Patrick F. Meegan

Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Patrick F. Meegan, known to all as Pat, a proud 82nd Airborne and Alaska Army National Guard veteran, passed away on October 25, 2025, at the age of 65. A decorated combat leader and Afghanistan War veteran, Pat was renowned for his courage, ingenuity, and compassion — qualities that left a lasting mark on all who served beside him.

Born on December 3, 1959, in Quincy, Massachusetts, Pat was the son of the late George and Bena Meegan. He is survived by his beloved wife of 31 years, Yuko; his daughter Kaitlyn; and his stepchildren Casey Sechler and Don Sechler (Nina) and step grandchildren Kameli and Keanu. He is also survived by his twin sister Barbara Dargin (Thomas); siblings Paul (Pegi), Richard (Suzanne), Cheryl Minicucci (Michael), Nancy (Corey), Michael (Rachel), Robert (Michelle), and George; and foster brothers Michael Sousa and Robert Goodwin (Jodi).

Pat was predeceased by his brothers Scott, Dennis, Lawrence, and William, as well as his foster parents Michael and Mary Shinney of Scituate, Massachusetts, and foster brothers Matthew Sousa and Greg Shinney. He is also lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Pat proudly served for 34 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Command Sergeant Major in the Alaska Army National Guard. Over his distinguished career, he completed more than 2,500 combat missions, participated in 127 firefights, and led operations that resulted in the capture or neutralization of over 700 enemy combatants.

Throughout his military career, Pat went to multiple countries including the Joint Security Area (JSA) within the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a narrow strip of land that separates North and South Korea. As a Sergeant, he led his platoon conducting regular security patrols and monitored activities along the border. His "thumbs up" photo was later featured on the cover of Army Times magazine and displayed on the wall of the Pentagon.

His actions earned him five Bronze Stars, three with Valor and the French National Defense Medal, a rare honor bestowed upon U.S. soldiers while deployed in Afghanistan. Pat's leadership and tactical innovation influenced Army training manuals, where his field presentations became standard teaching material for infantry units nationwide.

During his deployments to Afghanistan, Pat led missions across numerous forward operating bases, including Spin Boldak, Wilson, and Tarin Kowt. He oversaw the construction of fortifications and infrastructure that safeguarded countless soldiers. Known for his authenticity and fairness, Pat inspired fierce loyalty — his soldiers followed him not because of rank, but because they trusted him completely.

He also commanded and mentored approximately 300 Afghan soldiers, training them with patience and respect. He encouraged them through recognition with laminated pictures of U.S. medals and certificates as well as practical small gifts — knives, compasses, and flashlights— tokens of appreciation that built morale and unity. After grueling missions that often lasted ten days or more, Pat organized feasts to celebrate success and strengthen camaraderie.

Throughout his career, Pat faced extraordinary challenges with humility and resolve. He was a Master Parachutist who completed hundreds of parachute jumps, surviving five parachute malfunctions — with minor to severe injuries. He also endured a caiman crocodile attack during jungle training in Panama and suffered a severely shattered jaw during stateside training, and he walked away from four separate IED explosions to Humvees in Afghanistan. Through every trial, Pat remained grateful, once reflecting, "I feel lucky to be where I am today."

After retiring, Pat settled in Maricopa, Arizona, where he remained deeply connected to the veteran community. He mentored younger service members and championed causes that supported military families. Among his proudest post-service accomplishments was helping his Afghan interpreter and the interpreter's family escape to safety in the United States. Pat guided them through the lengthy immigration process, welcomed them into his home, and supported their transition until they became proud U.S. citizens — a testament to his enduring loyalty and compassion.

In his spare time, Pat enjoyed playing golf, traveling, volunteering at the feral cat colony and watching war & action movies.

Pat will be remembered as a leader, warrior, teacher, and friend — a man whose strength was matched only by his humanity. His legacy will live on through the soldiers he led, the family he cherished, and the countless lives he touched through his service and sacrifice.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Arizona Dec 6, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to a veterans' charity of your choice in Pat's memory.

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