SSG Shannon M. Smith “No Fear” Fund

This designated fund, created in 2010 by Cassie Smith, honors her late husband, Army Staff Sargent Shannon M. Smith, who was killed in action in Iraq in 2009. It is a designated fund which benefits, in alternating years, the Ohio Fallen Heroes Memorial and Wounded Warrior Project.

Originally created as a scholarship fund for student wrestlers from Marion Harding and Big Walnut high schools, the fund became a designated fund in 2013, to support organizations important to Smith’s family.

According to Cassie, Shannon disliked war but considered it necessary for the protection of our country and all that it represents. Shannon was a dedicated husband, a loving son, a devoted friend, and a loyal battle buddy in his 12th year of military service when he made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Smith Fund is intended to uphold Shannon’s memory and promote the virtures of courage, determination, self-less service, honor, dignity, respect, and above all, “no fear” — the motto Shannon and the members of his squad had tattooed on their wrists while fighting in the Global War on Terror.