Staff Sgt. Justin Michael DeCrow, aged 32, was one of the 13 victims killed in the tragic Fort Hood shooting on November 5, 2009. DeCrow, a Caucasian male from Evans, Georgia, was a satellite communications operator-maintainer who had recently been assigned to a Signal unit at Fort Hood. He was helping train soldiers on how to assist new veterans with paperwork at the time of the incident.
The shooter, Maj.
Nidal Hasan, an Army psychiatrist, opened fire in the Soldier Readiness Processing Center, killing 13 people and wounding 32 others. Hasan was eventually apprehended by two civilian police officers and is now paralyzed from the chest down. He was charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted murder.
In the aftermath of the shooting, there were numerous investigations and legal proceedings. Hasan faced a military trial, and in August 2013, he was convicted of all charges and sentenced to death. The trial provided some answers to the survivors and families of the victims, although many questions remained unanswered.
The community and DeCrow's family received an outpouring of support following his death. Fundraising efforts were organized to help his wife, Marikay, and their daughter, Kylah, cope with the loss and continue their lives. Despite the tragedy, Marikay chose to stay in Evans, Georgia, where she and her daughter received immense support from neighbors and friends.
DeCrow's legacy lives on through the memories shared by his family, friends, and fellow soldiers. He was remembered as a caring instructor, a dedicated noncommissioned officer, and a loving family man. His friends and colleagues continue to honor his memory by sharing stories and keeping his spirit alive.
