Family Shows Gratitude for Fallen Soldier It Never Knew

Pam Ricco never met Army Spc. Zack Shannon before his death.

But on Monday, she came to Pinehurst Road with twin daughters Bethany and Faith to pay tribute to him with hundreds of others. The mass of people on Pinehurst had gathered for the arrival of Shannon’s remains in a memorial parade.

Bethany and Faith made a sign reading “Thank You Zack” in red and blue markers and drew red and blue stars on it.

Shannon, 21, was one of five people who died March 11 when his helicopter went down during a night vision operation in Kandahar, Afghanistan. 

Ricco has been following coverage of the dead soldier. She doesn’t know the family, but she noticed the mother is from Philadelphia, which is also her hometown. They could have been best friends.

She got visibly emotional when talking about Shannon’s death and the family's sacrifice. She said she felt like the family didn’t just lose a son, the community did.

“I just want to say thank you to Zack’s family,” Ricco said. “Thank you for your sacrifice. God bless you all.”

Ricco’s daughters, who are both 9 and attend the Academie Da Vinci Charter School, also wanted to express gratitude.

“I wanted to say thank you for protecting us,” one girl said.

“God bless you, Zack,” said the other. “And I hope the family’s OK and stays safe.”

More Coverage:

• Remember Fallen Dunedin Soldier Spc. Zack Shannon

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