Story By Shirley Brosius • Additional photos courtesy of Ed Bechtel

Growing up, Brett Shadle dreamed of becoming a member of the elite U.S. Navy SEAL (Sea, Air and Land) team. He enlisted for training after graduating from Upper Dauphin Area High School in 2000. He was married with two children and a highly decorated combat veteran when he died during a parachute training accident in Tucson, Ariz., March 28, 2013. Earlier this month, a veteran’s memorial was dedicated at Loyalton Park, Washington Twp., in honor of the area native, who had risen to the rank of chief special warfare operator at the time of his death. The memorial, dedicated May 18, commemorates the township’s active duty, Reserve and Guard forces, veterans, retirees and future generations of the nation’s military forces. It also honors the township’s first responders and stands as a remembrance to fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. “(Shadle) is definitely one of our top heroes,” said Ron Strohecker, a lifelong resident of the township and one of the board of supervisors. “Without men and women like him, we could hardly sleep at night. Heroes, they die, but they are never forgotten.” The memorial includes a low wall with a U.S. flag donated by Woodmen Life Chapter 721, Millersburg. A plaque honors Shadle and, on the opposite side, lists others who have fallen in any branch of the military from the Revolutionary War forward. “Anything we can do to remember those who have paid the great price for our freedom is a good thing,” said The Rev. Benjamin Brown, who is also a Washington Twp. supervisor. “And in this particular instance, to remind us that these aren’t just people in the news. These are people in our community.”

Setting records for UDA soccer

Brett’s parents, Dave and LuAnn Shadle of Washington Twp., see a hint of humor in the dedication. During “senior week” in high school, Brett had gotten in a bit of trouble at the shore and was assigned community service work. “His community service was painting the playground at Loyalton Park,” Dave said, smiling. Growing up, Brett enjoyed playing Little League baseball, soccer and basketball. His father, who was also his coach, remembered telling him to talk to the pitcher during games, but Brett responded, “Dad, this is the ’90s.” The school had introduced soccer when Brett’s brother Aaron attended, and he set scoring and assist records in the sport. Brett followed in his brother’s footsteps and broke the records. “His soccer jersey was retired back at school,” Dave said. Brett enjoyed hunting with an uncle, and he loved pasta, any kind of pasta. “He had to have pasta before soccer games,” LuAnn said. A good student, Brett dated, hung out with friends at their homes and worked at Don’s Food Rite in Lykens. For fun, the family mostly followed sports events since Dave coached and the boys played. Their parents have fond memories of trips to ballparks such as Yankee Stadium in New York City. And they remember special gifts, such as a bench Brett made for his mother at an uncle’s house as a surprise Mother’s Day gift.

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Brett David Shadle of the elite U.S. Navy SEALs