CMU student named 2019 Soldier of the Year
Spec. Shayn Lindquist served his community and country while battling brain cancer
Army specialist Shayn Lindquist, a Central Michigan University student, has been named Military Times’ Soldier of the Year.
Spc. Lindquist, a senior from Clarkston, Michigan, was actively engaged at CMU — participating in ROTC, Model United Nations and the university’s DII hockey club — and training with his U.S. Army Reserve unit when he was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017.
But Lindquist’s diagnosis didn’t stop him from continuing his education, serving his country or helping others.
He volunteered with Special Days Camp, working with children with cancer. He also organized a charitable ruck event, carrying a heavy load more than 150 miles, raising thousands of dollars for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Special Days Camp.
“While undergoing chemotherapy he continued to attend classes and drill with his Reserve unit as an enlisted member. He is continually volunteering and fundraising to help with cancer awareness and research. He is a remarkable young man who has a true warrior spirit,” said Lt. Col. Donald Pratt, who leads CMU’s ROTC program and teaches in the military science program.
Lindquist received the Soldier of the Year award at the 18th annual Service Members of the Year awards in Washington, D.C., June 10, 2019.
He will graduate in December with a double major in international relations and law and economics with a minor in military science and plans to pursue his military career.