Robert J Shanahan
Lt. Colonel Robert J. Shanahan was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on June 27, 1933, and graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and its ROTC program. He was commissioned into the Air Force in 1956 and served as a Missile Launch Officer early in his service. He also served as an attaché to NATO in Denmark for three years. In 1969 to 1970 he bravely served in the Vietnam War.
After the war he was stationed at Wiesbaden Air Force Base for three years, and upon returning to the States, his assignments included the Pentagon and Offutt Air Force Base.
Throughout his military career he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Vietnam Service Medal 3 Bronze Serve Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.
Lt. Col. Shanahan proudly served his country for over 20 years. He retired from the Air Force in 1980 while stationed at Offutt AFB, which at that time was SAC Headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. He and his wife, Marilyn, and their three children made their home in Papillion, Nebraska. He had an unwavering love for his family, his country, and God. He was incredibly loyal, loving, and generous, with a fun Irish sense of humor.
Lt. Col. Shanahan passed on November 2, 2020, and was laid to rest in the Omaha National Cemetery along with Marilyn, his wife of 65 years, who passed a few months before him on August 10, 2020.
