Yelm, WA, USA U.S. Army 307 ENBN REAR DET FC, Fort Bragg TC, NC 28310 Tagi, IRAQ, 15 Jan 2011-30 Nov 2011
Shawn “Bryce” McVea had a smile that could light up a room and a laugh that was truly contagious. He was loved very much by his friends and family. He was 26 years old when he died, sadly he lost a battle within and took his own life.
Bryce was born at Madigan Army hospital at Fort Lewis, Washington, on 5 July 1991. His father, Ellis McVea was just retired from the USAF and his mom, Saudi had just gotten off AD and joined the reserves. Bryce as a young boy was curious and determined. He had an older sister Paige and a younger brother Austin. They loved each other and while growing up there were many shenanigans. They also fought and argued as siblings do and forever are connected through their jokes and challenges. He played many team sports while in school, baseball, football, joined the unicycling team and rode the tallest unicycle in school. He took Tae Kwan Do with his sister (Paige) and cousins (Lisa and Cooper). The three of them loved camping, fishing, drinking and all types of music. It was not until Bryce joined the army that he tolerated country music. He got his first tattoo when he turned 18 and that was the start of many more to come.
When Bryce graduated from High School, he decided to join the army and became a Combat Engineer. He joined the Army 23 March 2010 and spent many months in FT Leonard Wood, MO for his initial training in his new path. He was then stationed at FT Bragg, NC where he deployed in 2011 and did Enroute Diversion and was a gunner while assigned to Tagi, Iraq. He had a strong love for his warrior brothers and understood the sacrifices they made.
We are forever saddened by the loss of our son and the invisible scars that he was unable to carry. We are so immensely proud of him though and are forever grateful that we had him in our lives. He touched us deeply and to that we carry him with us and through his portrait we feel his presence daily.