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Green Beret from Ashland killed in Afghanistan

Posted by Michael Warshaw July 1, 2008 08:35 AM

A highly decorated Green Beret who was a native of Ashland was killed on Saturday while on patrol in Afghanistan. The Department of Defense said Master Sgt. Shawn E. Simmons, 39, was with two other Green Berets when their vehicle, an RG-31 Mine Protected Vehicle, rolled into a river bed. Simmons, Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey M. Radamorales, 32, of Puerto Rico, and Sgt. James M. Treber, 24, of California, lost their lives.

Simmons is survived by his wife, Tricia, daughter, Erin, and son, Justin, all of North Carolina, and his mother, Alberta Simmons of Florida.

Simmons deployed to Afghanistan in May, his second tour in the country. The 16-year veteran earned the coveted Green Beret in 1999 and was assigned to Special Forces at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In 2005, he left Fort Bragg to become an instructor at the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, but returned last December.

Simmons' decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, Joint Service Achievement Medal, three Army Achievement Medals, five Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Information on his funeral services was not immediately available.

--Alice C. Elwell

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7 comments so far...

  1. Thank you so much for reporting this. The family of Shawn Simmons give their thanks to everyone and ask for prays toward Shawn's wife and two kids. God Bless them all. The family is deeply sad.....

    Posted by Tessa Skinner July 1, 08 09:53 AM

  1. God bless your noble soul.

    My son is one of you.

    Posted by Joseph F. Fogarty July 1, 08 07:41 PM

  1. MSG Simmons and I served together in Special Forces, we spoke days before his tragic death. We were friends for 10 years and shared great times together. We the men of Special Forces will miss our fallen brothers.........................

    Posted by MSG Misher July 1, 08 07:50 PM

  1. To the family of Shawn Simmons, my heart and my prayers are continually with you. Shawn will be truly missed by all those he came in contact with. He was someone who was dedicated and always seemed peaceable about everything. This news came as a big hit to the community of Hope Mills and Fayetteville and the Body of Cliffdale Christian Center. You captivated the heart of God and those who loved you. God Bless you Tricia, Erin, Justin, and mother Simmons.

    Posted by Monique Parker July 2, 08 05:01 PM

  1. MSG SIMMIONS WAS A GREAT MAN AND AN OUTSTANDING NCO. HE WAS MY (TAC) THROUGHT OUT THE SPECIAL FORCES "Q" COURSE. IT'S SAD TO HEAR OF HIS PASSING, AND I WILL NOT FORGET HIM AND THE KNOWLEDGE HE PASSED ON TO ME. YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN. P.S. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP IN ALL THE "B.S." TIMES. "De Oppresso Liber" T.A.B. 3RD SPEACIAL FORCES GROUP

    Posted by T.A.B. July 11, 08 09:45 PM

  1. The world is a lesser place without Shawn, however, is a better place because of him. Rest in peace my friend. Until we meet again; "Desafimos"

    Posted by Bill July 13, 08 03:15 PM

  1. Truly one of our Nations Best. MSG. Simmons will be missed by many people.
    True to his Profession, Family and God. We will miss him dearly.
    God Bless His Family

    Posted by TZC July 16, 08 10:49 PM
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