Marine Capt Kenneth C. Motsay

Captain Kenneth C Motsay, USMC
15 Feb 1992 – 13 Feb 2023
“Lead with Distinction, Serve with Honor”

Kenneth Charles Motsay, the youngest of three children, was born in Baltimore and grew up in Arbutus, MD.  He attended Saint Ursula Catholic School in Parkville, MD (2006), Calvert Hall College High School in Towson, MD (2010), and the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD (2014).  At an early age Ken knew he wanted to make a significant difference and showed an interest in joining the military.

At home, Ken was known as “Guy Smiley” because he always had a huge smile to share. He was a big help around the house and wouldn’t blink an eye at chores. His two older sisters adored Ken, and he would often talk about how they were his role models. To them, Ken was the “big” little brother.

A happy child, Ken found joy in being with family and friends. He loved to read and built up an eclectic collection of books from fiction and nonfiction during his life. No matter what age, Ken always found his way to the library searching for newly published books, especially those that involved adventures. His creativity emerged quickly as he amassed a large collection of Legos used to build elaborate structures, especially forts and castles. He was always filled with a quest for knowledge, a zest for life, and love of others, qualities he acquired from his family, especially his older sisters.

In grade school, Ken was well-liked by classmates and teachers. He excelled in his classes and was a member of the Junior National Honor Society. In addition to participating in the school’s cross country team, Ken was a member of the safety patrol. Outside of school, Ken participated in the local recreation council’s baseball and soccer programs. During his grade school years, Ken embraced the importance of volunteering and made time to assist his elderly neighbors with small tasks whenever needed.

In high school, Ken was a McMullen Scholar, Knott Scholar, member of the German Language Honor Society and National Honor Society, and listed on the school’s Honor Roll every semester. Athletically, he participated in cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track all four years and was team captain during his senior year.

When Ken was a high school junior, he participated in the American Legion Boys State program and the Summer Leadership Seminar at the United States Military Academy at West Point. In his senior year, Ken received nominations and appointments to both the Military Academy at West Point and the Naval Academy in Annapolis. Ultimately, he chose the Naval Academy and joined the Plebe class of Midshipmen in June 2010. For Ken, it was a dream come true.

At the Naval Academy, he was a proud member of the 8th Company where he held multiple leadership positions including Executive Officer. During his four years at the academy, Ken was inducted into the German Language Honor Society and competed with the academy’s marathon team, running in races that included the Marine Corps Marathon, Chicago Marathon and twice in the Boston Marathon. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in History with an emphasis on Middle Eastern and North African studies. Ken was commissioned as a U.S. Marine in May 2014.

Upon successful completion of The Basic School (TBS) in Quantico, Virginia, Ken was selected to be a Logistics Officer and reported to the 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment at Camp Hansen in Okinawa, Japan, where he was stationed for two years with a two-month tour to South Korea as the Arrival Assembly Operations Element (AAOE) Officer in Charge. A two-year tour is a long time from home, but he kept in touch with family and friends, sharing great stories of his travels to Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Philippines. He surprised his parents with a week-long trip to Okinawa, complete with guided tours and excursions when he was off-duty.

After Japan, Ken served as Battalion Logistic Officer with the Combat Logistics Battalion, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. While assigned there, Ken was deployed three times above the Arctic Circle, the last serving as Company Commander, leading Marines and Sailors in support of the Marine Rotational Forces in Europe. His tales of snowshoeing, jumping into icy waters, and trekking through snowy mountains in Scandinavian countries are enough to give you chills.

Upon his return to the states, Ken reported to the NROTC Program at the University of Maine where he was able to continue his passion for leadership and mentorship as a Marine Officer Instructor. He is remembered by staff and students as leading with distinction, serving with honor, and bringing a fun attitude to teaching and training. Ken embraced all things Maine and instituted “Flannel Friday” for the officers, staff, and midshipman at the NROTC Unit. His dedication to his midshipmen and untiring work ethic shaped future leaders of the Navy and Marine Corps. Midshipmen shared with his family the positive influence Ken had on their personal lives and career decisions. While at the University of Maine, Ken earned a Master of Arts Degree in Global Policy.

Because of his knowledge, leadership and mentorship, Ken was well respected by those under his command and loved by the command staff. He was well-known for making time to assist others, providing compassion and counseling with an open-door policy.  Ken loved the people he worked with, and people recognized in him the highest levels of integrity, character, and selflessness.

While living in Maine, Ken started woodworking as a hobby and often crafted unique items as gifts for family and special friends.  He firmly believed that it is better to give than to receive. He discovered a deep love for Maine’s natural beauty, finding peace and joy while camping in the mountains, hiking at Acadia National Park and Moosehead Mountain, and kayaking on nearby lakes.  His loyal dog, Ares, was always by his side, sharing in these cherished moments.

Throughout his life, Ken’s favorite holiday was Christmas. He loved the long-held traditions, church services, and very special time with extended family. In December of 2022, he hosted a Christmas Day potluck brunch for his parents and several close friends; it is a happy memory that we hold close in mind and heart in remembrance of Ken’s kindness and generosity.

Ken’s generosity was far-reaching. He embraced the intrinsic value of giving back to his community by caring for homeless veterans and donating to charitable organizations. He considered it important to provide comfort and relief whenever possible.

Ken’s military awards and decorations include: the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a Gold Star, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with 2 Gold Stars, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with Bronze Star, and Navy Arctic Service Ribbon.

Ken is survived by his parents, Charles and Sandra, his sister Stephanie Rivera and her husband, Jacob, along with their two children, Miles and Elena, and his sister, Victoria Yavit and her husband, Seth.  Ken was godfather to his nephew, Miles, and to Valentina Maroscia.  Ken was blessed with an extended family which includes supportive uncles, aunts, cousins, and godparents. His close friends from school and military life are too numerous to mention, but they are always remembered.

Ken’s life will always be defined by his insatiable curiosity, genuine kindness, commitment to service, and an unwavering love for his family and friends.  His absence leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who knew him.

Ken was laid to rest with full military honors on 25 February 2023 in the Circle of Immortals at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens.

In a fitting tribute to Captain Motsay, his family asked the midshipmen at the NROTC unit to select a stone from Moosehead Lake, one of his favorite places in Maine.