Shawn Patrick Hefner
1986 - 2009
I'm no poet, I don't have the words to do justice to Shawn, I'll let the quotes of others I post here do that. All I can say is that there is a huge hole in the Hefner family. Shawn, give your grandmother Hefner a big hug for me.
Link to Shawn's Obituary as it ran in several newspapers.
Video of the motorcade as it entered Hico posted on YouTube by the Stephenville Empire Tribune:
Video of the motorcade as it entered Hico posted on YouTube by the Stephenville Empire Tribune:
USFallen.org is a non-profit organization whose focus is on reporting on and memorializing US Military Fallen through weekly episodes. These videos are then made available to families of the fallen soldiers on DVD’s free of charge. Jerry Castillo did a superb job with Shawn's tribute, "Bringing Home a Hero" The video portion of his tribute was also posted to YouTube:
Shawn's mother, Robin, has started an organization to provide hand made memorial pins to the mothers of our country's fallen. Here is the story in her own words:
The Birth of Hico’s Hero
On December 4, 1986 Shawn Patrick Hefner was born into this world in Kansas City Mo. On November 13, 2009 Shawn left this world in Afghanistan after stepping on an IED.
There are no words that can be used to explain the pain that a mother goes through when her child is taken from her arms. This is a pain that only that mother understands and feels. Many may want to shoulder the burden, try to take the pain away, or even say “time will heal this pain”. The truth is a mother never gets to that part where time has healed. A mother learns to live in the pain, time is just a word, her smile may return, a spring in her step may be seen, and happiness appears to have returned. But just as the first 3 months after conception, when others can’t see it, they can’t feel it, they don’t even know it’s there. Only the mother and child share a bond of life, each one gives life to the other.
We may not be able to bear one another’s pain, but as a Gold Star Mom we understand one another as no one else ever could. We shoulder this pain in such a way that others around us say “you are so strong” or ask “where do you find the strength?”. For me, I find strength in sharing my son's life with others. We carry around the proud mommy picture books when they are young, showing off those milestones along the way. We stand proud when our children grow up and become one of the brave young Americans that put their life before others in the name of Freedom. It is out of the death of my own son that gave birth to Hico’s Hero.
My son went to Afghanistan in June 2009, he came home America’s son in November 2009. In my own grief and the need to feel him close to me I pinned the key chain he had given me from boot camp with the picture of him in his dress blues to my shirt. With the picture, I placed his dog tag, and a heart locket that he had given me that April for my birthday. Within a month I had fashioned these things into a pin that I never left the house without. People would see the pin and ask “is that your son?” this would open the door for me to tell them Shawn’s story. I have received many compliments on the pin and have been able to minister to others out of my own grief. In March of 2010 I decided to bless other mothers with a pin. I have called on my community to volunteer their time and money to help make the pins. I hope that you can wear it with pride, share your very personal sacrifice for American’s Freedom with others and know your American Hero is not forgotten.
You will find that your Hero’s picture, we have also provided a place for the dog tag if you want to place one on the pin. The items that make up the pin are:
Cross – for my faith which is important to get throw GOD’s plan
Heart – The bond between a mother and child
Gold Star – We are now members of a group that no one wants to be a part, but in this group you will find understanding and strength
Made with Love – people that you have never met hold you up daily in prayer
Fused together – the glass piece at the top of your pin is fused glass made by Robin this is just my way of letting you know that we are forever fused together by the death of our Heroes
We pray for you and your family,
Hico’s Hero
Founder - Robin Hefner – Proud Gold Star Mother of Lcpl Shawn P Hefner
With the
Hico’s Hero Volunteers
The Birth of Hico’s Hero
On December 4, 1986 Shawn Patrick Hefner was born into this world in Kansas City Mo. On November 13, 2009 Shawn left this world in Afghanistan after stepping on an IED.
There are no words that can be used to explain the pain that a mother goes through when her child is taken from her arms. This is a pain that only that mother understands and feels. Many may want to shoulder the burden, try to take the pain away, or even say “time will heal this pain”. The truth is a mother never gets to that part where time has healed. A mother learns to live in the pain, time is just a word, her smile may return, a spring in her step may be seen, and happiness appears to have returned. But just as the first 3 months after conception, when others can’t see it, they can’t feel it, they don’t even know it’s there. Only the mother and child share a bond of life, each one gives life to the other.
We may not be able to bear one another’s pain, but as a Gold Star Mom we understand one another as no one else ever could. We shoulder this pain in such a way that others around us say “you are so strong” or ask “where do you find the strength?”. For me, I find strength in sharing my son's life with others. We carry around the proud mommy picture books when they are young, showing off those milestones along the way. We stand proud when our children grow up and become one of the brave young Americans that put their life before others in the name of Freedom. It is out of the death of my own son that gave birth to Hico’s Hero.
My son went to Afghanistan in June 2009, he came home America’s son in November 2009. In my own grief and the need to feel him close to me I pinned the key chain he had given me from boot camp with the picture of him in his dress blues to my shirt. With the picture, I placed his dog tag, and a heart locket that he had given me that April for my birthday. Within a month I had fashioned these things into a pin that I never left the house without. People would see the pin and ask “is that your son?” this would open the door for me to tell them Shawn’s story. I have received many compliments on the pin and have been able to minister to others out of my own grief. In March of 2010 I decided to bless other mothers with a pin. I have called on my community to volunteer their time and money to help make the pins. I hope that you can wear it with pride, share your very personal sacrifice for American’s Freedom with others and know your American Hero is not forgotten.
You will find that your Hero’s picture, we have also provided a place for the dog tag if you want to place one on the pin. The items that make up the pin are:
Cross – for my faith which is important to get throw GOD’s plan
Heart – The bond between a mother and child
Gold Star – We are now members of a group that no one wants to be a part, but in this group you will find understanding and strength
Made with Love – people that you have never met hold you up daily in prayer
Fused together – the glass piece at the top of your pin is fused glass made by Robin this is just my way of letting you know that we are forever fused together by the death of our Heroes
We pray for you and your family,
Hico’s Hero
Founder - Robin Hefner – Proud Gold Star Mother of Lcpl Shawn P Hefner
With the
Hico’s Hero Volunteers
Visit the Hico's Hero web site
Here is the letter printed in the Hico News Review:
Introducing Hico’s Hero
With the death of our son Lcpl Shawn P. Hefner in Afghanistan on 11-13-09 our family has gone through many changes. Learning to live without Shawn physically in our lives will take some time. We have been held up in prayer by many people and many organizations.
There has been an overwhelming response to Shawn’s death from a very grateful nation.
We have received cards and letters from all over the world, and gifts from all parts of this country. There are a lot of amazing people out there that give of their own time just to say thank you. One thing that we have learned is that we do not grieve alone, and from great tragedy comes a greater understanding of the world around us.
We have had many people tell us “if you need anything just call”. I would like to make that call right now. With all the gifts that we received, there was nothing that I could hang on to that gave me comfort other then Shawn’s picture, along with the dog tag that he was wearing when he died. I made a pin with these items along with other things that comforted me to wear daily. I have received many compliments on the pin itself. Out of that I wish to start “Hico’s Hero“. I would like Hico to take credit for the wonderful and touching response to Shawn’s home coming. This would be a way for Hico to say thank you to others that gave there all. I would like to have a group of people gather once or twice a month to make these pins for others that have lost their loved ones. So what am I asking? If you have ever felt like you just needed to do something for those that give their lives for our freedoms, then please join us in creating “Hico’s Hero”. Every Thursday evening from 7:00 to 8:30pm at Special Occasions Creations. Or come by and let me know what time and day is best for you. We will also need donations for postage, and materials to make the pins.
Please contact Robin Hefner at Special Occasions Creations down town Hico, in the building with “It’s A Texas Thang” or call 254-796-0945 or email [email protected] or [email protected]
Introducing Hico’s Hero
With the death of our son Lcpl Shawn P. Hefner in Afghanistan on 11-13-09 our family has gone through many changes. Learning to live without Shawn physically in our lives will take some time. We have been held up in prayer by many people and many organizations.
There has been an overwhelming response to Shawn’s death from a very grateful nation.
We have received cards and letters from all over the world, and gifts from all parts of this country. There are a lot of amazing people out there that give of their own time just to say thank you. One thing that we have learned is that we do not grieve alone, and from great tragedy comes a greater understanding of the world around us.
We have had many people tell us “if you need anything just call”. I would like to make that call right now. With all the gifts that we received, there was nothing that I could hang on to that gave me comfort other then Shawn’s picture, along with the dog tag that he was wearing when he died. I made a pin with these items along with other things that comforted me to wear daily. I have received many compliments on the pin itself. Out of that I wish to start “Hico’s Hero“. I would like Hico to take credit for the wonderful and touching response to Shawn’s home coming. This would be a way for Hico to say thank you to others that gave there all. I would like to have a group of people gather once or twice a month to make these pins for others that have lost their loved ones. So what am I asking? If you have ever felt like you just needed to do something for those that give their lives for our freedoms, then please join us in creating “Hico’s Hero”. Every Thursday evening from 7:00 to 8:30pm at Special Occasions Creations. Or come by and let me know what time and day is best for you. We will also need donations for postage, and materials to make the pins.
Please contact Robin Hefner at Special Occasions Creations down town Hico, in the building with “It’s A Texas Thang” or call 254-796-0945 or email [email protected] or [email protected]
Alice Baratone, Marine Mom and Military Poet, sent this poem to Shawn's parents.
The Patriot Guard Riders are a fantastic group. Part of their mission statement reads:
Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives:
- Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.
- Shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protester or group of protesters.
Photos
Photos of Shawn taken from Shawn's camera returned to his parents.
Photos of the MRAP Shawn was riding in when it hit an IED in June 2009
264 photos taken by the North Texas Patriot Guard Riders
21 photos from the memorial service in Afghanistan
123 photos by Esther Hefner of the homecoming and visitation
119 photos by Esther Hefner of the funeral day events
When the rest of Shawn's company returned from Helmand Province, Afghanistan, Robin, Pat, and Brandon were there to meet them. They held another memorial service for Shawn on base, and we have a few photos.
David Hall rang the Liberty Bell at Shawn's visitation, the funeral service, and at the graveside. It could be heard all over town. A video news report done previously about the bell and David Hall can be seen HERE.
Television and Newspaper Reports
Fort Worth Star-Telegram article, video, and photos
WFAA Dallas channel 8 article and video
The Dallas Morning News article
CBS11 article and video
Fox DFW article and video
Houston Chronicle Article from Memorial Day 2011
The Hico News Review photos and articles are below in pdf format.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram article, video, and photos
WFAA Dallas channel 8 article and video
The Dallas Morning News article
CBS11 article and video
Fox DFW article and video
Houston Chronicle Article from Memorial Day 2011
The Hico News Review photos and articles are below in pdf format.
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Blogs and Comments
Vaught Did You Say blog. Don't miss the second comment.
Revealed Wonders blog
USMC Parents forum
Northern Coastal Freedom
Legacy.com Memorial guestbook
For Love of Country written by Shawn's uncle, Jay Barishefsky
DFWMarineCorpsFamilies.com
Vaught Did You Say blog. Don't miss the second comment.
Revealed Wonders blog
USMC Parents forum
Northern Coastal Freedom
Legacy.com Memorial guestbook
For Love of Country written by Shawn's uncle, Jay Barishefsky
DFWMarineCorpsFamilies.com
Shawn's father, Pat, was going through Shawn's personal Items from Afghanistan. The only non uniform shirt was this t shirt which needs no explanation other than why he was where he was and his frame of mind.... Why am I not surprised?
This is a photo of a pencil drawing of Shawn sent to his parents by Michael G. Reagan. His website is www.fallenheroesproject.org.
God Bless the Troops is an organization whose primary mission is to reach out to our military heroes and their families, in recognition of their bravery, service and sacrifice for our country. They sent this Memorial Defender Print to Shawn's parents.
I received this email today from Shawn's mother, Robin:
Henry, We have received yet another gift from an artist. Kaziah Hancock out of Utah sent this portrait
after receiving pictures of Shawn via Staff Sergent Treon.
I just can't get over the people of this country that wait to let us know that Shawn's death affected more than his family.
Let Freedom Ring
She also sent me a link to a video about the artist.
Henry, We have received yet another gift from an artist. Kaziah Hancock out of Utah sent this portrait
after receiving pictures of Shawn via Staff Sergent Treon.
I just can't get over the people of this country that wait to let us know that Shawn's death affected more than his family.
Let Freedom Ring
She also sent me a link to a video about the artist.
Other Comments:
Melanie Thornton
Grapevine, TX
Teri VPM of LCpl Kevin, USMC
Cedar Park, TX
Anthony Angelone
Betty Jo (B.J.) Menger
God Bless
Liz Crump
- Wow, what else can be said...this is absolutely beautiful and extremely moving. I too, did not have the opportunity of ever knowing Shawn but knew some of the family growing up and attending Catholic school. Never in a million years would I have imagined that while I knew some of the Hefner boys, I did not realize for some time that night at the Visitation, that Shawn's mother, Robin and I were friends back some thirty something years ago. For some reason having known both of Shawn's parents at some point in my life.... made their loss have a bigger impact on me-it hit that much closer to home. And while, any loss of life while fighting for the freedom of this beautiful Country is horrific .... It always seems more of a reality when it's someone you know and I felt as though I did know Shawn more than I realized. Robin especially, has shown me that you can't let the end of your child's life be the end of your's as well. I know her (and Patrick's ) life will never be the same, but she has been given the incredible strength to carry on and keep Shawn's spirit alive. Everytime, I see that she or someone has put something online, I have to take a moment ro read (even if it's been posted a number of times before) there is always something different I have gotten from reading or watching the new posting and it continues to bring a flood of tears. Still I cannot explain if they are tears for the death of a young, brave man, who I did not know or tears for the heartache and personal loss that Robin and Patrick and their family must wake up to every day. Amazing how one life/one death can bring so much wisdom and so much heartache to someone who is standing on the outside of this circle of life of a stranger. Please don't stop the postings. They are a reminder that life is short and each of us has the potential to leave a mark on this world we live in. It might be something as confined as helping a friend or a stranger through a tough time or as broad as bringing together a force of peace and freedom that will forever be remembered in our history. May Shawn rest in peace knowing that he gave everything he had to so many who can walk out of their homes everyday without worrying about every step they must make that day. We have so much freedom in our hands that many take for granted....all because of the unselfish sacrifice that so many have given over the years and unfortunately will continue to give in years to come. Thank you for such a moving story and I hope to continue hearing more about this remarkable son of a very special family. May God continue to bless them for the unselfish sacrifice of their son, Lance Cpl. Shawn P. Hefner.
- Henry: Please know our thoughts and prayers are going out to your family and friends. Shawn is in a much better place than we are and in good hands. I talk with my Grandfather often, through prayer, a sign or a thought and I sent him a special message to take Shawn out to one of Great Lakes of Heaven. When it's our time to join them, it will be fishing adventures like no other.
Melanie Thornton
Grapevine, TX
- Dear Hefner Family~ I was alerted by another Marine mother of LCpl Hefner's passing on Friday 11/13/09. My heart is heavy for you as you bring your hero home to his final resting place. Having my own Marine I understand the pride and honor in which Shawn served. He is my hero also and my son and I hold him close in prayer. God Bless you, your family and your community with strength during this difficult time.
Teri VPM of LCpl Kevin, USMC
Cedar Park, TX
- Thank you Mr. Shawn Hefner for having the FORTITUDE to serve your country at a time when it is so easy to turn the other cheek and let someone else serve...May you rest in the hands of the lord Marine.
- I am saddened every time a soldier is lost defending my freedom, but Henry my heart goes out to you and your family. This rips a little bit of my heart away...I love the Marines. My brother is a Marine going on 20 years...he's a Gunny and just took on leadership in an area that will potentially lead him into some dangerous territory...but he wouldn't have it any other way...just like Shawn. Shawn is a hero. I appreciate his service and sacrifice. Please tell the family how grateful I am for Shawn.
- That tears me up. I'm am humbly grateful to your entire family for the sacrifice this young man made for our entire nation. Prayers for all of you in this time of sadness.
Rest in Peace warrior.
- I've clicked on this several times and couldn't think of what to post. A thousand thanks to you and your family for the sacrifice that your nephew, and you all have made.
- I saw America last month. I’m a U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam veteran, and I helped the Patriot Guard Riders escort my fallen USMC brother from Waco Reginal Airport to his home in Hico a week and a half ago. He was killed in action Nov. 13.
Along the 65-mile route, I saw hundreds of Americans standing on the side of different roads paying their respects to this fallen warrior and his family. I didn’t see any Washington politicians, only Americans. I was proud, once again, of my country and my Marine Corps.
Lance Cpl. Shawn Hefner died defending our country. My son is there now where Shawn fell. I saw both young and old Americans crying while standing by their cars and trucks on the side of State Highway 6. My eyes had tears in them as I rode my bike with all the others.
Thank you, fellow Americans, for loving our military people. It wasn’t always that way. But today I’m very glad to be home. Semper Fi.
Ron Brigance
- I wanted to thank your family and Shawn for giving his life so that I may live free. He is a true American hero.
I didn't have the pleasure of ever meeting him, but have been following his story since I found out about him around Thanksgiving.
I am so sorry for your lose, but you can go away from this knowing that there are a lot of people that I personally know that really appreciate him fighting for our freedom. Please take that with you in your time of grief. Thank you again. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Amy Reed
- To the Hefner Family and friends: this a wonderful tribute to a good Marine, a great American, and an outstanding young man. It was a pleasure to serve with Lance Corporal Hefner in Afghanistan and he continues to inspire us. It was an honor to meet you and I now know where Shawn got his strong sense of duty and values. God Bless and Semper Fidelis,
Anthony Angelone
- You did a wonderful Job with the Memorial Website. I have just received a letter from the Family ; thanking me for sending a Card !
I want to thank them for the incredible Sacrifice their Family made ! And I wish them strength .
God bless you and bless our Troops !
Respectfully
Petra Linden
Soldiers Angel
- Hello, My husband and I are friends of Pat and Robin. In fact, they blessed us with a short visit this week (4/6/10) in Albuquerque on their way to California. We love the Hefner family so much and we were heartbroken over Shawn's passing. We used to work with Pat and he and Robin are so dear to us. God bless you for the love you bring to the family and you are forever in our prayers. Thank you, Shawn, for protecting my babies while I slept. You are my hero.
Betty Jo (B.J.) Menger
- I had the pleasure and honor of meeting Shawn's mother, Robin, on a daytrip my husband and I took that lead us to Hico.
Little did I know that I would be so moved by her alone, that I would think about her often and tell others about her. I shared our meeting to others at the next Blue Star Mothers meeting in Waco, and hope that some day our paths will cross again. From one Marine Mom to another, it was my honor to meet you, thank you for your continued support for those of us who still pray each day for our childrens safety as they defend the safety of others.
God Bless
Liz Crump
- Thank you Lord, for your gift to us of Shawn, and your blessings unto him and all the rest of the true heroes who have fallen for us.
Gary
- We thank you for your son's service to our country and ultimate sacrifice. He is one of the "Brave for the land of the Free". Mary Todd, Mother of Fallen Hero, SFC David James Todd, Jr. KIA 8-20-08
Quilts
Pat and Robin have received condolences from all over the U.S.A. and beyond. They have also received three special-made quilts. This first one is from Pat Polhemus, from Arlington, Texas. On the reverse side it reads:
"FOR HE SHALL GIVE HIS ANGELS CHARGE OVER YOU, TO KEEP YOU IN ALL YOUR WAYS" Psalm 91:11
"FOR HE SHALL GIVE HIS ANGELS CHARGE OVER YOU, TO KEEP YOU IN ALL YOUR WAYS" Psalm 91:11
This next one is made from denim and comes with a "prayer pocket". It comes from the American Hero Quilt Makers of Quinlan, Texas. A quick Google search found this short news story about them.
This third one is called a "comfortghan", made by Heartmade Blessings, which is an organization of crocheters throughout the U.S.A. and Canada. Each square was made in different parts of the country and then put together. Edith Smith sent it to the family to bring comfort after Shawn's death. Mrs. Smith and her husband are also members of the North Texas Patriot Guard Riders.
On March 26, 2010, The American Legion post from Hamilton presented a Fallen Soldier Memorial Plaque to Shawn's family. This ceremony was held in the Hico High School gymnasium, with the school in attendance. The family was also presented a Gold Star Banner, and a Texas Flag that had flown at the Texas Capitol.
Hico News Review article about the ceremony with pictures in PDF format below.
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Some of Shawn's fellow Marines brought Robin and Patrick a shadowbox holding replicas of Shawn's medals.
Chris Piatt, a Marine friend of Shawn's, paid tribute to Shawn by adding a decal to his truck window. I think it looks great!