Note: This message was originally sent on April 25, 2024
Many Gonzaga alumni and alumni of the Bulldog Battalion were in attendance at Arlington to show their support for Shane’s family. I received a text from Alan Westfield that read,
“Emotions continue to swirl. Prayers continue to flow. In person and faraway support is felt and helpful!”
A reception was held immediately following the service, which was partially funded by several anonymous Gonzaga University benefactors. Thank you to all the alumni and Gonzaga friends who have rallied together in support of Shane’s wife Samantha and all of their family, including Shane’s brother, Joshua Barnes (‘14). Shane’s family has discussed plans for a memorial service for Shane this coming fall on campus—we will keep everyone informed as plans are certain.
Shane was a Blackhawk pilot, a Gonzaga ROTC alum and served in Korea followed by deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, where he supported Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve. Shane received more than a dozen military awards, including the Distinguished Flying Cross with “V” Device for Valor, Air Medal, Combat Action Badge, Army Commendation Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. Shane and four other service members died in a helicopter crash over the Mediterranean Sea on Friday, Nov. 10, while conducting a routine air refueling mission.
You may read more about Shane here. In particular, I share this reflection from a 2015 Jesuit High School interview, Shane expressed the importance of being a “Man for Others.” He said, “I learned to devote myself to something greater than myself at Jesuit. I have always felt called to service, and the Army has given purpose and meaning to that call. The legacy I choose to leave is that I defended those I love.”
Showing love and extending hands to one another in times of need is what this community does and will continue to do. Bless you, Barnes family, and all who are praying for you yesterday, today and in days ahead.
(The photo included in this message was taken in 2011 during the Bulldog Battalion Awards Ceremony held in St. Aloysius Gonzaga Church. Shane, right, is being presented with the Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas E. Williams Leadership Excellence Awardfrom Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas E. Williams (RIP). The award is given to a Bulldog Battalion senior who exemplifies the Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, integrity and personal courage. Photo by Jerry Rolwes.)