With the media furor over his mother, Cindy, the MSM and many of us have forgotten about US Army Specialist Casey Sheehan. It is high time we remember who he was and in what he believed. He deserves our respect. . . and, he deserves that the truth of his life be known.
Born on May 29 1979, Casey Sheehan’s values became evident as a child. He began serving as an altar boy at his Catholic Church when he was eight years old and continued for 10 years. Casey loved Scouting. He was a Cub Scout, Boy Scout and attained the rank of Eagle Scout in 1996. He was only the second young man to be awarded that honor in his troop — Boy Scout Troop 180.
After graduating with honors from high school, he received an Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Drama from Solano Community College. Immediately following graduation, Casey enlisted in the United States Army in May of 2000. In August of 2003, Casey re-enlisted — knowing that his unit was being shipped out to Iraq. And, in March of 2004, that is exactly where the First Calvary Division was sent.
His division arrived in a then-hotly contested area, at Forward Operating Base (FOB) War Eagle in Sadr City. Less than a month after his arrival at the base, Casey Sheehan volunteered as part of a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) to rescue American soldiers whom had pinned down during a riot. On April 4, 2004, Casey was killed in action while completing the QRF’s objective. They came under fire from rock-propelled grenades and small arms fire. Casey was 24.
At his funeral, the Army presented his family with Casey’s Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals. According to the Army, Casey was a hero.
It is clear that Casey Sheehan believed in his service to his country and gave his life to help save fellow soldiers. He re-enlisted knowing he would be sent to Iraq. He could have stayed home. Knowing what we now know about Casey, isn’t it time we stood up and spoke for him? He died for our country, for his fellow soldiers, for the Iraqi people and for the sake of freedom. We owe him no less than to acknowledge the truth of his life and remember him for the fine soldier he was. We can honor his life — even if his own mother will not.