Sudden Loss of CAV Scout 21 Yr Combat Vet 1SG Scott McDonald

From his 1-71 CAV Family:

Born on December 11, 1980, and passing on July 26, 2025, Scott was more than just a soldier—he was a father, husband, son, brother, and friend. His loss leaves a profound void that can never be filled.

A proud former NCO of the 1-71 Cavalry, Scott’s leadership, dedication, and brotherhood left a lasting mark on all who had the honor to serve alongside him. We extend our deepest condolences and unwavering support to his family during this difficult time.

We will honor his legacy and cherish the memory of the amazing soldier and brother he was to us all. Rest easy brother. You will never be forgotten.

“We stalk the night in the shadows; we climb to glory, alone and unafraid.”

From Jenny:

Scott and I met at Fort Polk, LA, while we were both active-duty Army, before 9/11 happened. We were only together for about 4 months when he left for Korea, but he knew he wanted to get married. I'm not usually one to make such quick decisions, but there was something there. We grew together. We were each other's ride or die for almost 24 years. He came home on mid-tour leave from Korea, and we got married on August 17th, 2002. Next month would be our 23rd wedding anniversary. Being dual military, we saw each other for a total of 63 days in our first 2 years of marriage, until I got out of the Army in July 2004. He went to Korea and then to Fort Drum, and I remained at Fort Polk until I got out of the Army. Liam came along right after our 7th anniversary. That's when we owned our house in NY. But then he got orders for Fort Irwin. I spent two months back in WI working while he was at the Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer Course. Then he picked me up in WI, and at 8 months pregnant, we made the road trip to southern CA. Liam was born on August 24th, 2009, and was about 6 weeks old at Scott's final re-enlistment. Two years later, we went to Fort Campbell, KY, and arrived there on Liam's 2nd birthday. Scott deployed when Liam was 4 years old, and we discussed having another child when he got home from deployment. August 22, 2015, Clay Matthew was born. Scott left on his 1-month birthday to go to Drill Sergeant school. We moved to Fort Benning in January 2016, when Clay was 4 months old. Of course, he had long hours as a senior Drill Sergeant and then became the 1SG of Delta Company 1-46 INF BATT. He tore his Achilles tendon doing the Chesty Puller half marathon, but he finished it. I have never known a man more hardworking and dedicated to helping. He retired after 21 years of active duty and became a driver for Pepsi, because he “just wanted a simple job.” After about a year, he was promoted to the operations supervisor of all the drivers. He was on his way to another promotion by the end of this year. He was at every first day of school, school musical program, doctor visits for the boys, teaching them to fix their bikes, teaching Clay all the parts under the hood of his '54 GMC, which was his dream truck since he was a child. It was a redeployment gift when he came back from his last deployment. Even though he was up for work at 0300 every day, he still helped coach Liam's football team at night. He took them to local hockey and football games. He brought them to scout the property where he hunted with my Dad and taught them signs to watch for to find the best hunting spot. He was the most dedicated Dad. He was also my confidante and constant supporter. As much as he hated running, when I was marathon training, he would run along with me, no matter how much it hurt him. He participated in his own, too, and we did some together. We did a Labor Day 10k together, and we did family 5k runs together. We did "run to remember" on Memorial Day in honor of our fallen comrades, and we did the “Memorial Day Murph.” He lived a full life, and there will always be a void without him. He did hard work to overcome psychological scars. He was most proud to be his sons' Dad, and of his three years of sobriety without a single relapse. That was a huge accomplishment for him, which takes a strong person to achieve and maintain. His strength and courage in life were unmatched and can never be shadowed by his death. I can only hope he is at peace now, and in the end, he did what he thought was best for his loved ones. He was so incredibly wrong, but it was what he felt in his heart. I will hold on to his intentions.

I welcome any happy memories that anyone who served with him would like to share. Our boys and I would greatly appreciate it; it would do wonders for the healing process. I cannot express how deeply we love him and how enormous a void he leaves. Thank you. ❤️

Any funds donated will help support the household and their sons. Scott was the primary income. Survivor benefits, if any, will take several months to start receiving. Aside from household expenses, the boys have their 10th and 16th birthdays next month. Donations will also go toward making their birthdays as special as possible in their Dad’s absence. They plan on taking a trip across the country to spend time with Scott’s family; the boys’ family that they love but seldom get to see. With school, football, and holiday seasons approaching, it will help support Liam’s sports expenses and school, and holiday expenses, therapy, and any other expenses for the kids moving forward.

Any help is appreciated beyond measure.