Schools

Bracelets Honor Fallen Dunedin Soldier's Legacy

Zack Shannon's older brother Steve set out to honor his marksmanship legacy in the Dunedin High School Navy JROTC program through a bracelet scholarship fundraiser.

Steve Shannon's silicone wristbands are 400 strong.

He brought them all to U.S. Army Spc. Zack Shannon's Celebration of Life at the VFW Post Sunday, in hopes of raising money for a future scholarship in the fallen soldier's name.

Zack spent four years in the Navy JROTC program at Dunedin High, where he earned expert marksmanship honors three years running, before enlisting in the Army as a UH-60 Blackhawk mechanic in 2010. 

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It was a feat for which Zack was proud. He displayed it in his Facebook profile, along with his devotion to service.

i decided to join the army instead of go to college.but this makes me part of a proud few that stand alone.im not the best runner but i make up for that with my 40/40 expert marksmanship.

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Zack Shannon, 21, died March 11 when his helicopter went down during a night vision operation in Afghanistan.

Older brother Steve Shannon, 25, an Army reservist who also went through the NJROTC program at Dunedin High, wanted to sell enough of the customized wristbands to ensure Zack's legacy lives on at their alma mater.

The proceeds would be put toward a scholarship in Zack's name that Steve hopes would be awarded to the NJROTC expert marksman at Dunedin High every year.

Between 800 and 1,000 friends, family members and well-wishers visited the celebration of Zack's life throughout the day.

Steve Shannon's Army color wristbands, black with yellow block letters spelling out "R.I.P. SPC ZACK SHANNON," sold for $5 each at a table near the door.

He sold them all.

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Related Coverage:

  • Honor Fallen Spc. Zack Shannon: What to Know
  • Soldier's Family Speaks: Shannon Willing to Go in Another's Place


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