Sgt. Shawna M. Morrison

Sgt. Shawna M. Morrison

Shawna M. Morrison Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 28, 2005.
Before she went to Iraq, Shawna Morrison was understandably worried. Not necessarily about roadside bombs, the insurgency, the heat or the language barrier _ but spiders. Her father, Rick Morrison, said Shawna was most concerned about rumors of creepycrawlies the size of paper plates that could jump 6 feet. "We spent many hours looking for spider spray," he said. "And she never saw one." Rick Morrison said his daughter was a bundle of energy. "She was super. She had a bubbly personality," he said. "She was a person you always wanted to be around. She wore her heart on her sleeve." Shawna Morrison, 26, of Paris. Ill., died Sept. 5 when mortar rounds struck her base on the western outskirts of Baghdad. She was stationed in Paris, Ill. Morrison attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and worked two jobs, one as a waitress and the other as a bartender, to put herself through school. "She''s always been very independent," said her father. "She never asked us for a dime from day one when she moved out." Morrison also is survived by her mother, Cindy Morrison.

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Sign Shawna M. Morrison's Guest Book

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July 3, 2024

Kevin posted to the memorial.

July 4, 2023

Someone posted to the memorial.

August 27, 2021

Someone posted to the memorial.

Kevin

July 3, 2024

Happy Birthday! You are remembered always.

July 4, 2023

Shawna:
Happy Birthday in heaven & Happy 4th of
July!

August 27, 2021

Shawna:

January 16, 2021

Shawna: This world isn’t the same without you. Miss you, my friend!

Marie

T. M.

July 3, 2017

Happy Birthday in heaven, Shawna! You will never be forgotten.

Mia

May 29, 2017

Thinking of Shawna on Memorial Day and always.

Kevin

July 3, 2016

Happy Birthday! I still think of you often. You are missed.

December 23, 2015

Still not forgotten, Shawna.

David

September 5, 2014

You were a good friend to me. And I haven't had many. I still think about you every day, and I try to live a life that is worthy of your sacrifice.

T. M.

July 24, 2014

Shawna will never be forgotten.

Harry Murphy

March 11, 2014

Parents, family and friends of Sgt. Shawna M. Morrison
Purely by accident, I came across Shawna's story. first, my heartfelt condolences. Secondly, I would like to say thanks to the parents for raising such a wonderful daughter. I would like also to say thanks to Shawna who choose to live life for a higher cause. Shawna will forever be an inspiration to me. I will be sharing Shawna's story with students at my school (I'm a school counselor). Maybe they too can learn from Shawna the meaning of loyalty, honor, and character. Maybe they too can learn to live life for a higher cause.

March 20, 2013

On the 10th anniversary of the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom, I give pause to stop and express my gratitude to Shawna for her service and dedication for all of us.

cheryl martin

March 20, 2013

thankkkkyouforyourservice

Thom

September 8, 2012

~ Thanks H.P. for bringing me back to this place of memory of Shawna Morrison. I think of Sgt. Morrison often and I try to show some of the courage she had in the things I encounter in my days and I shall be forever thankful to, as a civilian, have met and known her in the desert of Iraq so that I might know what true courage is. Her kindness and her strength were always apparent.

H. P.

September 6, 2012

R.I.P. SGT Morrison
It is easy to venture into a dangerous region without knowing that your life was in danger. Yet you did it and this shows your true and humane commitment to the freedom of others for which heaven was awarded to you by God. Live good in heaven for an eternal life there. You will not be forgotten.

Kevin Kydd

December 16, 2011

Hey, boo. I was just thinking about you today with the news that the mission in Iraq is finally over. I came to visit you a couple months ago. I left something there for you. You're in my heart forever.

H. P.

September 6, 2011

R.I.P. for ever SGT Shawna M. Morrison
Your sacrifice for the freedom of others will not be forgotten. Where you belong now is a Heaven the Almighty God destined for His true children. Live good in Heaven and may God bless you there.

Peggy Childers

September 5, 2011

To the family and friends of Sgt. Shawna M. Morrison:
Please accept my remembrance of Shawna on the anniversary of her passing and know that she will never be forgotten.

mary young

May 30, 2011

Saluting your veteran this Memorial Day.

mary newman

February 26, 2011

God bless your family

mary newman

February 26, 2011

I am orginal from champaign, Ill. My son was born in Champaign. He went to Iraq in 2005 and he came back. In 2008 he died of cancer, at the age of 41. Thank you for your fallen hero daughter. God bless

B. Louis Frenkel

February 15, 2011

After all these years you are still never far from my thoughts.

Peggy Childers

September 5, 2010

To the family and friends of Sgt. Shawna M. Morrison:
Remembering Shawna on the anniversary of her passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Jimmy

June 24, 2010

Years later, and I still miss you.

Richard Schüller/Germany

May 25, 2010

All free people in the world respect and value what US Soldiers do for our freedom! Freedom is not for free. I regret that it costs so many brave Soldiers lifes.

Arlene Cohen

October 8, 2009

October 8, 2009
Port Jefferson Station, NY.
While walking my little Yorkie something shiny shaped like a dog tag caught my eye on the road. I put it in my pocket to read when I got home. The silver shaped dog tag had Shawna's name(Sgt. Shawna M. Morrison) on it and the day she gave her life for our country, Sept. 5, 2004. After doing some research on the web I located more detailed information about Shawna where she came from, and of course landed at this site. I don't know if this tag was lost by a family member or was sent out by an organization soliciting donations. It is a long way from Illinois. Regardless, I am touched by the enormous sacrifice Shawna and her family have made. If contacted by a family member I will be happy to return it. Until then I will put this tag on my key chain and carry it with great pride.
[email protected]

patrick zamora

September 17, 2009

sorry about shawna she was such a good person.

sgt Patrick Zamora
royal australian army

Kenna Larra

September 9, 2009

”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,750 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Mothers of our heroes, please be aware that the Project Compassion sponsors will now help cover the costs of the portraits for you to have one - regardless if the spouse of the hero has one or not!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Project Compassion
P.O. Box 153
Manti, Utah 84642

Peggy Childers

September 5, 2009

To the family of Sgt. Shawna M. Morrison:
Shawna 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

In honor of Shawna Morrison

Daniel Sanderman

July 12, 2009

Dear Family of Sgt. Morrison,

I've had the opportunity to read about Shawna's life, courage, and sacrifice thanks to the hobby of geocaching. I know that nothing any of us say can in any way compensate for your loss. But know that there are many out there who are thinking of Shawna and honoring her sacrifice.

Robert Ness

May 29, 2009

Dear Family of Sgt Morrison,
Your daughter's sacrifice, and your decision to share it with us in this manner, has inspired me and no doubt countless others into a renewed desire to serve our country and contribute to its advancement. It is because of her legacy, not just as a soldier but as a self-supporting student, that we can collectively leave a greater legacy of American values for the benefit of human history.

SHIRLEY DONEY

May 24, 2009

REST IN PEACE SGT. MORRISON, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
GOD BLESS YOU

Pastor Frank Noyes

September 16, 2008

Dear family of Sgt Shawana M. Morrison,

We want to say thank you. We understand that no words can be adequate for your sorrow. We certainly do not want to intrude upon your privacy. As Americans we want you to know that we deeply appreciate the ultimate sacrifice your loved one has made for all of us. We also would like for you to be aware that with this letter comes our special concern and prayers for you. We are all safer because young men and women who love their country, and know the value of a free nation, are willing to put themselves in harms way, and lay down their lives to keep this nation free and safe for all of us.
Your sacrifice is also very great. We know that we can give little comfort; however, the knowledge that your loved one did not die in vain, but died in the service of our country, gives each of us a noble example of the value of life, and the responsibility of freedom. We hope this will bring pride and comfort to you.
We at Gethsemane Church believe that there is purpose to life. We send this letter with our deepest appreciation for the greatest of sacrifices, you and your loved one have given to this country. We know it is not enough, but please allow us to assure you that your loved one is not forgotten.


Very Sincerely

Frank G. Noyes
Frank G. Noyes (Pastor)


Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
(Jn. 15:13)

In Memory of Shawna ~ (Debra Estep)

September 5, 2008

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.


I did not know Shawna, but I am remembering
her service. She is my hero. !

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008


The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol



Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

Aliska Pond

August 19, 2008

Shawna, girl I miss you so much and think about you almost daily anymore.

I remember the talk that we had at Marseilles during the SRP when you were telling me how worried you were about something happening to one of your Soldiers and how excited you were to be doing something important. I said to you before you left that you were so smart and that you didn't need to worry and you would be fine.......I am sorry that it wasn't.

I pray for strength for your family and everyone that loves you honey.

We all love you and miss you. God is not only the one who blesses us, He is truly blessed to have you and that contagious smile with him now.

You will never be forgotten. I love ya chica ~ Momma P.

April 18, 2008

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt Morrison!

Erin Fennessey

January 31, 2008

From a Sister Solder,
I know there are no words to encompass your loss. I can only imagine how my parents would have felt if something had happened to me when I served. I hope that Shawna's strength in life as your daughter and as a solder, now provides you a measure of her strength to carry on. God bless and keep you.

Lynn Deppe

November 21, 2007

I just can't let these American hero's be forgotten in my mind. I did not know Sgt. Morrison but am touched by her character and strength. To the Morrison family, I feel a deep sadness in my heart for your loss and yet, great pride in what she has done for my family and I. Thank you Sgt. Morrison for keeping watch of my family. May God's peach fill the hearts of your great family.

August 1, 2007

If this person can stand in battle to ensure my freedom, then I will stand in grief with his/her family to honor him/her. 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 guest book for the rest of my life, but I promised LE RON A. WILSON (a dear friend KIA 7/6/07, 18yrs old) that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

July 12, 2007

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Sgt Morrison and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses her! May God bless all of you!!

Scott

January 1, 2007

Nothing is more noble than to give your life for another brother or sister. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your dedication and for our freedom. May God bless your family and give them comfort.

Garnet Jenkins

September 5, 2006

Paying tribute to Sgt. Shawna M. Morrison, on the anniversary of the day she gave her life, for our Country, with a Great Amount of Thanks for her service and dedication to our Country and for Freedom.

May Shawna rest, in the Mighty Hands of God and know that she shall NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

May God's Loving Grace and Comfort continue to be with the Morrison family.

Those who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice, So Many and So Young, are our True American Heroes.

My brother among them. KIA-Vietnam 1967.



"Some people come into our lives and stay for a short while, others leave footprints on our hearts that will last forever." ~Author Unknown~



May the memories of your loved one live in your heart always.

Tom Gugliuzza-Smith

May 9, 2006

My heartfelt sympathy to the Morrison family in the loss of Shawna. I did not know Shawna, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young lady 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. Shwana it has been 20 months since you were taken. You are a hero and you will never be forgotten.

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~

Dale

April 12, 2006

I feel it is the responsibility of every American to at least read the names of the brave Americans that have made the ultimate of all sacrifices. Although not personally acquainted, I feel the loss. God Bless Shawana Morrisonand and her family. God Bless the 1544th Transportation. God Bless the United States Army. Most of all, God Bless America.

Vince van Geuns (The Netherlands)

October 30, 2005

Shawna, I salute you and all your fallen comrades. You've paid the ultimate price while serving your country. That should never be forgotten by all who enjoy the freedom you defended.

I'll remember you.

Matthew Smith

August 14, 2005

Thanks for being there for the country and keeping us safe. You are in my prayers.

Carolyn Evans

July 19, 2005

I remember in 1991 that America was on their knees in prayer in behalf of the American soldier until their soldier came home. Some of us are still waiting to see our soldier come home. We can only go to them now and one day we will. Sgt. Morrison, You will never be just another name on the wall. God Bless America.

Gwen Young

July 6, 2005

God bless you and your family. I pray that this war is over soon.

Charles Henry

May 20, 2005

Thank you for your sacrifice Shawna and family. You are in a nations prayers. You are in mine.

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July 3, 2024

Kevin posted to the memorial.

July 4, 2023

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August 27, 2021

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