Sgt. Ethan Keiper was born November 13, 2001 in Hastings NE, to Tony and Kelli Keiper. He is the second of five children. He has four siblings; Miranda, Aryka, Kaleb, and Alex. He enlisted in the US Army in May of 2020, 15 days after high school graduation.
Ethan completed Basic Training at the 3rdBattalion, 60th Infantry Regiment “River Raiders” at Fort Jackson in South Carolina after which, he continued on to Fort Sill Oklahoma where he would complete AIT for his 13 Juliet MOS, a Fire Control Specialist. It was here, PVT Keiper finished 2nd in his class and went on to Airborne “Jump” School at Fort Benning Georgia. After successfully completing this course, PVT Keiper was assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Germany, the US Army’s contingency response in Europe.
As PVT Keiper moved through the ranks of Private First Class and Specialist, his chain of command recommended him for the opportunity to be tested for Expert Service Badge. Specialist Keiper completed ESB with a perfect score while being tested at a sister military base in Italy.
Specialist Keiper continued working within his assigned Platoon, “Chaos”, as a Fire Control Specialist running the Triple 7’s (155mm Howitzers); during this time, Specialist Keiper was cross-trained to the “gun-line” as well. Specialist Keiper was later recommended for and completed both Air Assault School and Army Ranger Training leading up to his promotion to Sergeant before fulfilling his four year commitment with the US Army.
During Sgt. Keiper’s service with the US Army, he had the opportunity to train with multiple foreign countries during extended, combined field exercises and other activities. On July 7, 2023, he was united in marriage to Jenae Steinman. They will be residing and making their home in Aurora Nebraska.
