Shaun’s Story

I guess my love for the military started when I was a young boy playing with my GI Joe’s and listening to stories of my grandfather being in the Air Force during World War II and even more stories about my great uncle who also served in the military. My grandfather was a heavy equipment operator in the War and served overseas. My uncle took after my grandfather and joined the Air Force as well. I looked up to my uncle and wanted to be in the Air Force like him and my Grandfather. I knew from a young age that I wanted to serve our country. I grew up in a small town in Southeast Kentucky that didn’t have a lot of opportunity. I joined the JROTC in my high school and military was a natural progression for myself. As soon as I graduated high school, I signed up to serve. I left for basic training in August of 1996. I proudly served in the Air Force from August of 1996-August of 2000 as a structural journeyman in Engineering.

During my time I visited man places, including Germany, Saudi Arabia, Japan and Hawaii. I was awarded with the Air Force Achievement Medal (twice), the AF Training Ribbon, AF Outstanding Unit Award twice), AF Good Conduct Medal, the AF Expeditionary Medal (twice), the AF Overseas Long Tour Ribbon. I was also honored with a homemade Koa Canoe from the Civil Engineering Department in Hawaii when I was discharged. I returned from the military to help my mother with my siblings. I have a total of 8 brothers and 1 sister. Shortly after my return, my brother joined the Army and served for 8 years. He was stationed in Korea, California, Iraq and Hawaii. My brother served
during the Iraq War. I met my wife in 2007 and moved to Florida where we began raising a family. My wife’s grandfather served in the Army during World War II and her uncle served in the Army during Vietnam. In fact her grandfather was a recipient of the Purple Heart which they didn’t find out until after he passed away.

Our family has the utmost respect for our country and our military. We proudly display the American Flag every day. There is no greater honor than being called a “Veteran”. As a parent, I hope that my children will understand the honor that is serving your country. Our son was in JROTC for all four years of his high school and will be attending Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in the fall to start training to be a pilot. He plans to join either the Air Force or the Army when he graduates and fly helicopters for our country.

My little man has dreams of following in his Daddy’s footsteps and joining the Air Force as well but he’s only 8 and also wants to play for MLB. My little girl plans to be President of the United States and as scary as that sounds I am proud that my children understand the importance of serving our country and being proud to be an American.

As we say, God Bless America.

Shaun Russell, Proud Veteran of the USA

SFR Services was proud to be able to help this patriotic American family obtain a new roof for their home. God Bless America and thank you and your family for your service!