The U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) Brigade of Midshipmen held a remembrance meal in King Hall, March 25, for a 2006 academy graduate who died during a routine training exercise.

Marine Capt. Stanford "Ford" Henry Shaw III was one of seven Marines and four Louisiana National Guard members that died when their UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter crashed near Eglin, Florida, March 10.

Before the meal, Midshipman 1st Class Seth Montgomery, sponsor brother of Capt. Shaw, stood before the brigade with Midshipman 1st Class Katrina Herrera, sponsor sister, members of 6th Company and the Men's Lacrosse team, to share a few of his personal experiences with Shaw.

"He was more than just some intimidating MARSOC Marine," said Montgomery. "He was our mentor, our sponsor, and our friend. Even though he graduated 9 years ago, he came home to visit our sponsor family 2-3 times a year to enjoy a good football game and tailgate with us."

When he graduates and receives his commission in May, Montgomery plans to wear the same uniform Capt. Shaw wore during his commissioning in 2006.

"He gave it to me at Christmas and he was really proud that Katrina and I were selected to be Marine aviators," said Montgomery. "We will strive to live up to the standard he set and we know he would challenge all of you to do the same. We know he'll be watching."

Shaw served as a Marine infantry officer and team commander for 2D Marine Special Operations Battalion.

During his time at the Academy, he served as 6th Company Commander, and was a member of the Ring and Crest committee and the Men's Lacrosse team.

Shaw's name was added to the Naval Academy's Memorial Hall wall, where the names of approximately 2,654 USNA alumni are honored and remembered, earlier this week.

He is survived by his parents, Stanford and Ramona Shaw of Basking Ridge, N.J.


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