Meet Shannon Meehan

Captain Shannon P. Meehan (Ret.) served his nation with valor and distinction as a decorated tank platoon leader in Iraq. Now medically retired after being wounded during combat, he's not finished fighting for the hard-working families of Delaware County.

A Soldier and a Leader

Serving in the storied 1st Cavalry Division in the violent Diyala Province, Shannon commanded an area nearly twice the size of Delaware County. Consistently rated his battalion's top platoon leader, he was lauded by his superiors as "an outstanding combat leader" with "a keen understanding of the counterinsurgency fight." For his actions, Shannon was awarded the Bronze Star and Army Commendation for Valor, among other honors.

In Iraq, Shannon built schools, created jobs, and brought rival factions together while wisely managing the investment of $800,000 in funding for local infrastructure. Showing independent leadership, he developed and secured his own intelligence –- leading to the capture of more enemy insurgents and corrupt government officials than all of his peers combined.

Continuing to Serve

In September 2007, Shannon was on foot patrol in the Iraqi city of Baquba when his foot caught a tripwire and an anti-tank IED detonated three yards behind him, blowing him skyward and causing severe injuries to his spine and head.

Awarded the Purple Heart, Shannon completed rehabilitation at Fort Hood and wrote the nationally acclaimed memoir Beyond Duty: Life on the Frontlines in Iraq. An international best-seller, Beyond Duty sheds light on challenges faced by soldiers in today's modern warfare that too many others have been reluctant to confront.

Now medically retired due to his injuries, Shannon is back on foot patrol -- this time in his hometown, where he's knocking on doors and seeking to continue his service as state representative for Pennsylvania's 163rd district, including Clifton Heights, Aldan, Lansdowne, and parts of Darby, Ridley and Upper Darby townships.

A Husband and Father, Born and Raised in Upper Darby

The grandson of Philadelphia cop, Shannon was born and raised in Delaware County. Growing up, he played football for the Clifton Rams and attended Upper Darby High School, where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a champion wrestler. Shannon graduated with distinction from the Virginia Military Institute, having also studied at Oxford University.

He now resides in Secane with his wife, Amanda Jane, and their newborn son, Brady Cole, who daily inspires him to continue fighting for our community.