This is an undated photo provided by the Carson City Sheriff's Office, of Major Heath Kelly. Kelly, 35, of Reno, Nev., was one of three National Guard members killed by a gunman during a shooting rampage at an IHOP restaurant in Carson City, Nev., on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Carson City Sheriff's Office)
A memorial trust fund has been set up for the family of National Guard Lt. Col. Heath Austin Kelly, who was killed Sept. 6 in the shootings at the IHOP restaurant in Carson City. Donations can be made at "Heath Austin Kelly Memorial Trust," at www.heathkellytrust.com.
Kelly was a high achiever in all aspects of his life, and his desire for his children to attain higher education and to lead lives filled with rich experiences inspired his family to provide a forum for those who want to pay their respects, according to his counsin Vivian Slater.
Kelly was born May 20, 1976, in Metairie, La. He attended the Military College of Vermont (Norwich University). Upon graduation in 1998, Kelly was commissioned as a second lieutenant in field artillery.
After serving at Fort Hood, Texas, for several years, Kelly was promoted to captain and served in South Korea. In 2004 he deployed to Iraq. After he was appointed to the Nevada Army National Guard in July 2005, Kelly and his family settled in Reno.
Saturday, Kelly's family will hold a memorial service in his hometown, Kenner, La.
Visitors to the memorial trust website are also encouraged to submit their stories and memories of Kelly so his children can learn more about their father through their kind words.
Kelly's survivors include his wife, Tracy, daughter Kassidy and son Tristan.
