Roger Lee Scherf, Jr.

 Specialist, United States Army

March 9, 1990 – March 20, 2011

Age – 21

Brighton, MI

Warrior Transition Battalion,

Fort Lewis, Washington

Died of automotive injuries

SPC Roger Lee, Scherf Jr., US Army – Roger, known affectionately as “RJ” to friends and family, passed away on Sunday, March 20 as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Spanaway, Washington. RJ, 21 years old, was the son of Lori (Don) Marshall, and Roger Lee (Linda) Scherf, Sr. He was born March 9, 1990 in Trenton, New Jersey. At the time of his death he was assigned to the Warrior Transition Battalion, a unit comprised of soldiers recuperating from injuries or severe illness, at Fort Lewis, Washington.

RJ was recuperating from injuries sustained during his service in Afganistan with the 1-17, 5th Stryker Brigade, US Army. He was the recipient of two Purple Hearts, and the sole survivor of his eight man rifle squad when their vehicle was destroyed by a buried explosive device while on patrol in Kandahar Province. President Obama met his 7 squad members’ remains at Dover Air Force Base on November 7, 2009, and escorted the caskets from the aircraft. At that time RJ was at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C. in the critical care unit recovering from his blast injuries. RJ’s interests included the martial arts (he held a black belt), anything outdoors, music, and hanging with or jamming with friends.

Specialist Shea was a graduate of Brighton High School, class of 2017, a member of the Bass Club, Varsity Boys Swim Team, and a lifeguard at the Brighton Pool & Camp. He was a kind soul, who loved the outdoors, especially fishing, he loved nothing more than the opportunity to pick on his sisters. Most importantly, Connor served his family and country with honor.

He entered the United States Army on September 10, 2018, as an infantryman.  He completed Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning Georgia December 2018.  Upon completion of his basic and individual training, Specialist Shea was assigned to Killer Troop, 2-11 Cavalry, National Training Center, at Fort Irwin California.

While assigned to his unit, his duty positions included platoon radio telephone operator (RTO), driver, gunner and Team Leader.  Specialist Shea enjoyed live fire exercises, training with his Soldiers and the Army way of life.  He was an extremely proud member of the United States Army, and a passionate leader of Soldiers.  His awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the National Defense Service Medal.  In November of 2020, Specialist Shea reenlisted to be reassigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky.  He was preparing for the promotion board for Sergeant, attending college, and preparing to submit his packet to attend the Special Forces Assessment Selection.

He was married to Tranquility Thur, who survives him. His large extended family included his parents, three brothers and three sisters, Christina Blanzy, Joshua J. Pfeil, Nathaniel J. Pfeil, Rebecca Hawker, Rachelle Hawker, and Joshua L. Scherf.