Editorial: May Lt. Col. Shah's memory inspire future generations of leaders

The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press Editorial Board, The Virginian-Pilot on Mar 18, 2026

Published in Op Eds

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To hear his friends and family describe him, Lt. Col. Brandon Shah was the best of us. He loved his country and dedicated his life to its service. He met challenges with determination, integrity and a buoyant spirit. And he devoted his final years preparing young minds to tackle their futures head on.

His death in a shooting at Old Dominion University last week was cruel and senseless, emotions magnified by the outpouring of love, appreciation and respect by those who knew him best. As our community seeks to cope with the trauma of this tragedy, we should honor Shah’s memory and a life that serves as an inspiration for future generations.

Shah packed more into his 42 years than most accomplish in twice the time. Born in Staunton and a graduate of Charlottesville High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2003, a perilous time for those entering military service.

The United States was attacked in 2001 and responded by going to war in Afghanistan to topple the Taliban government and end that country’s status as a safe haven for terrorists. The Bush administration pivoted to building a case for war against Iraq throughout 2002 before invading in early 2003.

Yet Shah joined the Virginia National Guard, choosing to defend this nation. He also attended Hampton University for a year before transferring to Old Dominion in 2005. There, educators remember someone who excelled in the university’s ROTC program and embraced the opportunities it and the school had to offer.

He rose through the Army ranks and pursued his dream of becoming a pilot. According to Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press reporting, he flew aircraft “such as the AH64 Apache attack helicopter over Iraq, Afghanistan and Eastern Europe during Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and Atlantic Resolve,” amassing more than 1,200 hours — including 600 hours in combat.

His service was exemplary and he demonstrated the courage that motivated those around him. Shah was recognized for his performance in combat, receiving two Bronze Stars, an Air Medal with valor and a Joint Service Achievement Medal, and commanded helicopter units during his time in the Army.

His pursuit of knowledge was similarly resolute. In addition to the bachelor’s degree in sociology he earned at ODU, Shah completed a Master of Business Administration from the University of Georgia and a Master of Science in engineering management from the University of Kansas.

In 2022, he took the opportunity to return to ODU. His cousin, Rizwan Shah, who also served as a helicopter pilot, said he welcomed the change of pace, telling the New York Times, “He had spent a lot of time overseas in dangerous places, or in high-tempo assignments. Old Dominion was his chance to take a knee and spend more time with his family.”

But Shah’s appointment at ODU as the head of the Army ROTC Monarch Battalion, and his position as a professor of military science and department chair, didn’t mean he was slowing down. A 2023 profile in ODU’s Monarch magazine notes that ROTC enrollment jumped under his leadership by 50%. He was an advocate for minority and veteran business education, and reinstated a rappeling exercise — cadets descend from the side of S.B. Ballard Stadium strapped into harnesses — suspended during construction of the new stadium.

All of that — from his noble service to his commitment to preparing the next generation of military and citizen leaders to his family commitments as a husband and father — reflects the enormity of the loss our community suffered last week.

“Lt. Col. Shah didn’t just lead a life of service to our country, he taught and led others to follow that path,” Gov. Abigail Spanberger said in a statement.

That Shah risked his life on the battlefield only to be the victim of a despicable act of violence at home will never make sense. But his legacy is a triumphant life, not his cruel death, that should continue to inspire others.