with him since his return from Iraq," said Jeffrey Kanell. "It's good to know that he and his men are working just as hard on the other side of the river as we are on this side to try and prevent their area of responsibility from flooding."

 

 

Related Articles
Civic leaders and newly commissioned U.S. Air Force pilot trainees gather with the 168th Wing KC-135 Stratotanker aircrew following an aerial refueling mission during Red Flag-Alaska 25-2, June 24, 2025. The event provided participants with a unique opportunity to witness the complex coordination and precision required for refueling U.S. and allied aircraft in flight. This experience highlighted the critical role the 168th Wing plays in sustaining readiness and strengthening defense capabilities throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Civic Leaders Fly With Alaska Air Guard During Red Flag Alaska 25-2
By Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey, | July 3, 2025
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska – The Alaska Air National Guard’s 168th Wing hosted a civic leader flight June 24 that offered local leaders an opportunity to view an aerial refueling mission over the Joint Pacific Alaska...

The U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa Command Surgeon and staff, along with the Ohio National Guard, visit medical students and doctors at the American Corner prior to attending the Platinum Wolf 25 Distinguished Visitor day in Bujanovac, Serbia, June 26, 2025. PW25 is an exercise focused on regional stability, partnership, and interoperability between the U.S., regional forces, and the Serbian Armed Forces, marking the first time Stamp and his staff attended in support of the medical teams that participated in the exercise.
Ohio Guard Attends Exercise Platinum Wolf in Serbia
By 1st Lt. Kaseyann Cornwall, | July 3, 2025
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany – Several high-ranking officials from U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa, or USAFE-AFAFRICA, and the Ohio National Guard participated in the June 26 Distinguished Visitor day at Exercise...

A UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter from Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 140th Aviation, 96th Troop Command, Washington Army National Guard conducts water bucket training with Central Pierce Fire and Rescue, June 30, 2025, near Puyallup, Wash.
Washington Army Guard Trains in Water Bucket Operations
By Joseph Siemandel, | July 2, 2025
PUYALLUP, Wash. - To prepare for wildfire season, aviation crews from the Washington Army National Guard have been working to become certified in water bucket operations, completing as many repetitions as possible while...