URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — An Illinois National Guard member, and University of Illinois student, who was killed in action in Iraq is now being honored in a unique way.
Sgt. Shawna Morrison enlisted in the guard at age 17, was deployed overseas, and died in 2004. She was laid to rest in Illinois, her home state, but next week, Sgt. Morrison will be remembered and honored nationwide.
Sgt. Morrison is set to be moved to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, located just across the Memorial Bridge from Washington D.C., where she will join other veterans who were killed in action throughout our nation’s history.
Morrison enlisted in the guard at 17 years old before attending the University of Illinois, where she majored in psychology. When Operation Iraqi Freedom began, her unit was deployed overseas. Sgt. Morrison was killed by a mortar attack on Sept. 5, 2004.
She was the first enrolled student from the University of Illinois to be killed in overseas combat and the first female soldier from the Illinois National Guard to die in overseas combat.
“To earn the honor of being buried in the hallowed ground, along with other fallen servicemen and women at Section 60 at Arlington National Cemetery, is such a tribute to her distinction and her sacrifice, serving her country and ultimately giving her life in service,” stated family spokesperson A. Mark Nueman.
Morrison will officially be laid to rest on Monday. Nueman said he’ll be attending with the family and that they are honored to have their daughter moved there. He also said she’s an inspiration for students across campus.
