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Hershel McCants Obituary
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 6 p.m. from the McReynolds-Nave and Larson Chapel with the Rev. Roy Rogers officiating. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will Tuesday, Feb. 27 from 4 until 6 p.m. at the funeral home. McReynolds-Nave and Larson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
McCants was born April 2, 1973, in Medford, Ore. He originally enlisted in the U.S. Army as a combat engineer in Oct. 1991 and attended basic and advanced individual training at Fort Leonard Wood. His first duty assignment as a combat engineer was at Fort Bragg, N.C., from May through Nov. 1996. McCants attended the special forces engineer course, and upon graduation was assigned to 1st Special Forces Group Airborne at Fort Lewis, Wash. He spent three years in 1st SFG(A) where he obtained the rank of Staff Sgt. before applying for flight school.
He applied for and was accepted into the Warrant Officer entry program in 2000. He graduated from the Warrant Officer Program, Warrant Officer Basic Course and Initial Entry Rotary Wing training at Fort Rucker, Ala., in 2001.
After completing his UH-60 aircraft qualifications at Fort Rucker, Ala., he was assigned as a Tactical Operations Officer and Aero-medical Evacuation Pilot with the 5Fourth Medical Company, 6Second Medical Brigade, Fort Lewis, Wash. He assessed for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) in 2005 and was assigned to B Company, Second Battalion, 160th SOAR, at Fort Campbell, Ky.
Chief Warrant Officer McCants' schools include the Special Forces Qualification Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, CH-47 Aircraft Qualifications Course, Special Operations Training Course, Sapper Leader Course, and the Combat Lifesaver Course.
McCants' awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, two Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, two Humanitarian Service Medals, two N.C.O. Professional Development Ribbons, Army Service Ribbon,Army Aviator Bade, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge and the Air Assault Badge. He was posthumously awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Medal.
He is survived by his wife, Shannon, his son, Trevor, 11, his daughter, Kylie, 11 months, all of Clarksville, Tenn.; father and stepmother, Hershel and Elaine McCants Sr., of Camp Verde, Ariz.; mother and stepfather, Goldie and Larry Jo Murphy of Phoenix, Ariz; stepbrothers, MGS Michael Lee Wilson, SFC Marshal Brian Wilson; sister, Rashelle Marie Ranft of Sunflower, Ariz.; stepsister, Heather McCants Demick of Camp Verde, Ariz.; maternal grandparents, Harold and Margie Harget of Prineville, Ore.
Military will serve as pallbearers.
Arrangements in the care of McReynolds-Nave and Larson Funeral Home, (931) 647-3371.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Hershel McCants
S. Allen
February 19, 2012
With the utmost respect I express my heartfelt condolences to the family of CWO Hershel McCants Jr for the ultimate sacrifice. God Bless you
Peggy Childers
February 18, 2012
To the family and friends of Chief Warrant Officer Hershel McCants:
Always remembering Hershel. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
February 18, 2011
To the family and friends of Chief Warrant Officer Hershel McCants:
Please accept my remembrance of Hershel on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
S. Allen
May 31, 2010
Forever Remembered an American Hero.
Peggy Childers
February 18, 2010
To the family and friends of Chief Warrant Officer Hershel McCants:
Remembering Hershel on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
S. Allen
February 18, 2010
With the utmost respect I express my heartfelt condolences to the family of CWO Hershel McCants Jr for the ultimate sacrifice. God Bless you.
S. Allen
May 24, 2009
Never Forgotten.
May 6, 2009
Son I am so proud of the child I watched grow to such a wonderfull man. I know you loved your job and left knowing you gave it your all. When you left you took a piece of my heart. I will see you someday to get it back. Until then I miss you sooooo much each day. I have devoted my remaining life as a Gold Star Mother assuring you and all other soldiers who paid such a high price is never forgotten. I love you! Mom
Goldie Murphy
May 6, 2009
Son I am so proud of the child I watched grow to such a wonderfull man. I know you loved your job and left knowing you gave it your all. When you left you took a piece of my heart. I will see you someday to get it back. Until then I miss you sooooo much each day. I have devoted my remaining life as a Gold Star Mother assuring you and all other soldiers who paid such a high price is never forgotten. I love you! Mom
Surviving wife, Shannon McCants
May 4, 2009
I miss you so much Dan....wish you were here with us. You will NEVER be forgotten. Love always, ME
Skip Hammons
February 22, 2009
Miss you
Peggy Childers
February 18, 2009
To the family of Chief Warrant Officer Hershel McCants:
Hershel gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
June 20, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Chief Warrant Officer McCants!
August 9, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by CWO McCants and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
August 8, 2007
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON (KIA on 07/06/07) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
Lee Sirotnak
July 8, 2007
Please accept our sympathy for your loss, and our prayers that God sustain you in this time of sorrow. We are ever thankful for the work and sacrifice of your Soldier, and will honor his memory by keeping him and your family in our prayers.
ROBYN Garside
May 13, 2007
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.
A PROUD MARINE MOM
Mary Ghaney
May 9, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sandy Bonesteel
April 14, 2007
As the mother of a son (my only child) who is enlisted in the Army, I want to send my condolences.
mike sullivan
April 9, 2007
thank you american hero
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
March 29, 2007
My heartfelt sympathy to the McCants family in the loss of Hershel. I did not know Hershel, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Hershel you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten. I live close to ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY and I visit there three to five days a week. I promise each time I am at ANC I will visit/honor Hershel.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
"To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Trudy Lowe
March 28, 2007
My heartfelt sympathies to your family. My heart breaks with each new name added to this list, and I am saddened by your loss. Know that you are surrounded by prayers, grace and the deep gratitude of all who live in freedom. My God hold you in his arms and grant you peace. Please find joy in the memories of your loved one and comfort knowing so many are holding you in their hearts.
March 26, 2007
To the family of Hershel McCants,
I am very sorry for your loss. To say I know what you are going through is nothing short of the truth. My best friend, TSgt Scott Duffman, was on board the night of the crash, and also was lost. We wanted you and your family to know that we continue to think of you and pray that your pain is only lessened by your wonderful memories. I pray your Childern will know their Daddy for the hero that he is....
With heavy hearts in North Carolina,
The Cox Family
Fred
March 14, 2007
It is with deep sadness that I am forced to honor the memory of another fallen Warrior. I ask the family and friends of Chief Warrant Officer Hseshel McCants to accept the offer of my most sincere and heart felt condolences. I hope that you know that your loss is shared by a grateful America. Most of whom you have not met and in all probability will never meet. Our nation sincerely appreciates the sacrifices of your patriot.
Freedom is not free; it is paid for by our heroes!
I know the pain parents feel when they loose a child. I lost a son 19 years ago. It is a pain that defies description. It is a pain that never goes away. It is a pain that will never end. It is a pain that is all consuming. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
May God Bless and keep you today, tomorrow and forever!
Rest in Peace Brave Warrior; you did your duty with great honor, dedication and in the Highest Airborne Tradition.
Semper Fidelis
Karen Hickman
March 5, 2007
On behalf of Gold Star Siblings, please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Pat L
March 4, 2007
I am so very sorry about the loss of your precious loved one. One of Americas finest sons & a Hero to us. I honor Chief Warrant Officer McCants today& always for his service & ultimate sacrifice. God Bless You & I pray that the Lord will shelter you in His arms especially at this sorrowful time.
Glen
March 3, 2007
“Soldier”
Written to Honor the Service of Our Fallen Soldiers
Soldiers write history…they pay the price
Many miles distant, you live the life
Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still
We hope and pray that all will find peace
In God, in the flag, in memories of valor
Gone now, our pride and courage you see
“An Army of One” our motto forever
Willing to risk all for love of our Brothers
We’re still Your Soldiers…and we showed the way
Our Lives too short, now pray for the others
Lived free died Heroes in lands far away
Deep within souls all cherished our Service
We’ll always have what some never know
Courage and Honor, our names forever
Lived life with purpose…just our time to go
We march in the Heavens with Honor and Glory
Missions accomplished we fought the Good Fight
Many years from now…we’ll tell the full story
Until that Day we will live in the Light
Our lives we laid down in a land far away
Still watching o’er you this night and by day
No need to talk…just know we are with you
There in your hearts and we hear what you pray
Yes we are your soldiers
Our lives we laid down
Still We guard o’er you
Still Duty bound
Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still
We’ll always have what some never know
Lived life with purpose…it was our time to go
B C
March 3, 2007
My deepest sympathy to the wife, children, family and friends of Chief Warrant Officer McCants. May God surround you with love and strength. This fallen hero will always be remembered with pride and gratitude for his service to our country.
March 1, 2007
To the Family and Friends of this Soldier:
I will stand in grief with this soldier's family to honor him. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and as you mourn this loss.
We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten. You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well.
To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is your wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever.
If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero.
God Bless this soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA
Dennis (USMC - Viet Nam) & Pam Robertson
February 28, 2007
We are saddened at the loss of another young soldier, a hero. May God embrace and comfort you during this time of great sorrow. You are in our thoughts and prayers. In memory of our nephew Lance Cpl James R. Davenport KIA 11/22/06
Gary Allain
February 28, 2007
An Eagle has fallen
Chief Warrant officer Hershen McCants.
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.
SHIRLEY DONEY
February 27, 2007
GOD BLESS YOU MY FRIEND YOU HAVE EARNED YOUR WINGS IN HEAVEN TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS HOLD CLOSE TO YOUR HEART ALL THE MEMORIES MAY THEY BRING YOU COMFORT
Garnet Jenkins
February 27, 2007
Please know how Deeply Sorry I am to learn of the loss of Chief Warrant Officer Hershel McCants,
The price this Brave Young Soldier and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, Will Never Be Forgotten.
May Hershel rest safely in the Loving Care of God and may the Grace and Comfort of the Lord be with the McCants family.
There will Never Be Enough Ways to Humbly Thank these Heroes for their Supreme Sacrifice, my brother among them. KIA~Vietnam, 1967.
"I consider that our present sufferings.
are not worth comparing with the glory
that shall be revealed in us."
Romans 8:18
May you find Peace in knowing the love and memories you have, will remain in your heart forever and that this Country Will Not Forget Hershel's Sacrifice.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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