Hegseth among visitors to Arlington grave after widow’s request

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his family on Monday paid respects at the grave of Staff Sgt. Alan Shaw, after Shaw’s widow asked visitors to Arlington National Cemetery to stop at the marker and send her a photo of the grave. Her post went viral on the X platform, prompting dozens to visit the grave.

Outgoing Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard also paid respects, leaving a challenge coin on Shaw’s headstone. The custom coin, bearing her name and the insignia of her office, represents honor and achievement in military tradition. Media figure Nick Sortor, who also visited the grave, said he would mail the coin to Shaw’s family.

Shaw’s widow, Sharrell Anne, said the response to her post surprised her and proved her husband was not forgotten. She received many photos along with kind messages and prayers, she said.

What do we know about Shaw? He was a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, of the U.S. Army’s 12th Cavalry Regiment, which is stationed at Fort Hood in Texas. He was killed in Iraq in 2007, leaving behind his wife and three children. He was a posthumous recipient of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Dig deeper: Read my report on the U.S. military’s Monday strikes in Iran.