Nov. 6, 2009, Dallas, TX.
Army SSGT. Shawn H. McNabb, 24, of Terrell, TX, died Oct. 26 of wounds suffered when the MH-47 helicopter he was aboard crashed in Darreh-ye Bum, Afghanistan. He was one the 18 soldiers greeted by President Obama in Dover, Delaware last week.

A grateful nation honors your service. Your battle is over; rest in peace. Your courage, for our country, will forever be etched in our minds and hearts.

Funeral services for SSGT Shawn McNabb were held at First Baptist Church of Terrell, before heading to DFW National Cemetery. The funeral procession was escorted by the North Texas Patriot Guard Riders. The procession arrived at 1:00PM as scheduled. The weather was beautiful with clear skies, in the upper 70s, with a light breeze. Once the procession drove down the winding road along Veterans Lake they made their way to Shed B.

Upon arrival the participants were greeted by the somber rings of a Liberty Bell replica. Members of the US Army 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Regiment (Airborne), from Hunter Army Airfield, GA, and a Honor Guard from nearby Ft. Worth Naval Air Station performed the military services.

Three round volley salute was performed along with Taps before the formal flag folding ceremony. Afterward 3-flags were presented to the family as a symbol of our nations appreciation for their sacrifice.

Normally, I do not include, what I consider a private moment, the presentation of the flag to a grieving mother. It is without a doubt the saddest thing to witness. I have personally witness this many times and it always brings me to tears. The wailing cries are usually to private to share. However, the McNabb family was gracious and generous to allow me to share their experience with the world. This tribute should serve as a reminder to everyone the sacrifice of wars are paid by families, friends, and fellow associates. With the warrior paying the ultimate price and a grateful nation paying their final respects.

Once the ceremony concluded many well wisher offered comfort to his grief stricken mother. Slowly the participants began to egress the cemetery.

Video Production Description:
Special thank you
US Army 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Regiment (Airborne), from Hunter Army Airfield, GA
J. Wayne Duckworth, Liberty Bell Ringer
Texas Cemetery Foundation
Patriot Guard Riders of North Texas
Jane Brouder Stephens – Still photos

Music:
Amazing Grace
TAPS
In the Arms of an Angel

Video Production:
USFallen.org
Jerry Castillo
Producer

Week ending Oct.10, 2009 the US Department of Defense released the names of 17 military personnel who died, while serving in the United States armed forces.

Welcome viewers. These weekly episodes pay tribute to brave men and women who served our country with honor.  This video and your respectful comments are memorial tributes to our fallen soldiers.

A grateful nation honors your service.  Your battle is over; rest in peace. Your courage, for our country, will forever be etched in our minds and hearts.

Fallen Description:

Spc. Paul E. Andersen, 49, of Dowagiac, MI.
Sgt. Justin T. Gallegos, 27, of Tucson, AZ.
Spc. Christopher T. Griffin, 24, of Kincheloe, MI.
Sgt. Joshua M. Hardt, 24, of Applegate, CA.
Maj. Tad T. Hervas, 48, of Coon Rapids, MN.
Spc. Kevin O. Hill, 23, of Brooklyn, N.Y.
Sgt. Joshua J. Kirk, 30, of South Portland, ME.
Spc. Stephan L. Mace, 21, of Lovettsville, VA.
Staff Sgt. Vernon W. Martin, 25 of Savannah, GA.
Pfc. Alan H. Newton Jr., 26, of Asheboro, N.C.
Spc. Brandon A. Owens, 21, of Memphis, TN.
Staff Sgt. Thomas D. Rabjohn, 39, of Litchfield Park, AZ.
Sgt. Roberto D. Sanchez, 24 of Satellite Beach, FL.
Sgt. Michael P. Scusa, 22, of Villas, N.J.
Capt. Benjamin A. Sklaver, 32, of Medford, MA.
Sgt. Aaron M. Smith, 25, of Manhattan, KA.
Pfc. Kevin C. Thomson, 22, of Reno, NV.

Music

Band of Brothers Requiem
Mansion of the Lord
TAPS

Photos/Resources

• www.azstarnet.com,
• www.defenselink.mil,
• www.kolotv.com,
• www.journalstar.com,
• www.latimes.com,
• www.militarycity.com,
• www.newsobserver.com,
• www.sacbee.com,
• ww.wcax.com,
• www.wsav.com,

US Fallen Video Production

Jerry Castillo
Producer

Fallen Update:

Army Releases September Suicide Data

The Army today released suicide data for the month of September.  Among active-duty soldiers, there were seven potential suicides.  One has been confirmed as a suicide, and six are pending determination of the manner of death.  For August, the Army reported 11 potential suicides among active-duty soldiers.  Since the release of that report, four have been confirmed as suicides and seven remain under investigation.

There were 117 reported active-duty Army suicides from January 2009 through September 2009.  Of those, 81 have been confirmed, and 36 are pending determination of manner of death.  For the same period in 2008, there were 103 suicides among active-duty soldiers.

During September 2009, among reserve component soldiers who were not on active duty, there were seven potential suicides.  Among that same group, from January 2009 through September 2009, there were 35 confirmed suicides.  Twenty-five potential suicides are currently under investigation to determine the manner of death.  For the same period in 2008, there were 40 suicides among reserve soldiers who were not on active duty.

Soldiers and families in need of crisis assistance can contact Military OneSource or the Defense Center of Excellence (DCOE) for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Outreach Center.  Trained consultants are available from both organizations 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

The Military OneSource toll-free number for those residing in the continental U.S. is 1-800-342-9647, their Web site address is http://www.militaryonesource.com.