Shawn “Ox” Muhr was raised in Coon Rapids and joined the Army in 2005. He was a stationed out of Fort Bragg in North Carolina and served as a Specialist in two tours overseas; 15 months in Korea and another 15 months in Iran. His father, David Muhr, says Shawn was going to be leaving the service, but decided to re-enlist for one more tour.
Shawn and another member of his unit, SPC. Joshua Campbell, were in a truck that was hit by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). Shortly after, a monument memorializing these two men as well as five others killed that year was erected near the Hellmand Province in Afghanistan. Dave Muhr says he saw a video of the monument and knew he wanted it brought home, not just to the United States, but to Coon Rapids. He started the process in 2012, and it took him until 2016 to accomplish his goal. The monument traveled to several different forts throughout the country, until finally Muhr traveled to Fort Hood in Texas to bring it back to Coon Rapids. He has also been working with the American Legion Post #357, the Coon Rapids City Council and other citizens for the construction of a veterans’ park that would include this memorial piece.
Muhr says Shawn would now be 34 years old and he continues to work tirelessly to ensure that his son and the sacrifice he made are not forgotten.
And he says, he believes it is very important for everyone to remember all of the men and women who have given their lives for our freedoms. Muhr and the other organizations are working together to raise funds for the park. Muhr says they are seeking between $25,000 and $30,000 and a GoFundMe page has been set up to help with collecting donations for the construction costs. A link to the GoFundMe page can be found included with this story on our website. Donations can also be made at the office of the Coon Rapids City Clerk. A special dedication ceremony will be held at a later date.
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To make a donation: https://www.gofundme.com/coon-rapids-veterans-memorial-park
Other soldiers on the monument : SPC Joshua Ross Campbell of Bennett, CO; SGT Devin James Daniels of Kuna, Idaho; SGT Colby Lee Richmond of Providence, NC: PFC Alberto Lustre Obod of Orlando, FL; SSG Robert Anthony Massarelli of Hamilton, OH; and SGT Michael Joseph Strachota of White Hall, Arkansas.
