Ken Ahrens

Midwest Region

U.S. Air Force

Ken grew up in Reese, Michigan, and is a retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt). As an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Master technician, he led EOD teams attached to Joint Service, Special Forces, and foreign military combat units. He led teams in multiple combat deployments including Afghanistan, Iraq, and other countries. In 2015 after 25 years of active service, he retired back to northern Michigan to be close to family.

He holds a B.S. Degree in Emergency and Disaster Management from American Military University, a graduate degree (minus thesis) in Homeland Security from American Military University, and a certificate of professional management from the U.S. Air Force. Ken continues to seek education to assist other veterans, including certification in suicide prevention signs and symptoms.

During his active-duty time, Ken fostered a deep connection for team building and connection with other veterans. Post-retirement, this led him to search for opportunities and organizations to find new purpose in life as well as to assist other veterans along the path to finding their own new purpose. In 2018 he discovered the magic of Warriors and Quiet Waters (WQW) during a couple's FX with his wife and was hooked. Since then, he has volunteered to support WQW as a companion, Team Leader, and a “dad” multiple times, using his joy of cooking/barbecuing. He has also participated in a backcountry FX with Llamas and advocates the WQW mission with every veteran he encounters.

Ken is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys deer hunting with his father every year as well as fishing, hiking, riding his off-road motorcycle, camping, cooking, bird watching with his wife and just enjoying nature. His proudest accomplishments are his military service, family, and continued service assisting fellow veterans along their path.

Back to Alumni Council