RIP Shon Hill 11/27/1974-07/05/2014

2014-07-10T01:34:19-04:00

Hi I'm Jenni Heagy, Shon's Girlfriend. I'm Not Sure If You All Know This, But Shon Hill Pasted Away In The Early Morning Of July 5th. He Got Hit By A Train. her is the story from the news paper about it: Http://Www.Thedalleschronicle.Com/News/2014/Jul/08/Man Dies When Struck Train/. I Know That He Reached Out To You All For Help Or Advice Here Or There. And I Really Appreciate It. It Seemed To Help Him Cope With The Troubles That He Was Going Through, With PTSD Mostly. I Know He Struggled With It Everyday. I Just Found His Dd 214 And Hopefully Soon We Can Get The Ball Rolling For A Memorial Service. I Know He'll Want To Be Laid At Rest In Eagle Point, Oregon. I Just Wanted To Thank You All For Serving And I'm Sorry That You Have To Deal With The Va...They Really Suck. Thank You For Giving Him Advice On Many Topics That He Struggled With. God Bless You All! Jenni Heagy"

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2014 1:54 AM

2014-07-10T01:54:43-04:00

Ms. Heagy,

Please convey my deepest condolences to his family. Words cannot express my sorrow for your loss. I pray that your faith will comfort you in your grief and time will ease your pain. I know Shon reached out to us and we were all here to stand together. Please know you are not alone in your loss.

In Faith & Sympathy,

Jose

Response by SFC A.M. Drake made Jul 10 at 2014 6:42 AM

2014-07-10T06:42:57-04:00

Jenni,

From our military family please accept our sympathy for your loss, As stated earlier we all was speaking with Shon about the issues he was having and we all were hopeful that some solutions were found. We all hate it when a military brother/sister is reaching out for help. I'm sorry I should have flown out there to see him. I'm truly sorry for your loss, and as this gets around RP more will follow. Take care and God bless.

Adam

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jul 10 at 2014 6:52 AM

2014-07-10T06:52:57-04:00

Please accept my condolences, and may you have the strength you need to continue to live as he would have wanted.
RIP Brother!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2014 7:11 AM

2014-07-10T07:11:37-04:00

Ms. Heagy,

Thank you for letting us know. We are all deeply saddened as we had all hoped for a very different outcome. Know that even though we never met, we really do care. Prayers for you and his family.

Much love,
Ann

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2014 9:17 AM

2014-07-10T09:17:16-04:00

This is the Facebook community page for Shon recently posted by his family:

https://www.facebook.com/rememberingshonhill/timeline

Facebook

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jul 10 at 2014 9:20 AM

2014-07-10T09:20:24-04:00

I think everyone here at RallyPoint is saddened by this news. It is never easy to see a brother or sister-in-arms leave us. I join everyone in offering my thoughts and prayers for you and everyone touched by this terrible event.

Response by SFC Stephen Carden made Jul 10 at 2014 9:22 AM

2014-07-10T09:22:41-04:00

Jenni, I am so sorry for your loss. I'm sure that every one of us here on RP wish that we had been able to do more to ease his pain before it came to this. I am not generally a very religious man, but this verse came to mind here: Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends - John 15:13
Shon may not have passed away in combat, but he still sacrificed his life for his brothers in arms and for the American people. God speed, Shon. I hope you have finally found peace.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Jul 10 at 2014 9:28 AM

2014-07-10T09:28:35-04:00

Jenni, am so very sorry for your loss, words can never take away the hurt or the pain caused by the passing of a loved one, but know that he is no longer troubled or in pain. Know that there are a great many people that mourn his passing with you, even though we never met him in person. May Shon Rest in Peace, and may you find comfort in knowing that he is no longer hurting. Thank you for posting this on here to let us know of Shon's passing, and know that you and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers and I hope that you may find a bit of peace in my words and those of his brothers and sisters in arms that post on here.
Bill

Response by SSG Robin Rushlo made Jul 10 at 2014 9:40 AM

2014-07-10T09:40:26-04:00

R.I.P. Brother HOORAH May God's scouts escort you home. Prayers for the family and love ones as the hole will never be filled but GRACE that passes all understand will keep you in PEACE

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Jul 10 at 2014 9:59 AM

2014-07-10T09:59:18-04:00

Jenni, please accept my heartfelt condolences for your tragic loss. Shon reached out to the community here and I'm comforted to know that it helped him in some way. He was as open and honest as any of us could be.
For what ever reason, the link you've placed does not go to the article but I will do what I can to research it and place the accurate link here for all in the community to see.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2014 10:01 AM

2014-07-10T10:01:00-04:00

Please take a moment to remember our Brother. Good night, sweet prince, and may flights of angels carry you to your rest. Below is the Combat Medic's Prayer. Rest in peace. I hope the end of your struggle will only galvanize our resolve. Jenni, I wish you peace in the healing time ahead.

Oh, Lord
I ask for your divine strength
to meet the demands of my profession.
Help me to be the finest medic,
both technically and tactically.
If I am called to the battlefield,
give me the courage to conserve our fighting forces
by providing medical care to all who are in needs.
If I am called to a mission of peace,
give me the strength to lead by caring
for those who need my assistance.
Finally Lord,
help me to take care of my own
spiritual, physical, and emotional needs.
Teach me to trust
in your presence and never-failing love.
AMEN

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Jul 10 at 2014 10:03 AM

2014-07-10T10:03:16-04:00

http://www.thedalleschronicle.com/news/2014/jul/08/man-dies-when-struck-train/

Train fatality

#A man was struck and killed by an eastbound train early Saturday morning and The Dalles City Police are awaiting toxicology reports to see if he was under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.

#Shon Hill, 39, of Ione, was found dead near the tracks at First and Union streets by emergency responders shortly after 4 a.m. July 5.

#He was reportedly lying in the railroad right-of-way when he was hit by a Union Pacific freight train, according to Detective Doug Kramer.

#Hill was on foot after having his vehicle impounded by Oregon State Police in Hood River following a DUI arrest July 4.

#He had been transported to the Northern Oregon Regional Correctional Facilities but an undisclosed medical condition prevented him from being kept in jail.

#After being taken to Mid-Columbia Medical Center in The Dalles for treatment, Hill was cited by OSP and released about 9:30 p.m. Friday.

#Kramer said it is not known where Hill went or what he did in the intervening hours between his release from the hospital and the incident that led to his death.

Man dies when struck by train

A man was struck and killed by an eastbound train early Saturday morning and The Dalles City Police are awaiting toxicology reports to see if he was under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2014 10:45 AM

2014-07-10T10:45:19-04:00

It never fails to hurt my heart to hear of a Brother in Arms passing away in such a way. Much is made of the suicide rate among active duty personnel reaching averages of 1 per day in 2012. What many people don't know is that best (most accurate) estimates have that number as high as 12 per day among our veterans.

God Bless us all.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2014 10:57 AM

2014-07-10T10:57:19-04:00

Thank you for caring about our fellow veterans.

Response by SGT Shon D. Hill made Jul 10 at 2014 12:01 PM

2014-07-10T12:01:31-04:00

Thank you everyone. For some reason, all his brothers/sisters in arms helps me feel more at peace with Shon's passing than the rest of the world. Don't get me wrong, my family and his are helping through this as well (like paying bills, my mom hasn't left my side until i tell her she may go), but Maybe it's because you all have gone through this before either on the battle field or here at home. I'm not sleeping well at all I keep having nightmares about how he died. I don't know how to get through this...just take one breathe, one step at a time. Shon's favorite show was Firefly and on there is a quote that says "If you can't walk then crawl, and when you can't crawl then find someone to carry you." All of you and I were at the point of carrying him. I watched him struggle for the past 3yrs. But this last year, was the worst. He moved us everywhere and while were down in Phoenix, AZ, he started doing drugs without me knowing. We moved into my parents house, started renting from them (while they lived in Salem, Oregon) and was starting to get our life out of hell and now I'm thrown back even deeper without a way out. He considered me a Combat Vet for just taking care of and dealing with him. I told him it was my duty to love and support him because that's what you do when your in love and talking about marriage and having kids someday. I'm glad that he had his brothers and sister on here to talk to. He loved you all so much. If any of you have PTSD please I beg you go get help!! I know the VA sucks and it takes forever to do anything about it, but at least get the process started. Thank you all for your prayers. Like I said before I am finding comfort with all of you plus his family and mine right now. I know I wasn't an army wife, but it sure did feel like it. I do take comfort that he is not in pain or struggling anymore and I really hope that he is finally at peace in Heaven. I keep going down the "What if's" and it's driving me crazy. I still have his Facebook up, I haven't shut it down yet....I don't think I'm ready to, but there is a Facebook page of Remembering Shon Hill, I think someone already posted it on here. Please feel free to post on it. I know our family would love to hear from you all.
Thank you all again for your love and support,
Jenni Heagy

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made Jul 10 at 2014 12:15 PM

2014-07-10T12:15:26-04:00

Jenni,

My heart and prayers go out to you and Shon's family. I can't imagine what you are going through. Thank you for your courage. I did not know Shon very long, but I do know that even though he was fighting his own war, it never kept him from reaching out to others in their struggles.

Shon will be greatly missed.

God bless you, and I will be praying for you and Shon's family in this time of grief and loss.

Response by SGT Thomas Lucken made Jul 10 at 2014 12:21 PM

2014-07-10T12:21:51-04:00

Jenni, I am very sorry for your lost and a lost of a brother!!!!!

A brother lost is always a tear in my eye. There will be a time again, when we all we meet him in Fiddler's Green....

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2014 12:32 PM

2014-07-10T12:32:44-04:00

Has anyone posted a link to his comments up until this event? I've seen him posting a number of times, but not sure how to pull up those posts.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2014 1:00 PM

2014-07-10T13:00:31-04:00

Ms Jenni,
I did not know Shon by heart is heavy and saddened with this news. I pray you and his family find peace and healing in this most difficult of times. I pray that all my brothers and sisters in arms find the help they so desperately need to be at peace.
Please accept my sincerest and deepest sympathies and thoughts and prayers,
Lisa

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2014 2:58 PM

2014-07-10T14:58:13-04:00

That is horrible ma'am. Hope that in this time you are able to find comfort.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2014 3:32 PM

2014-07-10T15:32:24-04:00

So sorry to hear of his passing. Hope to see you some day up above where there's no more pain, sorrow, or bad news. RIP brother!

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 10 at 2014 3:36 PM

2014-07-10T15:36:15-04:00

OMG! I'm so sorry for your loss. Shon was one of the first people I connected with here on RallyPoint as fellow vets. My deepest condolences to you Jenni and his family and friends. We've lost another brother, this is truly tragic.

Response by 1SG David Niles made Jul 10 at 2014 8:03 PM

2014-07-10T20:03:33-04:00

Jenni, I am so sorry for your loss, I will pray for the repose of his soul. I am so sorry that he was not able to get the help that he so desperately needed and wanted. I feel and I think most veterans feel that they wish that they could have done more.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2014 8:14 PM

2014-07-10T20:14:38-04:00

Dear Jenni, I am so sorry for your loss. Shon and I corresponded briefly. He was a very thoughtful, deeply introspective, and very kind man. We shared what it was like to work as a nurse back in the world after serving in a combat zone. I wish we knew what more we could have done to help him. There are so few good programs for health care providers. Warmest Regards, Sandy

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2014 9:15 PM

2014-07-10T21:15:26-04:00

My condolences to you and those that knew him.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Jul 10 at 2014 9:35 PM

2014-07-10T21:35:58-04:00

Hi Jenni:

My Name is Charles Brown, and while I never got the chance to actually meet Shon, we had once planned on meeting up here in Klamath Falls. My heart goes out to you, I knew he was struggling but I didn't know how badly. I sent a text message to his phone today not knowing if anyone would get it. I as well as the rest of the RallyPoint community will miss Doc. If you need to talk send me a message through the Message forum. We are all here if you need us. God bless you.

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Jul 11 at 2014 2:23 AM

2014-07-11T02:23:20-04:00

This Shiner Bock is for you SGT Hill. May you rest in peace brother.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2014 12:17 PM

2014-07-11T12:17:46-04:00

This is a tragedy and no words can come close to fill the void that has been left with his departure from this world.

My condolences to you Jenni, and to all who knew Sgt. Hill.

This is a soldier who died from war - the war ended and simply delayed his death. My thoughts will dwell on him to honor his sacrifices...

Response by SSgt Michael Hacker made Jul 11 at 2014 12:40 PM

2014-07-11T12:40:17-04:00

Shon and I had quite a few interesting, funny conversations privately on RP. While I never met him in person, I shall definitely miss his wit. My condolences to his family and friends.

Rest in Peace, brother.

Michael

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Jul 11 at 2014 12:55 PM

2014-07-11T12:55:38-04:00

RIP Brother.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Jul 11 at 2014 1:28 PM

2014-07-11T13:28:01-04:00

Here is RallyPoint's response today:

http://blog.rallypoint.com/2014/07/response-to-passing-of-sergeant-shon.html?showComment= [login to see] 47#c [login to see] 222613189

RallyPoint.com: Response to the Passing of Sergeant Shon Hill, US Army

I second the motivation to continue to build a network where any member can ask for help and get it. I will do all I can to assist in the organization and streamline of the system and threads for that purpose!

Response by 1LT Shawn McCarthy made Jul 11 at 2014 4:41 PM

2014-07-11T16:41:36-04:00

We only interacted a few times, but I mourn your loss and pray for those who loved him.

"Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality."
Emily Dickinson

May God give you peace.

Response by SGT Shon D. Hill made Jul 11 at 2014 6:00 PM

2014-07-11T18:00:36-04:00

Shon and I were camping when we first moved to AZ. I sent him to the store for something. When he came back to camp, he didn't have any shoes or socks on. I asked What happened to them, he said " There was a homeless Vet outside the store. I went into the store and when I came out, I gave him my socks and shoes cause it was cold tonight." I told him he could've giving him clean socks that were in the back of the car instead of the dirty ones. he said that he didn't even realize that they were there.

So now, when I'm ready, I want to give his clothes to the VA for the vets that are in need of clothes. Would they do take them and give out the clothes? I think He would of have liked that.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2014 9:03 PM

2014-07-11T21:03:50-04:00

Jenni I want to extend my condolences to you and his family on the lose of SGT Hill. Though I did not know him I feel like we all knew him in part because of our bond in the military community with similar experiences that only we tend to have together. Know that you are not alone in mourning and remembering him but rather you are joined by every last one who is or has worn the uniform. He was and still is a part of us as we are all family. You and his family are also apart of our family. If you ever need anything just let us know and we will try to assist you. God bless SGT Hill, you, his family, his friends, and his brothers and sisters in arms. He will be missed.

Response by SGT Shon D. Hill made Jul 12 at 2014 6:39 AM

2014-07-12T06:39:02-04:00

I found this on Face book tonight and thought that we all could use this prayer... It's been one week, last Saturday on the dot, that Shon passed away. Maybe that's why I haven't been able to sleep yet, who knows.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2014 10:01 AM

2014-07-12T10:01:09-04:00

Rest in Peace Brother. I definitely remember seeing his name around here and his passing is felt by everyone.

Response by SSG Richard Stevens made Jul 12 at 2014 12:14 PM

2014-07-12T12:14:27-04:00

I am very sorry I am praying for his family

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2014 5:02 PM

2014-07-12T17:02:26-04:00

RIP, my condolences to his family and the folks that held him close. Godspeed!

Response by SGT Shon D. Hill made Jul 12 at 2014 11:47 PM

2014-07-12T23:47:41-04:00

This ribbon is for PTSD/TBI. My mom made it today and put a gold star on it. Shon may have died here at home, but he actually died in Iraq. He always told me that he was on borrowed time. So, this ribbon is for all of you who have PTSD/TBI.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2014 2:36 PM

2014-07-13T14:36:28-04:00

Wow, such a sad story. Thoughts and prayers for family and friends of Shon Hill. I only hope that this is not the result of untreated PTSD in a hero who was neglected by the medical system. I just read his thread on his page. I am truly saddened as I lost a close Air Force friend and coworker to PTSD. We have to do something to help our heroes!!

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2014 2:48 PM

2014-07-13T14:48:21-04:00

My condolences. It's a tragedy and PTS (I deliberately drop the disorder because shrink friends of mine do not believe it is a disorder - it is stress we need to work through) is something we as a nation better address sooner rather than later. We have a generation of young men and women who deserve better. God Bless

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2014 3:05 AM

2014-07-20T03:05:32-04:00

Dear Jenni, please accept my condolences on the loss of your beloved Shon. I did not know him, and did not get the chance to ever meet him on here. I am sorry to know that he struggled with PTSD, that is so difficult to hear. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Shon's family. God Bless you.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jul 20 at 2014 7:12 PM

2014-07-20T19:12:12-04:00

You and your family and loved ones are in our prayers. We pray that Shon has found peace and solace on the high ground.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Jul 22 at 2014 9:12 AM

2014-07-22T09:12:44-04:00

There will be a public memorial service for Shon Hill on August 4th at 2:00 p.m. at Eagle Point National Cemetary 2763 Riley Rd. Eagle Point, Oregon 97524.

https://www.facebook.com/rememberingshonhill?ref=stream&fref=nf

Facebook

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Jul 23 at 2014 11:55 AM

2014-07-23T11:55:24-04:00

As a token of my respect for Shon I am sending flowers to his service in our name … it seems only fitting to embrace every member in that display of respect since many here reached out to him, interacted with him, conversed with him, and planned with him to improve his situation. For any who want to know there will be a public memorial service for Shon Hill on August 4th at 2:00 p.m. at Eagle Point National Cemetery 2763 Riley Rd. Eagle Point, Oregon 97524.

http://www.facebook.com/rememberingshonhill?ref=stream&fref=nf

I am grateful to Shon for the courage and fortitude he exhibited that gives me ample reason to continue supporting my battle buddies in any way I am able.

Facebook

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Jul 23 at 2014 12:12 PM

2014-07-23T12:12:52-04:00

OBITUARY:
Shon Dominic Hill of Ione Oregon passed away Saturday July 5, 2014 in The Dalles Oregon following a tragic accident.
Shon was born November 27, 1974 in Medford, Oregon to John Joseph Hill and Cheryl (Danley) Hill. Shon grew up in Rogue River and Klamath Falls.
Shon served in the Army and National Guard being a veteran of the Bosnian conflict and two tours of duty in Iraq. He also participated in the recovery efforts in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Shon was a former Combat Medical Sergeant in Iraq as a medic fondly known as "Doc" to his military brothers. After leaving the military, with a medical discharge, Shon worked as an EMT and as a Registered Nurse. Prior to his death, Shon was working on his degree in Chemistry at Southern Oregon University in Ashland.
Shon was proceeded in death by his father John "JJ" Hill.
His partner Jenn Heagy, sons Dalton and Alonzo Hill of Texas, Mother Cheryl Hill, Brother Ryan Hill, Grandmother Grace Hill of Medford and many Aunts and Uncles, dozens of nieces and nephews, survives Shon. Shon will be greatly missed by his entire family, friends, and his "band of brothers".
Shon will be buried with full military honors on August 4, 2014 @ 2 pm at Eagle Point National Cemetery in Eagle Point.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions in Shon's honor to the Wounded Warrior Project to provide the help so needed by our returning wounded warriors.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Aug 4 at 2014 2:00 PM

2014-08-04T14:00:28-04:00

Today is your day to rest. You deserve that with your battle over. I'll continue to reach out and help any who ask (like you) in your honor.

Response by 1SG Flo Carrigan made Sep 4 at 2014 11:21 PM

2014-09-04T23:21:42-04:00

RIP SGT Shon Hill ...............

Response by SPC David S. made Sep 4 at 2014 11:48 PM

2014-09-04T23:48:32-04:00

May God grant you peace and make your whole Shon. RIP Brother

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made May 25 at 2015 12:22 PM

2015-05-25T12:22:44-04:00

Remembering you today Shon.

Response by SPC Christopher Perrien made Oct 31 at 2015 6:04 PM

2015-10-31T18:04:50-04:00

I found his story today. And yea the VA is torturing my ass too. i am not a PTSD victim as he was, but I do sure know some of the pain he was in. Physical from chronic back pain, it ain't fun.

Response by MSG Tim Gray made Nov 1 at 2015 1:33 AM

2015-11-01T01:33:16-05:00

Thanks for your post and yes the VA sucks!

Response by Jennifer Hill made Aug 19 at 2019 9:22 PM

2019-08-19T21:22:44-04:00

I realize I'm coming in 5 years after this post. I hadn't heard of Shon's death until I messaged his son on Facebook a couple of years ago. I am Shon's ex-wife - Shon came home from Iraq to me and we were married in 2005. Things were good for a few years, but spiraled quickly. Yes, he needed help. His first week back from Iraq he was able to visit two doctors VA who both prescribed pain medicine and some type of anti-anxiety medicine that I didn't pay enough attention to. It was easier for them to offer pills over therapy and I don't know many that could resist something that would take the pain away immediately versus something that would take years of reliving the pain. He worked his way through nursing school and got full custody of his kids before the spiral. For clarification, he was not awarded the Purple Heart, but he was considered for the B
Shon's death is horrifying. I'm actually visiting this page because I am in The Dalles for work and I can feel him heavy in the air....I've been thinking about him all day. What could I have done those five years we were married? Why didn't I spend the time looking at and looking up his meds? Why didn't I check our health insurance to see the multiple prescriptions filled. I recognized the warning signs but not their impact until it went so far I couldn't protect him or the kids. I don't want to speak ill of a good man who suffered and died under horrible circumstances, trapped in a web of pain, addiction and PTSD - he was my daughter's step dad and the official nurse of the family. He was my granddad's best friend helping him and joining in his funeral with military honors.
Shon tried many times to get sober, he would call or email me that he wanted to make amends and he tried for a while every time. . And then I stopped hearing from him. It NEVER CROSSED MY MIND that he was gone. And it sits as a pit in my stomach, a tremble as I force myself not to think of the man, the father that built a life with me, the bond his sons had with my Dad that was so brief but could have been so much more.
Jenny - if you are still checking these sites, I have one urgent plea for you. He didn't ask for my help, but he spoke to the pain of having nothing of his father. Consider helping to get his personal items to his son. He had a cardboard box with his records and pictures of him and the boys and his dad and his mom and aunt and cousins. I shipped it to him a few years after the divorce. Let me know if I can help get them back to his son. It sounds like you have it, based on other comments here.
This is raw tonight, 5 years later - because these things, they don't go away. A simple business trip triggered this post and the tightening of my chest as i type. I wasn't ready to face this alone tonight.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.