It’s been three years dear friend. You’d be so proud of how we’ve taken the battle to mental health. I miss you every day. I love you dearly my old friend. Rest peacefully. -Durel

My heart aches to hear of Shane's passing. We met nearly 13 years ago in basic training. Both of us being from the north east, we managed to keep in touch over the years. In 2016 he was kind enough to let my elementary students bombard him with letters while he was deployed. His sense of humor, sarcasm and selflessness with always be remembered. Thank you for being a part of my life, Shane.

Shane, hearing about your passing has brought about a shock and deep sadness. I will always feel blessed to have known you! Rest easy in the arms of God til we all meet again.

Shane, I will never forget you. I will always cherish our short time together on the golf links where you did beat me with golf clubs on loan from R. Lee Ermey. You impressed me in so many ways and it is sad that we will never play golf again, or have a beer together. Cheers to you and all you accomplished in your short life. Your picture will forever be on our Wall of Bravery at your favorite Antelope Valley brewery as a tribute to your life and your service to our country. Cheers to you Shane Appleton!

Appleton, you were beast of a person in the best possible way. You had our basic training flight in fits of laughter non-stop. I'll never forget that night of the penicillin shots when our TI SSgt. Davis asked if you were alright, you said "No Sir! I have a softball in my butt-cheek!" You were an amazing guidon bearer, a position that you had to practice for relentlessly while others were cleaning the latrines and making beds. I've enjoyed all the amazing pictures of your military career and the great things you accomplished. I'm sorry I couldn't have been more there for you. I'll never forget you. WOLFPACK. SSGT Jared Sparks USAF, FE WARREN AFB 2008-2012 BMT Flight #241, 331st TRS, February 2008

Rest In Peace my fellow AFE team member Thank you for all you gave!

SSgt Appleton, I will never forget, I was a brand new airman at DLI. You jumped out of the MTL hallway with your blue rope and scared the living daylights out of me. After that, I realized you had a special way of leading us airmen--through a balance of fun smiles and real talks, you earned our respect and became a mentor. You encouraged me, challenged me, and led me, helping to mold me into the best airman I could be. From that first week to my graduation day, you were always there. Thank you for all you did for us. No words could describe how much your smile and presence in this world will be missed. I salute you, sir. -LT #fortheloveofshane

On behalf of the men and women of Aircrew Flight Equipment, we send our deepest sympathies and condolences on the loss of Shane. We are forever grateful for his faithful and committed service to our nation and more importantly the positive impact he had on all around him. May god’s mercy and strength be with you all.

SSgt Appleton was such a joy to be around. He gave me a lot of good advice and better laughs while at the DLI. The world feels a little darker without his light shining.