In Memory of SGT Shaun Mooney, US Army
September 25, 1981 – April 11, 2019
Veteran – Persian Gulf
“Shaun enlisted in the Army at 19 years old. He got out of the Army in January 2004. He served 11 months and finally was home. A certified letter showed up in December of 2004 alerting him that he was needed for Operation Iraqi Freedom. He reported for duty on Dec 6th of 2004 and was in-country by February 5th. He was a Military supply clerk who was promoted to Sergeant while serving in Iraq. Shaun’s efforts with the 254th Quartermaster Unit earned him a Global War of Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, an Iraqi Campaign Medal, and an Overseas Service Ribbon. His work in Iraq involved maintaining the water supply systems for his military camp in Western Iraq, near the Syrian border, and he had shifts guarding third country nationals.
Shaun was the most selfless person I know. He helped everyone in our community. He saved his neighbor from a house fire; he didn’t even think twice before running into her house to help her get out safely. He would always be a phone call away for ANYONE. If it was needing a hand to do work around your house, helping your business with any HVAC work, or just showing unconditional kindness to anyone and everyone he came in contact with.
The day of his passing was hard on us all, even the local community. When the phone call came through to the fire department, people who were off duty that night showed up to his home because everyone was in such disbelief that he was gone. The amount of support shown for us was great, as he was “just that kind of person, always willing and ready to help anyone who needed it.” He cared, regardless of what he was battling on the inside. His funeral was the biggest service I have ever seen or been to. I couldn’t have been more proud of him by seeing the amount of people who came to show their love for him that day. Words cannot express that feeling. Even after 6 years of his passing, any person in the community who sees my last name “Mooney” – the first thing they always say is “Oh! You’re Shaun’s little sister? He was such an amazing guy and we were completely devastated to hear about his loss. He was one of the good ones.” That’s how much of an influence he made on everyone he knew. That is why I am sharing his story now. My goal since his passing is to have him continue to help people with his story, to bring awareness to Veteran Suicide, and to be able to continue to help not only other Veterans and Active Duty members, but also their families. Shaun’s legacy is one for the books. I am so incredibly proud to call him my brother.
I have so many memories with my brother. He was genuinely one of a kind. And I hope I am at least half the amazing person he was.” – Brianna Mooney, Shaun’s little sister.
Home: Halethorpe, Maryland
Final resting place: Maryland Veterans Cemetery – Crownsville
