Embedded Files
2025 HONOREE
MICHAEL THOMAS ERNST
25 FEBRUARY 1986 - 19 FEBRUARY 2023
The Nick Sheperty Foundation is honored to announce Chief Special Warfare Operator Michael Ernst as the 2025 Run/Walk Honoree. Michael embodied all the characteristics our Foundation respects and honors—integrity, courage, selflessness, and an unwavering dedication to service. Ernst died on February 19, 2023, as the result of a FreeFall training accident at Marana, Arizona.
Michael Thomas Ernst, born on February 25, 1986, in Boston, Massachusetts, was a devoted husband, father, son, friend, and SEAL. Growing up in Cohasset with his five siblings, he enjoyed playing sports, drumming, and spending time with loved ones. After graduating from Thayer Academy and Denison University, Michael joined the Navy in 2010, completing Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training with class 286. He served in SEAL Team 10 and later at the Naval Special Warfare Training Detachment, before joining the Naval Special Warfare Development Group in 2018. A decorated combat veteran, Michael received numerous awards, including the Silver Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and Joint Service Commendation Medal. He also earned an MBA from MIT in 2022. Michael is survived by his wife Megan, his two children, parents Bob and Mary, his siblings, and many nieces and nephews. His legacy of dedication and service lives on through the memories of all who knew him.
2024 HONOREE
April 17, 2024, will be the fifth anniversary of Nick's death. We believe this to be a significant time, filled with both sorrow at Nick's death and happiness when remembering the man and soldier he was. His family, friends, and teammates will celebrate his life by hosting an event at Camp Dawson. We will continue to remember and honor others who have died in freefall training. The funds from the Camp Dawson event will be used to complete this mission.
2023 HONOREE
AIRMAN FIRST CLASS KEIGAN BAKER
14 January, 1996 – 19 March, 2020
Keigan Baker joined the Air Force in 2018. He attended the Combat Control Selection Course; Airborne School; Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE); Air Traffic Control; Combat Controller School; and Special Warfare Pre-dive Course. Keigan was an Air Force Special Tactics Combat Controller assigned to the Special Tactics Training Squadron, 24th Special Operations Wing.
Keigan was awarded the Air Force Basic Military Training Honor Graduate Ribbon, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the National Defense Ribbon, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.
Airman First Class Keigan Baker tragically died during a 2000-meter surface training swim during the Air Force Combat Dive Course in Panama City, Florida.
Keigan is survived by his family, friends, and teammates. He is loved and missed.
2022 HONOREE
MSG NICHOLAS SHEPERTY
1/28/83 - 4/17/19
Nick was an experienced military Freefall jumpmaster with over 200 high-altitude jumps. Nick died in 2019 in Suffolk, Virginia, during a military freefall training event. Nick was a student at the University of Maryland and a member of the Green Berets, serving as a Senior Weapons Sergeant with Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne). His family believes the best way to remember Nick is to honor all those who have died in freefall training and supporting members of the military and their families.
Nick joined the West Virginia Army National Guard in 2010 and served with the Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC). Nick enlisted in the United States military in 2002 and served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
He is the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor, Navy/Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon, and NATO Medal, among numerous other awards and decorations. Nick was resolute and a master of his craft as a Special Forces Weapons Sergeant.
Nick has always been tenacious and hard-working, researching and practicing until he achieved his goals. He believed in doing the right thing not just for himself but for those around him, even in difficult times. Nick was always humble about his accomplishments and never shied away from a challenge. He was exceptionally loyal to his family and friends. Nick always studied and worked hard to be the best teammate possible, putting the needs of his team above his ambitions.
Even though he took his profession seriously, Nick could always find the lighter side of challenges. His boisterous laughter was infectious and could fill a room.
Nick was said to be a “soldier’s soldier,” always ready to be in the forefront of the fight when needed. He was a funny, loving and fiercely devoted son, brother, brother-in-law, fiancé, nephew, cousin and teammate. Nick is truly loved and missed by us all.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse