Fallen Zack Shannon Bracelets Fund First Scholarship

William Giardini became the first sharp-shooting recipient of a scholarship from bracelets sold in memory of Dunedin's fallen soldier Spc. Zack Shannon.

Shannon, 21, who once told his mother he'd gladly take the place of a fellow soldier on deployment, died March 11 when his helicopter went down during a night vision operation in Afghanistan.

Shannon spent four years in the Navy Jr ROTC program at Dunedin High and earned expert marksmanship honors three years in a row before enlisting in the Army as a UH-60 Blackhawk mechanic in 2010. 

Shannon's "40/40 expert marksmanship" was a feat for which he was proud. He often teased his older brother Steven Shannon, also a former Dunedin NJROTC cadet, about being a better marksman.

It's what inspired Steven Shannon and Cadet Ensign Dakota Guthrie to start selling customized, silicone Army-color wristbands — black with yellow block letters spelling out "R.I.P. SPC ZACK SHANNON" — to keep the fallen soldier's legacy alive in the Dunedin NJROTC program.

Cadet Chief Petty Officer William Giardini, a junior in the Dunedin program, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship for his expert marksmanship on May 1.

The bracelets sell for $5 each. Steven Shannon sold 400 at his brother's Celebration of Life. They also raised $1,950 at the Dunedin Highland Games in April.

"The important thing is that we don't want anyone to ever forget," Linda Scavuzzo, Dakota Guthrie's mother, said. "We want this scholarship to go on and on and on for the benefit for not only Zack's memory, but for his passion, which was the ROTC unit, which does so much for our youth and our community."

Want To Help?

• A supply of Zack Shannon bracelets are available for $5 each at Norton's Diner & Sports Bar.
• To make a contribution mail or drop off a check donation payable to the "Spc. Zack Shannon Scholarship Fund" at any Wells Fargo Bank.

Related Coverage:

• Dunedin Cadet's Volunteerism Instrumental in Zack Shannon Fund
• Bracelets Honor Fallen Dunedin Soldier's Legacy
• Remember Fallen Dunedin Soldier Spc. Zack Shannon

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