Shawn Triplett

a different kind of Loss

"I've been deployed three times, I've seen war zones, I've seen absolute destruction, and nothing compared to it. I mean, the whole town was just leveled," said Shawn in an interview with CNN.

After seeing and experiencing the aftermath of the tornado, Mayfield resident and former Marine, Shawn Triplett is organizing a donation drive to raise money for toys for the suffering children of Kentucky.

Beyond physical damage

Moment of clarity. I still can’t sleep. To be completely honest with you all, I’ve had several panic attacks and am full of anxiety. My goal has only been to raise money for these kids and everyone has done a damn fine job of that.

In the process some pictures I took are now incredibly famous. The one in the theater specifically. I took that photo for myself so I could remember that moment forever. The emotions I felt in that moment cannot be described in a single word. There was anger, sadness, anxiety, determination, and even joy for being able to take in such a somber moment among the chaos.

- Shawn Triplett

Shawn's Commitment

Shawn never had any intention of revealing himself to the public whenever he uploaded the images of the devastation in Kentucky online. He merely wanted to spread awareness and to give back in any way that he could. However, one thing led to another and now he has been exposed to the public from the countless people trying to reach out to him because of the good deeds he has done with his charity donation. Shawn has now embraced his position and would now like to do even more to help out as much as he can.

The Interview

Question 1 - Where were you born?
Shawn Triplett - I was born in Koneoli Hawai. The longest I've ever lived in one location was in Frankfort, Kentucky during my time in high school.

Question 2 - What school(s) did you attend?
Shawn Triplett - I went to Frankfort High School in Kentucky.

Question 3 - What did you do after graduating?
Shawn Triplett - I enlisted about 4 to 5 months prior to 9/11. Besides that nothing much besides waiting to be deployed.

Question 4 - What was your first job?
Shawn Triplett -  got a job at the local diner that everyone went to during lunch at my high school. I also worked other various jobs that you would find normal teenagers working at/for.

Question 5 - What do you like to do in your free time?
Shawn Triplett - I'm a big gun enthusiast and love customizing them. I've also been wanting to acquire for myself a pair of night vission goggles for the sh*ts and giggles but as of right now I have no money saved up for that.

Question 6 - What inspired you to pursue your job?
Shawn Triplett - I volunteer at the school where my kids attend. I hope to one day become a substitute teacher at the same school the same school. I greatly enjoy seeing kids happy and that sight alone is what inspires me to do what I do.

Question 7 - How would you describe Woobies in 3 words?
Shawn Triplett - Dope Ass Shoes.

Question 8 - What are your goals and aspirations?
Shawn Triplett - If anybody has got some ideas for me, please let me know. I really want to help in any way I can. I want to do more good and give back in anyway that I can!

Question 9 - In what ways have you given back to your community? Whether it’s local or to a veteran community?
Shawn Triplett - Volunteering for school, boy scouts, and finally this donation drive for the poor kids out here in Kentucky.

Question 10 - Is there anything else you would like to say to our veteran community and customers?
Shawn Triplett - Thank you for all that you do. I would like to thank the veterans for reaching out and donating money and being an inspiration. Its easy to see a disaster and want to help but not take action. If it wasn't for those veterans reaching out to me and pushing me to take action, I wouldn't even be here so thank you.