Spc. Kevin Shumaker, 24, a cook for the 615th Military Police Company, died tragically on Aug. 31, 2011, from  wounds he received while deployed to Afghanistan. His injury didn’t come from a bullet wound or shrapnel from an improvised explosive device, or from a mortar attack. In truth his injury didn’t come from a battle at all. His injuries came from a dog.

The following is a press release from Pearl River Community College:

Family and friends packed the Forrest County Multi Purpose Center, May 15, to see 525 students become graduates of Pearl River Community College.

The graduates received associate’s degrees or certificates of proficiency from Dr. William Lewis, PRCC president, who reminded them their education has not come to an end.

“Please do not forget that education is a life-long process,” he said.

Bringing smiles to Afghan children’s faces wasn’t covered in mobilization training and isn’t listed on most Afghanistan trainer mentor’s “to-do” lists. But when one First Army Division East member started thinking about the children in his area, the idea took root and was enthusiastically supported by other members of his team.