24-year-old US 10th Mountain Division Specialist Kevin R. Shumaker died from rabies on 31st August 2011 whilst being treated for the disease in a US hospital.
Spc. Shumaker joined the Army in February 2009 and served as a cook with the 615th Military Police Company in Afghanistan from May 2010 to May 2011. He returned to Fort Drum, New York, in August this year.
It is thought that Spc. Shumaker contracted the disease overseas but this is currently under investigation. The Army said he did not contract the disease in New York.
His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the NATO Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon, according to the Army.
Spc. Shumaker is survived by his mother and stepfather.
Does anyone know why he did not receive treatment until the symptoms started? I heard from his family members that he was bitten by a dog while he was trying to break up a fight between some stray dogs that came into his station in Afghanistan. Was anyone else bitten and treated? I knew Kevin while he was in high school, and he often stopped by our home, and our dogs loved the attention he gave them. Sad and ironic to die from trying to keep the peace between the same kind of animals that he was always so kind to. Now I feel some of what you all feel who have lost someone who was serving this country and our allies.
ReplyDeleteHe never reported it .
ReplyDeleteI was the last person he spoke to. RIP dude your missed. Strength and Honor. you will always be a gladiator!
ReplyDeletewow, can't believe it.. He called me up just before he went to the states. You will be truly missed.
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