Shawn was a great friend, devoted husband and loving father. He is missed by his brothers and sisters daily. Rest in Peace & Semper Comm!!!

"April 22,2012.

Dear Shawn.
I finally was able to take Johnathan to the F1 Race Factory for some go-kart racing. I won a gift package in 2008 and voiced my intention to take Johnathan in your behalf when he was big enough to qualify for racing. He is! What a great kid with a great Mom and Dad.
Namaste from your Father-in-law."
Dave of Scottsdale, AZ

"Gysgt Lane, You were an Inspiration to me while I was a young Sgt in the Marine Corps with Radio Platoon. One of the best damn SNCOIC's I have ever had the privledge of serving with. Your legacy will always live on. Fair Winds, Following Seas Guns"
SSgt C Novak of Aurora, Illinois

"To the family of:Shawn A. Lane
I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015.
Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"2-18-11"

"Happy Birthday Marine!! Not a day goes by that I don't miss you. Semper Fi Shawn. November 10, 2010."
Cpl. John Clabaugh of Eaton, Ohio

"I was on scene when the mortars fell and in the Battalion Aid Station when Shawn passed into God's hands. Not a day goes by when I don't think about that moment. Gunny Lane took good care of me and my team and always made sure that, if my team needed something, we got it. Semper Fi, Guns, and thank you. 1stSgt Eric Olson (retired) Team Voodoo"
E. N. Olson of Springfield, MO

"You are in our hearts now and forever, Gunny Lane - Memorial Day, 2009."
Dad of Scottsdale, AZ

"To the family of GySgt. Lane, not a day goes by, or the anniversary of that day, he was my Forward Jump leader when we were in Ramadi. I lost a part of me that day, he was truly a real testament to me. I miss him dearly and wish that all is well for all of you! I know he is in a better place and I know he looks down upon us when we are in danger. Thank You Gunny for letting me get to know and God Bless you all! A Friend, Brother, A Husband, A Dad, A really AWESOME Man! Know your thought of my brother!"
SSgt. Ferguson, Tobi L. of Trafalgar, IN USA

"I worked with Shawn in Mux platoon. We spent many a lunch playing raquetball. He was by far one of the most professional men I have ever had the pleasure of working with. When I heard of his death I felt a great loss for his family and friends."
Dan Miller of New York, New York

"GUNNY LANE WAS MY STAFF NCOIC FOR MUX PLT WHEN I FIRST ARRIVED IN 2001 FROM OKI. I SERVED WITH HIM IN IRAQ IN 2003 WITH RICK GORMAN WHO HAS ALSO LEFT A MESSAGE. I DIDNT DEPLOY THE SECOND TIME WHEN HE WAS TAKEN FROM US. MISS YOU GUNNY WE HAVE LOST A GREAT MARINE"
David Saffell of Nags Head, NC

"I miss you my friend, you were always there to make me smile and crack jokes. I would visit with Shawn in Iraq every time we came to his camp. He would say "Have a coke and a smile" and we would drink our cokes and talk about all of our good times before the war started when we worked together. I miss you buddy, I catch a glimpse of you every now and then walking around base, but only to realize its some other Marine. You will never be forgotten..."
SSgt Donnie Watson of 29 Palms CA

"Its been almost 4 and a half years since I last saw you on Blue Diamond, and I think about you every day. I miss you brother you are a great friend. Ill never forget you. Semper Fi Shawn, Happy 233rd Marine Corps Birthday!"
Ford Jacobs of Carlsbad Ca

"Rest in Peace my Brother."
SSgt. A. Roman G 3/12 of Wayne, New Jersey

"Shawn you will never be forgotten i think of you everyday you were an inspiration to me while i was in the marine corps and still are i just want to say thank you"
christopher somrek of tinley park, IL

"It has been a long time since Shawn and I played small fry football together. It seems like an eternity ago that we were kids. Though I hadn't seen him in a long time, I know I will always remember and miss him. May God bless you Shawn."
John Allen of Corning, NY, USA

"To the Family of Shawn Lane:
I had the privilege of serving w/Shawn in the early 90's when we were both young Marines in Golf 3/12 @ Camp Pendleton. Shawn was a Marines' Marine and an excellent person who was always there if you needed him. Shawn, I will always remember those special days we shared riding around in your black Geo Storm going to TJ. You and your family will always be in my prayers."
Larry Badeaux, Cpl USMC of (Raceland, LA)

"June 17, 2008
To the family of Gunnery Sgt. Shawn A. Lane:
Shawn gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"Dear Mr. and Mrs. Lane and Family,
I served with GySgt Lane when he was assigned to Marine Security Detachment Bogota. He was always very inspiring and a good person to talk to. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Respectfully submitted,
Brad Bennett
former Sgt. USMC"
Brad Bennett of Baltimore, MD

"To Gunny Lane's family,
I had great honor knowing and working with Gunny Lane. He was a great man and will be sadly missed. He may be gone but he is NEVER forgotten. His memory will live on with all those who knew, lived, and worked with him. I will never forget."
Alicia Rowinski-Quintero of Ohio

"To Gunny Lane's loving family, I am very sorry for your loss, and may God Bless you all for this great sacrafice your son, husband, and father has made. Without men like Shawn this country would not be free and full of hope.

I did not know Gunny Lane very well, but I served with him in Iraq. He was always very kind to me and I respected him.

I know it has been 4 years now, and I would like to offer a video I made in Iraq where Shawn spent his last days. He is not in any of the video, but it shows where he lived and spent his last days in Iraq. I know this is hard for all of you, but the video also shows where Shawn passed away and the damage the bomb did. I am not sure if making you aware of this video is the right thing, so I will let you make that decision. I pray the lord watches over you all and if you want a copy of the video I made send me an email: norrisjk2003@yahoo.com

God Bless, Sgt. Jason Norris USMC"
Jason K. Norris of San Diego, CA

"Although it has been over 3 years since he was killed, there hasn't been a day since that I haven't missed him. GySgt Shawn Lane was the best Marine, SNCO, and friend a guy could have. My thoughts and prayers are always with Jen and family. Semper Fi my brother."
SgtMaj Don Miller of Willow Grove, PA

"We worked together for a few years. I was part of his Retrans team during OIF I. He was the retrans chief and I was his NCOIC. He never slept for the first two weeks. He was a true professional. I was not with Comm Co on the deployment when he was lost. I was already discharged. I went back to Iraq shortly after in 2005 to the camp, and exact spot where he was killed. It was the only reason i volunteered to go back. I returned home after 28 days at Camp Blue Diamond. There was still a small memorial set up. He will not be forgoten. Semper Fi"
Rick Gorman, Mux Plt 1997-2004 of Hayward, CA

"Shawn, thinking of you today on this 231st birthday. It is still hard for me to believe what happened. I’m sorry I didn’t stay in touch better after we left G-Battery and MSG. I tried to look you up last year to say hi and found this website. I’m so sorry. I think of you and your family almost every day. I have that 8x10 picture of us in the desert hanging on the wall, the one where we tried to grow mustaches and look ridiculous. I also think of the good times we had cruising Oceanslime in your Geo Storm, trying to pick up the Ritz Camera girl at the Mall and hanging out in TJ. Thanks for some of the best times of my life, buddy. I hope your parents, wife and little boy are doing well."
Tony of Dixon, IL

"To the Lane family:

Sorry, that this message comes so late. Like Sonia Moreno, I too worked with Gunny Lane in Bahrain. He and I often worked night shift together in 2002. I was very impressed with his work ethic and professionalism. I have often thought of him over the past few years. It is 03 Feb 06 and I still have his e-mail address in my address book. I can’t bring myself to erase it. In the short amount of time that we knew each other he became a positive influence in my life. May God bless you."
SFC Terrance Brooks of Utica, NY

"To the Lane Family:
Gunny was one of the best role models a Marine could have period, not a single virtue was left out when he was created. I will never forget the day he left us and began watching over everyone he loved and cared for. God bless all of you and thank you for your sacrifice, it will always be remembered."
P.M. of San Diego

"Mr & Mrs Lane,

Today is June 13,2005 I just learned of your son's death last night. I had not heard from him in over a year so I decided to Google his name, I am heading to Kuwait so I figured he might be out somewhere in the sandbox and it would be nice to catch up with him. I am sorry to hear of your loss, your son was a great Marine, I met him in 2002 while he was stationed in Bahrain. We worked together on the same shift and he was an outstanding Marine to work for. He enjoyed what he did and while we worked six days with one day off not Gunny Lane he worked seven days a week. I am honored to have served by his side.

Gunny Lane I will always remember you, you are my hero and I am lucky to have known you. I'm sorry it took so long for me to find out you were gone. From now on every endurance event I do, every race, every marathon will be in your honor."
Y. Sonia Moreno of Austin, Texas / USA

"Jen,

I just wanted to leave you this message, and let you know that I still think about you and Shawn on a daily basis. I just returned from Fallujah in March, and wanted to let you know that it was an honor for me to be able to attend Shawn's funeral prior to my departure to Iraq. I never told you that I was in Cali awaiting transportaion to fallujah, because I did'nt think that the time was appropriate. As you can see, I returned home safe. As soon as I got home, I ordered a freedom bracelet with Shawn's name and info on it, and I have never taken it off since it came in the mail. I hope everything is going as best as it could for you and your beautiful son. Again, thank you so much for allowing me to say my last goodbyes to your wonderful husband, and a great friend. Semper Fi!"
John Stefan of Chattanooga, TN

"I was retrans Lima with Gunny and during that time he pinned on my SGT stripes. He was the best man a Marine could have served with in the middle of a war. All the Marines from RTX Lima will greatly miss you Gunny
Sgt Post
sgtpost1975@yahoo.com
Indianapolis IN"
Sgt Michael Post of Indiana, In

"Gunny Lane, I just wanted to thank you for giving the ultimate sacrifice. You were my convoy commander from Kuwait to Ramadi Iraq, Before we left Kuwait you gave me a corpsman prayer and said " Doc, Keep us safe" I said " Ohhraa Gunny" On July 28th when I heard the mortars I jumped to my feet and put my gear on. Then the marine came in and said we have a marine down. Doc B and I ran outside. The minute I ran up to the scene I could tell it was you. Im so sorry Gunny. I tried so hard to save you. We all did. We did CPR till the sweat was burning our eyes. I dont know why out of all the wounded we treated you are the one that had to go. Im sorry. Every morning when I awake I think of you and what I could have done differently. I know I tried. You are always in my thoughts. I had the honor of carrying your body onto the bird. I had to close your eyes and take your wedding ring off and give it to the Colonel. I had to cover you up. All I wanted to do was keep trying to make you breathe. The thought of not saving you tears me up every day. I cant help to think of that dreadful day all the time. It goes through my head over and over. I have a picure of you in my office. I remember at your memorial service the Tongans singing. It was so beautiful, but so painful. Im sorry Gunny. I am sorry I couldnt do more. Mrs. Lane. I hope you received my letter. I am truly sorry. Your husband is a true hero. Semper Fi.
skopelwitz@yahoo.com"
Doc Kopelwitz of Texas, Corpus Christi

"TO THE FAMILY OF SHAWN A. LANE,

My heart goes out to you with the loss of your son, husband and father. I too lost my son Shawn when he was 19 due to a tragic traffic accident. I just want you to know that your Shawn did not die in vain as mine did. He will always be remembered as each day I and all of us will experience the freedom that he fought and died for. It will be his legancy, to me and to the rest of America. God hold him in your arms and let him know how much he is loved by strangers as well as family. My e-mail address is rem1100@strato.net if I can be of any assistance. God Bless and Happy Holidays. I know Shawn would want them to be merry for everyone."
Lynn O'Shea of Sebring, FL., USA

"To the Loved Ones of Shawn A. Lane,

My heart goes out to you for your loss.
I don't know if you've heard of the "Faces of the Fallen" painting project at the College of Marin (CA) that was shown on ABC News. The class painted the portraits of our fallen heroes and I had the good fortune to paint Shawn's portrait.
Though I never knew Shawn, I feel as if I got to know him a bit through this experience : I, too, feel saddenned by his absence on this earth. For now the actual painting will travel with the exhibit, but if you'd like to have a digital photograph of the painting, I'd be more than happy to email you a copy. Sending love and warm thoughts in a most difficult time. (Please feel free to contact me at the following email address: studio@tsark.com)"
Tami of San Francisco, California

"To the Lane Family

I didnt know Gunny Lane directly, but my fiancee was one of his marines in Iraq.
He was deeply hurt by Gunny Lanes death, as was I.
I just want you all to know, that you are and have been in my prayers.
Semper Fi and God Bless"
Heather of Esc, Ca

"Dearest Jennifer, your beautiful son, and all of Shawn's family,

A day hasn't gone by that we don't think of this loss. Shawn's picture hangs in our home along side those he served with on MSG duty Bogota, Colombia 1995. It was extremely painful to here of his loss as he was genuinely one of the good ones. Shawn was a true friend to the both of us while we were all stationed there that year. He is also resoponsible for encouraging my relationship with my " NOW" husband Sgt TJ Woods. Although 9 yrs have past since we last had seen Shawn, we always thought of him and his family and hoped perhaps for a reunion. After the news, we honored our fallen friend and Marine with a memorial in our front yard. My daughter asked us who that marine was and why it made us sad. I answered her like this...." He was our friend, a Marine......a Hero. He has gone where all heroes go.....to rest and sit ammoung other hereos on sacred clouds."

Shawn, Thank you for insisting that Woody and I get together....you know we've been married now 7 yrs. Thank you for being part of our lives...we are better people for it. Thanks for being a true friend to Woody when he needed you most. Thank you for your sacrifice ..you have paid deeply our friend. And our children will always know your honor and your gift to them.

It is difficult to find solice and peace in a time where someone so precious to you has fallen out of your grasp. May our prayers for you all transend distance and reach you in the face of darkness. My our deepest sympothy and love of Shawn help you when the pain is to much. We wish it were not a burden your family would have to bare. We are truly sorry. Some people live an entire lifetime without making as much of an impact that Shawn made in his years on this earth. And we know for that we salute him. Here's to you Devil dog...oooh rah...Semper fi! You will never be forgotten. We Love ya.
The Woods Family
Woody, Vikki, Camy and Jake"
The Woods Family of Lansdale,PA

"To the family and friends of Shawn A. Lane,

Hello, my name is Ericka and I am a student in highschool. In one of my classes, I was assigned to research a fallen soldier. I was lucky enough to have received the name Gunnery Sgt. Shawn A. Lane and learn about this man and his life. He was a husband, father, son, brother, and friend. Shawn died in a mortar attack on July 28 in Iraq. Although Shawn has passed, I truly would like to thank him for being one of the many heros who are defending our country. I feel sad knowing that many of our men and women are in Iraq, but I also know that they are doing this to keep us safe. Therefore, in honor of Shawn A. Lane, I am writing this message to his family and friends to let them know that they will always be in my prayers and that in my eyes, Shawn A. Lane and all the others in Iraq are all heros and I am thankful to have them fighting for our country."
Ericka Beloin of Connecticut

"Mr and Mrs. Lane,
I heard the news today while scanning for information on the 1989 15 year reunion. I am saddened by the news but I had solace as the memories came rushing back of a friendly face, a great artist and phenomenal teammate. You can't help but smile when you think about Trojan's defensive end Night Train Lane. Night Train you will be missed but often remember by all I am sure!"
Crispin Panyard of Simsbury, Ct.

"To the family and friends of Gunnery Sgt. Shawn A. Lane,

Those we hold most dear, never truly leave us. May you find comfort in love's everlasting connection.

In the Support section of this web site you will find links to many groups that support you at this crucial time. The Marine Comfort Quilt group would be honored to send a quilt to the next of kin. There are many, loving and caring Americans from all over the United States that will never forget the sacrifice that your loved one has made for our Freedom. Please register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Marine Mom and Proud Member of Marine Comfort Quilts"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca

"To Shawn's Family,
Shawn was like a little Brother to me during DS in 1991. I still have a picture of him and I standing in front of a Russian Tank in my office I look at every day.
I am truly sorry for your loss as I will dearly miss him as well. If there is anything I can do, please let me know.
Shawn - I will miss you little Bro!"
Tom Welker

"Shawn will ALWAYS be remembered as loyal and caring husband and father. There isn't a day that goes by we don't think of him, we had so many wonderful times together at the backyard BBQ's (and being neighbors). He truly is a hero, and am so proud to have known him. He always made us laugh. He was always there when we needed him, he would drop anything to help a friend or family member. Even though he left us too soon, he made such an impact on on our life and he will never be forgotten."
SSGT. Daniel Czech and family of Green River, WY

"To the family of Shawn Lane;

Our hearts heavy and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Shawn will be remembered by us for not only being a brave defender of our freedom, but a loving husband to his wife, Jennifer, and caring father to his son, Jonathan. May his memory live on in your hearts forever."
The Guay Family of Nashua, NH

"to the lane family from the wahl family. we are deeply sadden by your lost. very proud of shawn, he is one special individual. he has touched so many lives. from family, friends,and his military family. we lost our son in may. it's a diffucult time and my heart and prays are with your family."
leonard wahl of valley stream ny

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering all your family and loved ones
in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Shawn, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge Montana "

"Sergeant Lane, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"Dear Lane family,

The Ladies' Bible study from Pinnacle Presbyterian Church would like to extend our condolences for Shawn's death. Please contact us if we can be of any assistance whatsoever--even if you just need to talk. We are here for you. Know that you are in our prayers as well.

With much love,"
Gena Brown of Scottsdale, AZ

"May God bless you at this time. We know your pain and sense of loss. Shawn is a heroe and with God. My son welcomed him there. He left from fallujah April 7th '04 to go to God."
Mike Morel of Martin Tn.

"To Shawn's family,
My deepest sympathies go out to your family for the loss of Shawn. Our family has also lost a precious life in the battle for freedom. They are true American heros. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time."
The McClain family---azquail@att.net of Tucson, Az.

"To Shawn's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"To Shawn's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your loved one's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude.
May G-d provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten.
A grateful citizen and a Proud Marine Mom, (purplelily219@yahoo.com)"
Lily of Wakefield MA

"To Mr.and Mrs. Lane, I want you to know that I will always remember Shawn as a good friend.I loved growing up with him, and spending our school days together. I am proud to have known him. Thanks to Shawn and the sacrifice he made for all of us, my children can have a safer tommorow."
Helen Mathews Earl of Hornell,NY

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God provide your family with comfort. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten."
a grateful citizen in arizona

"To the family of Shawn Lane you are in our prayers. He is a Hero and will not be forgotten."
Lisa and Gino Zimmer of Columbus, Ohio

"Thank you Shawn Lane, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Gunnery Sgt. Shawn Lane:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Shawn for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Gunnery Sgt. Shawn Lane:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Shawn, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia

Lane, Shawn (Laney), GySgt