On March 12, 2026, Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah (B.S. ’07), protected his Old Dominion University Army ROTC cadets from a lone gunman who entered their classroom. For his bravery and heroism, he paid the ultimate sacrifice. Two cadets were also injured before multiple cadets subdued the assailant. Lt. Col. Shah’s courage and quick response, along with that of his students, prevented further injuries.
In recognition of their bravery and sacrifice, Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael R. Weimer and Daniel P. Driscoll, the 26th Secretary of the Army, awarded nine meritorious service medals and two Purple Hearts to 10 Army ROTC cadets during a private ceremony on March 22. Lt. Col. Shah was also posthumously awarded the Legion of Merit and Purple Heart.