Captain David Shultz
On January 31, 2008, Captain David Shultz, of the Army 82nd Airborne Division, was killed by an enemy mortar while on a tour of duty in Iraq. Captain Shultz was only 25 years old. He was married and his wife, Sabrina, gave birth to their son, Logan, on Fathers day while Captain Shultz was serving his country oversees. He was able to visit his son during December for just a few days before being deployed back to Iraq. Within weeks of this deployment Captain Shultz was killed. His son was just 7 months old at the time. He will grow up never knowing his father.
Captain Shultz was known for having a generous spirit. While in Iraq he took pleasure in collecting soccer balls and school supplies and delivering them to the children. He organized several shipments of these donations from people in his hometown of Blue Island, Illinois. He said in an email at the time, "Seeing the smiles on the Iraqi children's faces when you bring them the school supplies they need is one of the greatest things I have experienced over here."
Captain Shultz' father, David, Sr., was a police officer for the Blue Island (Illinois) Police Department. In conducting research for this entry I learned that it is easy to see "the apple did not fall far from the tree." Captain Shultz' father was a dedicated public servant for 30 years. Read this article about a horrifying experience Sgt. Shultz endured; a glimpse of the difficult things police officers endure each day. Sgt. David Shultz was no exception. Here is an example of a heroic act by Sgt. Shultz, in which he pulled a handicapped man from a burning car. Sadly, I have learned that Sgt. Shultz died of cancer at the age of 53 just over a year after his son was killed in Iraq.
How blessed we are to have heroes and role models like David Shultz, Sr. and David Shultz, Jr. Their dedication and unselfish service to their community and country should be emulated by all of us, and their sacrifices should never be forgotten.
This week I honored Captain Shultz on the five year anniversary of his death. I participated in the Armed Services Blood Program by donating platelets. A very small contribution to make in support of our troops by providing a critical and much needed resource that may save their lives. My donation was made at the ASBP location in the Navy Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. It was the first time I had ever donated platelets and I was a bit apprehensive, not knowing what to expect. But my fears were quickly alleviated by the staff who could not have been more friendly and appreciative. If you have donated blood but never platelets the only significant difference is that platelet donation takes longer (about two hours). I am proud to report that I was told my donation was enough to supply two patients! I strongly encourage everyone to participate in this vital program and support the troops! You can learn more about the program and schedule an appointment at their website here.
In addition to donating platelets in honor of Captain Shultz, and in keeping with his spirit of giving to children, we purchased a few basketballs and some school supplies and donated them to the Tree House (Child Assessment Center of Montgomery County, MD). The Tree House provides critical and comprehensive services to abused children. You can learn more about the Tree House here.
Finally, I would ask all of you to take a minute to read this article for more details about Captain Shultz and his sacrifice. I hope this blog continues to inspire people to commit some act of kindness, however small, in honor of a police officer or service member. There are so many compelling stories like the Shultz family. So many have made the ultimate sacrifice and must be remembered. It is important for the world to know that five years after Captain Shultz was killed his legacy is still very much alive as he inspired a perfect stranger to donate platelets to help save the lives of fellow service members and to follow his lead of providing sporting equipment and school supplies to children in need.
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