On May 31, 2008, while serving with the 173rd Special Troop Battalion [Airborne] in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, Andrew Jon Shields was killed in action. Andrew was an Airborne Combat Medic dedicated to the health, safety and welfare of his fellow warriors. Andrew was born on September 8th, 1988 and spent most of his life in the Vancouver, WA area. Andrew graduated from Battle Ground HS in 2007, where he played football and was the Fire District 11 Fire Cadet Chief. Andrew enjoyed his friends, family, competitively shooting, hunting, fishing, and muddin'.

Andrew chose to serve his country and joined the Army in 2007 while still in High School; he never waivered from his sense of duty. After graduating Basic Combat Training at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, Andrew attended the Combat Medic Course at Ft. Sam Houston and then Basic Airborne School at Ft. Benning, GA. While at Ft Sam Houston, he met Loren Elizabeth Combs another Airborne Combat Medic and fell in love. He and Loren planned to marry. Loren is currently serving with the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, NC.

For every person there comes that moment when they are tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitted for their talents; in service to his country, Andrew found himself qualified and prepared for that moment, which would be his finest days. We do not choose our death; we choose how we live our life. For Andrew, he chose a life of service, honor, and compassion in service to others.

Andrew is survived by his mother Wendy Campbell, his sister Ryleigh Campbell, his father and stepmother Jon and Carol Shields, and his Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins.

In lue of flower or gifts, please make donations in Andrew's name to IQ Credit Union for charitable donation.

From Andrew's MySpace Page:
Psalm 144:1
May the Lord my rock be praised, who trains my hands for battle and my fingers for warfare.