REED CITY, MI, USA U.S. Army SPC, COMPANY E, 1ST BATTALION, 25TH INFANTRY, BIG RAPIDS, MI BAGHDAD, IRAQ 11/18/2006
On November 18, 2008 Specialist Bradley N Shilling offered the ultimate sacrifice. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment (Mechanized), Michigan National Guard, Big Rapids, Mich.; Brad died of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations in Baghdad
He was born May 2, 1984 in Flint. He moved to Evart as a child and graduated from Reed City High School in 2003. Brad joined the Army National Guard in his junior year of high school because he wanted to serve his country.
He married D. J. Kelley on December 2, 2005 in Big Rapids. They made their home in Stanwood. Brad was deployed to Iraq and left home on May 31, 2006. He was assigned to E. Company 1st battalion, 125th Infantry, also known as the “HOOLIGANS”.
He is survived by his wife, D. J. Shilling and his children, AbbieRose Marie and Jordon Edward, all of Stanwood; parents, Kimberley Donahue of Reed City and Brian Shilling of Cadillac; 2 sisters, Melissa and Samantha Shilling of Reed City; half-brother, David Ford, Jr. of Flint; 2 step-sisters, Allissa and Amy Baker of Cadillac; grandparents, Kirby and Shirley Knight of Leroy, Gary and JoAnne Shilling of Davison; great-grandparents, Betty Adams of Flint, Mary Dorris of Davison.
He truly felt he could help the people of Iraq. Brad is remembered for his smiling eyes and easy-going, good nature. “He gave his life doing what he believed in – he was helping the world be a better place.”
“I don’t know if the kids will fully know what Brad sacrificed for our liberties. Because of his ultimate sacrifice, we benefit living in the best country in the world.”
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