Shane M. Stinson dies 'of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by insurgents using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire'

FULLERTON – Shane Stinson had always been athletic, passionate about playing baseball and football since he was a kid.

But when the Army private returned home from Iraq last month for a two-week break to celebrate his 23rd birthday, his friends noticed a big change: He talked and walked with confidence.

In the military, he found purpose, said his older brother, Rhyan Stinson.

Stinson’s life was cut short less than a month after he returned to duty in Iraq. He was killed Saturday when insurgents fired on his unit in Baghdad. Military chaplains informed the family during a visit to their Fullerton apartment later that day.

Flags are flying at half-staff at the state Capitol this week in honor of Stinson, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said in a statement Tuesday.

“My brother believed in what he was doing over there and he wanted to better his life,” Rhyan Stinson said. “It hurts that he doesn’t get a chance anymore.”

Shane Stinson was assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 3rd Infantry Division, based in Fort Benning, Ga.

He was born in Artesia. Stinson attended Fullerton’s Troy High School before earning his general-equivalency diploma in 2001.

He worked three years at Toys “R” Us before he decided he wanted something more for his life. He told his family and friends that he planned to join the Army to serve his country and earn money to attend college.

“We were all concerned for him, but he’s the kind of guy you don’t talk out of it,” said Justin Matthews, a high-school friend.

Stinson told his brother he eventually wanted to attend business school and open a sporting-goods shop. But for now he was excited to be making a difference in Iraq. He'd been serving there about three months before he got time off to travel home. On May 22, 20 friends gathered to welcome Stinson home and celebrate his birthday at The Whole Enchilada in Placentia.

Stinson was serious about being a soldier, but he still had a kid’s spirit – which translated into a wealth of friends.

“He was the guy who knew how to get everybody else to laugh,” Matthews said. “No matter what he was going through, he’d go out of his way to make you happy.”

During his two weeks at home, he visited with friends every day, traveled to his favorite beach spots and attended three Angels baseball games. He was thrilled that his favorite team won two of three, including a 4-1 victory in the last game he watched with his brother.

“He was happy to be home, but he said he missed his buddies in Iraq and he was ready to go back and serve,” Rhyan Stinson said. “Coming home, several people stopped him to shake his hand and thank him for his service. That made him very proud.”

In addition to his brother, Stinson is survived by his mother, Evelyn, and his stepfather, Joseph Hackerd. Family members said they will hold a memorial service next week.

From the Orange County Register