03/13/2026
Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah, 42, Chesapeake, Va, the professor of military science at Old Dominion University was killed during a shooting incident on March 12, 2026.
Lt. Col. Shah leaves behind a spouse and child. He was a native of Virginia, and graduate of Old Dominion University’s Army ROTC program.
Lt. Col. Shah enlisted into the Army in 2003 as an Aviation Operations Specialist. While enlisted, he obtained the rank of Sergeant before transitioning to Army ROTC at Old Dominion University. Upon completing his enlisted service, which included service in the Active Duty Army, Army Reserve, and Virginia Army National Guard, he graduated from Old Dominion University in 2007.
He last served as the Brigade S3 in the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah, GA. Before Brigade S3, he served as the Squadron S3 in the 3-17 Air Cavalry Squadron overseeing modernization efforts for Attack Helicopters. Lt. Col. Shah’s command time exceeds 36 months which included a command in A/1-3 Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, A/3-17 Air Cavalry Squadron, and B/603 Aviation Support Battalion. His service assignments included the 101st Airborne Division, 82nd Airborne Division, XVIII Airborne Corps, United States Forces-Iraq, and 3rd Infantry Division.
Lt. Col. Shah’s individual awards include the Senior Army Aviator Badge, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge. In addition, he has the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with Valor, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal and numerous campaign and unit awards.
Cadet Command stands united with our cadets, cadre, and staff as we grieve this loss and honor his legacy.
All questions related to this incident should be directed to the FBI as the lead investigating agency.
