MURFREESBORO, TN, U.S.A.
U.S. AIR FORCE
AIC, 343RD TRAINING SQUADRON, LACKLAND AFB, TX
01/04/2012, SAN ANTONIO, TX, U.S.A.
Peggy Scallorn wrote about her son Cody:
He was our first born child of three children and our only son. He had these piercing blue eyes and bright blonde hair while growing up.
He certainly knew how to keep smiles on the faces of those around him. He was a happy child for sure and made others laugh by his goofiness.
At an early age though Cody showed such compassion for others and loved unconditionally. Cody, at the age of 10 had always wanted to be a part of something greater in life.
His compassion and willingness to serve others led him in the direction of wanting to serve in the United States Air Force. During his high school career he participated in the JROTC program and excelled in it. He knew at that point that he wanted to join the military and went into an early enlistment program at the age of 17.
He worked hard at school, had a part time job throughout high school, was liked well by all and showed far more compassion for others in life than most adults do. He inspired and encouraged those around him to become better people and to follow their dreams in life no matter how big or small. Cody may have had a short time here to grace this earth but made an impact on those who were placed in his path.
His hard work and dedication paid off and he completed and graduated high school an entire year early to pursue his dream of becoming an airman. Cody deployed July 5, 2011 for basic training to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He completed boot camp and technical school in the field of security forces.
On the morning of January 2, 2012, my son took his own life at the age of 18.
Peggy Scallorn talks about her journey through loss, the daily pain of grief and finding support to navigate her changed life and that of her family. She discovered TAPS(Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), she talks about suicide, and mentors others struggling with this experience. “I hold on to hope. We are all survivors on our own separate journey. My life mission is to continue keeping his memory alive, bring awareness to others of suicide and hope to those of us who are living through the loss.”
A1C Cody Scallorn is survived by his parents, Robert and Peggy Scallorn; sisters, Megan Scallorn, Morgan Scallorn; grandparents, Richard and Barbara Griffith of Monticello, IN; grandparents, Charles Scallorn of Wilmer, AL; Nancy Shakespeare of Murfreesboro; several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.