Family of Fallen Soldier’s Memorial Day Brightened by NASCAR

Jeff Zell,

CONCORD, NC (WCCB Charlotte) — Memorial Day had never been a holiday Kim Allison gave extra thought to.

Until 2013.

Allison, the mother of Army Specialist Zach Shannon and Dunedin, FL resident, received the news every military mother dreads. Her son died serving in Afghanistan under “Operation: Eduring Freedom” on March 11, 2013.

“We lost Zach (and) it became a solemn holiday,” Allison said.

NASCAR, Paul Menard and the entire Richard Childress Racing family found a way this weekend to turn a tough time into a joyful experience. Menard, driver of the No. 27 Chevrolet, rode with Army Specialist Zach Shannon’s name on the front windshield as part of NASCAR’s initiative to salute the troops who have died serving the United States of America.

Zach Shannon was one of 40 fallen soldiers, one for each NASCAR driver’s car, remembered during Sunday night’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Shannon, who was a NASCAR fan growing up, was a friend of a RCR crew member.

“We just want to try to understand, not necessarily what they are dealing with, but to bring them some joy,” Menard said. “That’s all we can do.”

Shannon’s brothers all served in the armed forces. With Zach’s name headlining the Sprint Cup car, it was a perfect time to get the family together for the first time in years.

“It’s just an awesome thing to keep his memory alive,” Rob Mirrione, Zach’s brother, said. “It definitely means a lot and I was really floored that this is a type of thing happens.”

Zach is described by his family as a practical-joker and all-around fun-loving guy. His family says this was a perfect way to remember him on this Memorial Day weekend.

“If he was looking down on us, we are having a great time here,” Rob Shannon, Zach’s brother, said. “So I’m sure he’s loving it.”

And Mom says this Memorial Day will be one that will be truly special.

“This actually brings a little bit of joy,” mother Kim Allison said. “It’s something really nice that’s being done and we truly appreciate it.”