Why a U.S. Marine fought — and died — for Ukraine

On Thanksgiving morning, Shane Tackett, a 36-year-old former U.S. Marine from Prague, Oklahoma, informed his wife he was departing on a mission and would be away for a couple of days. Tragically, he was killed three days later, on November 30, while clearing a basement in a contested Ukrainian town. Tackett, who had been seeking a way to fight for Ukraine since the early days of the full-scale invasion, joined the Azov Brigade’s international battalion under the call sign Ares in August 2025. He leaves behind his wife, Amariah, and their two daughters, Lily and Iris.

From a young age, Tackett was drawn to military life, as evidenced by his preference for military cots and his excitement over receiving military-grade gear during Christmas. He met his wife, Amariah, shortly after completing his service, and they married in February 2017. The couple shared a love for adventure, hiking, camping, and survival games.

When they discovered they couldn't conceive, Amariah learned she was pregnant with their daughter, Iris, in May 2025. Tackett's dedication to the Ukrainian cause was unwavering, and when the opportunity arose to join the Azov Brigade, he eagerly accepted the challenge.

The onboarding process with the battalion was thorough, and Tackett understood the risks he was taking. He recorded videos for his newborn daughter, Iris, to help her remember her father. Despite his wife's fears for his safety, Amariah fully supported her husband's decision, knowing that he would return home after three years, by the time Iris was old enough to know and appreciate him.

Tackett's commitment to justice, protecting innocent people, and fighting for the Ukrainian people's freedom drove him to sacrifice his life in defense of those in need.