Shane was born in Omaha, NE on May 13, 1981 to Patricia and Roger Kielion. He spent his childhood alongside his brother, Chad, playing numerous little league sports including baseball and football. Some of Shane’s fondest times growing up were spent at his grandparent’s home playing ping pong with his cousins, as well as participating in multiple activities at the Boys Club of Omaha.

Shane’s love of sports continued when he attended Omaha South High School where he lettered in football, basketball, and track. He was the quarterback of the football team and helped lead his team to the state playoffs during his senior year. During his time at South High, he met and courted his future wife, April.

After graduating from high school, Shane elected to focus on a career instead of school. The military was not something on his radar until the passing of his grandfather in 2002. Shane knew he wanted something more in life than the career he was in at that time. There was never a question about the branch of service he was going to join; the United States Marine Corps was the only one in his sights.

On December 2, 2002, Shane shipped off to boot camp after kissing his fiancé, April, goodbye. Following training, he was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment and immediately deployed to Iraq. Upon his return in the fall of 2003, Shane and April were married and, soon thereafter, were expecting their first child.

After many months of training, Shane and his unit deployed again in September of 2004 to Fallujah, Iraq with the plan to retake the city from the insurgents. During the siege of the Battle of Fallujah, on November 15, 2004, Shane’s squad was on a rooftop trying to eliminate the insurgents in the adjacent building. Tragically, he lost his life in a fire fight with those insurgents. Coincidentally, it was the same day his son, Shane Jr., was born. His wife, April, was notified of his death mere hours after giving birth.

That provides some insight into the life of Cpl Shane Kielion, but it’s not “who” he was. Shane had a natural aura about him that others just gravitated to. His smile could light up a room. He had a great attention to detail and liked everything neat and organized at all times. Shane had a shoe obsession, especially Nike Air Jordan’s. He had over twenty pairs that were kept spotless. Shane loved the water; swimming, boating, and riding his jet ski all made him feel on top of the world. Shane wanted to make a career out of the Marine Corps and see the world.

As much as he was well liked, he had a rough exterior like many other Marines. Shane was very proud of the man he had become and the family he was building. On the inside he was a teddy bear. Shane loved and adored his wife, parents, brother, Chad; Chad’s wife, Kate; and his closest friends. There is no doubt he would have been an amazing father too.