"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD and he delighteth in his way."~ Psalm 37:23

CPT Keymarthanese Rahim Rashad-Ali was born January 1, 1970 formally Kenneth Le’Vondris Gaddy aka DoDo to Carolyn Gaddy-Perry and Kenneth Leroy Jarrett, he has three beautiful and intelligent children Alexis Chantel Byrd, Kenneth Le’Vondris Gaddy, II and Khaliq Fuquan Malik-Sharef Rashad.

He was educated in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Public Schools and graduated from Mt. Tabor Senior High School in 1988. He received an Associate of General Studies and Bachelors of Military Science and Social Science from Northwestern State University. Other higher education institutions where he attended and hold certificates are Averett College, Central Texas College and Pierce College. Prior to his death he had enrolled at Averett University working towards his Masters. CPT Rashad-Ali would stress the importance of education and that knowledge is powerful.

After graduation from high school he enlisted in the Army 14 September 1988. His military career expanded over a 15-year period, in which he served in many capacities, transitioning from an enlisted soldier to a commissioned officer. His tenure in the District of Columbia Army National Guard began as a Platoon Leader with the 104th Maintenance Company. Shortly thereafter, he was transferred to the DCARNG Regional Training Institute as a TAC Officer. He was promoted to Captain and returned to the 104th Maintenance Company as the newly appointed Commander. He was also employed as a civilian by the District of Columbia Army National Guard as the Facility Manager for the Assistant Chief of Staff of Installation Management. His diverse military education covered a spectrum of subjects which included but was not limited to such training as Field Artillery, German Head Start, Special Weapons Nuclear, Sling/Rail Load Qualification, Nuclear Biological Chemical Warfare, Combat Lifesaver, Observer Controller, Total Army Instructor, Transportation Management, Civil Disturbance, Physical Security, Military Police, Command and General Staff College, Chaplain and Aviation Survival Ordnance courses.

During his military career he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Medal, Overseas Medal, Army Community Service Ribbon, Army Emergency Service Ribbon, Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, Physical Fitness Badge, Soldier of the Month, Soldier of the Quarter, Bavarian Chapter Soldier of the Year, Swoop and Snares (German) Marksman Badge, Wheel and Track Drivers Badge, and the Presidential Unit Citation, CPT Rashad-Ali was posthumously awarded the US and DC Meritorious Service Medal, the Minute Man Statue and TAC Officer of the Year.

In addition to his military career, while in high school his first job was at Fine’s Men Department Store, his first month on the job he made employee of the Month. His work history also included co-owner and operator of Nubian Book Store, salesman for Kawasaki Motorcycle Shop, staff and personal trainer at Bayou Classic, correction officer at Allen Correctional Center, taught math at Vernon Middle School and he was a delivery associate for Pizza Hut.

As a child DoDo had a passion and love for motorcycles and bags of little army men. That love followed him throughout his adulthood. He formed a motorcycle group. His other interests were writing, reading football, baseball, boxing, track, bowling, weight training, and he holds the rank of yellow belt third degree from the Brass Dragon School of Martial Arts. He participated in a host of fashion shows where he was lead model. He loved comedy.

To quote him: "No matter how you say it, there is only One GOD! Many Aims! One Destiny! "FOR WITHOUT A VISION THE PEOPLE WILL PERISH." "REMEMBER YOUR ROOTS"... HE TRIED