EBERT, BLAIN

Blain M. Ebert was born March 30, 1982  in Colfax, WA, and was raised in Washtucna where he was a 2001 graduate of Washtucna High School. Growing up on his family’s wheat farm, Blain loved farming, deer hunting, snowmobiling and football. He was a member of the Future Farmers of American (FFA), Boy Scouts of America, and the Washtucna Youth Group.  

Prior to graduating high school, SPC Ebert joined the Army and upon graduating he went on to complete basic training at Fort Sill, OK, in September of 2001, the transferred to Fort Hood Texas shortly after where he was assigned to was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. SPC Blain married his wife Shalanta Harris on May 30 2003. 

SPC Ebert was dedicated to serving his country through military service. He re-enlisted for an additional five years in October of 2004. His unit was deployed to Baghdad Iraq and shortly after his arrival, SPC Ebert began asked people in his hometown to send clothes and shoes for Iraqi children, and the residents responded with box after box of those requested items and much more. "He spent every moment over there worrying about those people," said his father, Michael Ebert. "In his eyes, love and the future of Iraq were going to come through the Iraqi children."  

SPC Ebert was injured in around October 2004 when a car bomb exploded near his tank. However, after a couple weeks of desk work nursing a bruised eardrum and sore back, he asked to be returned to combat.  

 

SPC Ebert was killed on 22 November 2004, in Baghdad, Iraq, when enemy forces engaged his unit with small arms fire. 

 

Blain is survived by his wife, Shilanta Ebert; mother, Lucy Ebert; father, Michael Ebert and wife, Karen; brother, Tim and wife Melissa; sisters, Melissa, Jennifer Camp and husband, Justin and Elizabeth Ebert. 

The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project proudly remembers SPC Blain Ebert for his service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation. Our hope is that his life continues to inspire all who learn his story.