#VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Brett D. Shadle

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran Brett D. Shadle, who served from 2000-2013 during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Originally from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Brett Shadle enlisted in the Navy in 2000. In September, he completed basic training at the Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, Illinois.

Shadle trained as an information systems technician until he left for Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training in February 2001. Following SEAL Qualification Training, Shadle earned his SEAL Trident in April 2002.

He was subsequently assigned to SEAL Team 4 based in Little Creek, Virginia serving from 2002 until December 2007. Following this assignment, he then went to serve with Naval Special Warfare Development Group. Shadle deployed multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom serving as a team leader and assaulter.

For his actions in Iraq and Afghanistan, Shadle earned two Bronze Star medals with Valor, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and several service ribbons.

On March 28, 2013, Shadle died during a parachute training accident near Tucson, Arizona. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

We honor his service.

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Contributors

Editor: Michelle Cannon

Fact checker: Jordan Gossett

Graphic artist: Michelle Zischke