Honoring PFC Evan O'Neill, WT Class of 2002

Pvt. 1st Class Evan O’Neil, Jr.

September 29, 2003

On a windblown plateau in Shkin, Afghanistan, a distance of 6,655 miles from where we stand today, Pvt. 1st Class  Evan William O’Neil, Jr., a proud graduate of Whittier Tech’s Class of 2002, made the ultimate sacrifice of his life to protect the lives of the men in his platoon, on this day 20 years ago.    

Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York, Evan was on patrol in Shkin and died of injuries that he suffered at the hands of the Taliban during an ambush.  He had only been in Afghanistan for 3 months before that fateful day.

A proud Whittier Wildcat, Evan was on the United Nations Debating Team, a member of the National Technical Honor Society, and an athlete.  He was a friend to all and was a young man of great integrity and honor during his four years as a “Wildcat.”  

The events of September 11, 2001 changed the lives of everyone who was alive to witness the horrific attack on our country, but it served as the catalyst for Evan choosing to enlist in the military over attending college or pursuing a career in the Auto Technology field.  

Evan became a third-generation Army soldier after his Whittier graduation, following in the steps of his father and grandfather.  He went to Army Infantry Basic Training at Fort Benning, Ga., and successfully completed Army Jump School, earning his "Silver Wings." He received several military awards including the National Defense Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, Expert with the M16 Riffle Qualifier and Expert Infantryman Badge, an award he was especially very proud of, as only 10 percent of all applicants accomplish this, and a soldier must first be recommended before attempting to achieve this level. Evan also received the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star with "V" Device for Valor.   All this he accomplished before his untimely death at the young age of 19.  

Evan was first and foremost a son, a brother, a fiance, a godson, and a friend, but he was also a Patriot who loved his country and what it stood for.  
"To the Top, All the Way," the motto of the 1st battalion, 87th Infantry, became his motto.  To those who knew him and to his family and friends whose love for him will never die, please know that his Wildcat family will never forget the great sacrifice Evan made so that we can live in freedom.  Evan, we salute you!

This was written by an English teacher who had Evan in class during his time at Whittier Tech. She has organized with all grade 9 English teachers to bring the grade 9 students outside to Evan’s memorial today and Monday to continue the tradition of keeping Evan’s memory alive at Whittier Tech.