My name is Elizabeth Reifert and I have created this in memory of my brother, Pfc Shane Michael Reifert. Shane died on November 6, 2010 in the Kunar Province of Afghanistan. He died while fighting with his brothers of the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, out of Fort Campbell.
PFC Shane M. Reifert was fighting at the tip of the spear in the War on Terror at COP Able Main, a small, rugged outpost in the Peche River Valley. He and his Brothers of 2nd Platoon, Bravo Co, 1/327 101 ABN engaged the enemy on a daily basis. They were recently part of a complete sweep of the Shuryak Valley where they killed or captured a long list of high value targets with the entire US Force coming out of it intact. They also were involved in Operation Strong Eagle and Strong Eagle II where there was very heavy fighting.
Shane served as the platoon RTO for the first 5 months of his deployment and trained his replacement for that job before he came home on leave in late September. We are grateful for the time we had with him while he was on leave. When he returned to Afghanistan, he reverted back to his original position a grenadier on a fire team which was his desire. He lived to be a front line infantryman.
Shane was my only brother. He was my mother, Kitty Reifert's, only son. He was my father, Kurt Reifert's, only son.
PFC Shane M. Reifert was fighting at the tip of the spear in the War on Terror at COP Able Main, a small, rugged outpost in the Peche River Valley. He and his Brothers of 2nd Platoon, Bravo Co, 1/327 101 ABN engaged the enemy on a daily basis. They were recently part of a complete sweep of the Shuryak Valley where they killed or captured a long list of high value targets with the entire US Force coming out of it intact. They also were involved in Operation Strong Eagle and Strong Eagle II where there was very heavy fighting.
Shane served as the platoon RTO for the first 5 months of his deployment and trained his replacement for that job before he came home on leave in late September. We are grateful for the time we had with him while he was on leave. When he returned to Afghanistan, he reverted back to his original position a grenadier on a fire team which was his desire. He lived to be a front line infantryman.
Shane was my only brother. He was my mother, Kitty Reifert's, only son. He was my father, Kurt Reifert's, only son.
He was so very much loved.
RIP. I only knew him through online gaming in "gunners of war" (gunnersofwar.net). We used to have a good laugh online with Call of Duty 2.... real shame he is gone. Thoughts are with your family at this time.
ReplyDeleteRIP Swan - from the guys @ {GoW}
I remember many days and nights that Shane could be heard laughing and yelling at noobs from the other end of the house. What was your call name? (Apologies if I'm using the wrong term of art). You guys meant a lot to Shane and even though he never met you, I know he considered you his friends.
ReplyDeleteI know I never got to meet your brother, but I know how you felt about him by how highly you always talked about him. There are no words to make you feel any better, but remember I am always here for you! Whenever you need me... I love you and cannot tell you enough how sorry I am. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, This blog is a great tribute to your brother. I've not met you or Shane but I'm your Mom's cousin, Mat Millenbach.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great picture of him. As a combat vet myself (Vietnam, '67-'68), I can tell you he has the look of a real combat soldier -- that sort of wary, careful, somewhat tired look they get after a while; the dirty uniform; the guy you want on your side when the shooting starts. We're lucky we have guys like him who are willing to stand up for their beliefs.
I'm glad you're doing this. The fellows in his unit will really appreciate it.