Staff Sgt. Ron Shurer, Medal of Honor Recipient, Passes at 41
Staff Sergeant Ron Shurer
Skippy sends us the sad news of MOH Awardee Ron Shurer’s passing of cancer. He was 41.
Staff Sgt. Ron Shurer, Medal of Honor recipient who saved lives in Afghanistan, dead at 41 after cancer battle
By Michael Ruiz, Jennifer Griffin
Former Army Staff Sgt. Ronald J. Shurer II, who received the Medal of Honor from President Trump in 2018 for his actions under enemy fire in Afghanistan a decade earlier, has died. He was 41.
He had been battling lung cancer for years, and his most recent social media posts indicated his condition was worsening.
Sources close to the family told Fox News that he lost his fight Thursday morning, days after he was placed on a ventilator.
The Alaska native deployed to Afghanistan as an Army medic and later served in the White House as a Secret Service officer.
Shurer, a former Green Beret, was part of the Special Operations Task Force-33 during operation Enduring Freedom in 2008.
On April 6 of that year, about 200 enemy combatants attacked his unit in the Shok Valley with machine gun, sniper and rocket-propelled grenade fire, according to the White House.
Shurer was the only medic on the mission, which consisted of several dozen American Special Forces soldiers and 100 Afghan commandos, President Trump said during the Medal of Honor ceremony.
The lead portion of Shurer’s team sustained multiple casualties in the attack and found itself pinned against the mountainside. He treated injured soldiers along the way as he fought toward the front, where he stabilized four more soldiers — then carried them himself to the base of the mountain, using his body as a shield, and loaded them onto a helicopter for evacuation.
Fair winds and following seas, Staff Sergeant Shurer. Read the entire article here: Fox News
Thanks, Skippy.
Category: Guest Link, The Warrior Code, Valor
Always sad to lose a distinguished hero veteran, RIP…
What is up with that picture?
In his full dress uniform…didn’t shave?
Was a civilian at the time of the award?
Even then, why not shave?
His big brass balls prevented it.
RIP
Two possible explanations. First, he was on the Secret Service’s tac team. Basically the President’s personal SWAT team. Perhaps he needed the beard as cover? Second, he’d been fighting cancer for a while. As I’ve heard it his body was riddled with the stuff. Don’t know if or why that would preclude shaving though.
At times, it’s advised to not shave for fear of infection, regardless of how slight.
An interview with his wife on Military.com:
“Some people complained that he had the beard,” she said, but “that’s one of the challenges of the cancer battle. He couldn’t shave then because of his cancer. The chemo caused really bad skin rashes.”
RIP SSG Shurer
Because he didn’t have to? Didn’t want to? Didn’t have to satisfy anyone but himself?? And had a medical team that advised against it?
I cannot even imagine that more than a very few folks would be so petty as to even notice.
WELL SAID.
Yes, Well Said!
Look closer.
Probably used the same clipper on top.
You can see the damage on his face and neck. He might have left more on his face to reduce the visual impact.
Or, you can simply look at that blue-ribbon shaving profile he is wearing around his neck, and say “not really for me to judge -this- man’s grooming”.
God’s Speed and Fare Well to this True American Hero, Former Staff Sergeant Ron Shurer. God’s Blessing bring His Peace and Comfort to your Family and Compatriots.
From the Article. “…enlisted after 2nd attempt (turned down for medical reasons) after 9/11 attacks to serve his Country in some small way.” “…while shielding them with his body…”
Only the good die young. Green Bay Rhett Posers claiming service with SSG Shurer in 5.4.3.2..
Rest well warrior
Rest in peace, Sir. Let no impious footstep tread the herbage of your grave.
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/bivouac.htm
May the road rise to meet him and the wind be always at his back.
Godspeed, Mr. Shurer.
Stand down, Soldier. You’ve done more than anyone can ask.
This is so sad. Obviously his mission here on Earth was done. But he will be missed by many. May they find comfort during this time and eventual peace in having him with them for a while.
The good among us carry such heavy loads.
It’s not fair. It’s not right. Dammit.
Rest well.
May you be in heaven an hour before the devil knows you’re dead.
Rest in Peace SSgt Shurer.
Indeed.
‘Til we meet in the Great AA in the Sky, Rest Easy Warrior. Thank you for what you did here on Terrestrial TDY.
Medal of Honor, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Special Forces……….
Where do we get warriors like this.
Rest in peace Staff Sgt. Ron Shurer and comfort to your family.
*Slow Salute*
(Salute)
Rest in Peace.
Rest in peace, Staff Sgt. Ron Shurer
“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.”
George S. Patton
I grieve for SSG Shurer’s family. I thank God that a man like him lived.
Amen
This past December 6th, 2019, a statue was dedicated to SSG Ronald Shurer II at Rogers High School, Puyallup, WA, in his honor. SSG Shurer was a 1997 graduate there. His father had been stationed at McChord AFB back then.
Three days prior to his visit, a statue of him was dedicated at the entrance to the High School following fundraising by the local VFW. SSG Shurer visited classrooms throughout the day.
A couple more links I found, the first was him intubated in the hospital with his wife prior to his death.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAIrKpypdQC/?igshid=1154ccj1tyl2h
https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/shurer/