CW2 Shane M. Barnes graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, in 2011. During his time at Gonzaga, Shane served as the Battalion Commander of the Bulldog Battalion for Gonzaga ROTC. Following graduation, he attended Flight School at Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he successfully completed training to become an UH-60L Black Hawk aviator. He was assigned to 2-2 Assault Helicopter Battalion, Korea, where he excelled as a Platoon Leader and Pilot-in-Command.

For every CW2 Shane Barnes bracelet sold, $10 will be donated to Big Sky Bravery. 

In 2015, following his tour in Korea and completion of the Aviation Captains Career Course, Shane favorably assessed for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). He completed Officer Combat Skills in 2016 and was assigned as an MH-60M Direct Action Penetrator (DAP) pilot in Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 160th SOAR(Abn), where he served as a Platoon Leader and Operations Officer. In 2020, he fully dedicated himself to the organization and his profession by reappointing to Warrant Officer. As an Instructor Pilot and Fully Mission Qualified DAP Pilot, CW2 Barnes formed the cornerstone of the organization. He was a teacher, mentor, and warrior whose impact on the organization will be felt for years to come. 

While assigned to 160th SOAR(Abn), CW2 Barnes deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, deployed multiple times to Iraq in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, and supported numerous no-notice deployments world-wide in support of national security objectives.

CW2 Barnes' military education includes the UH-60 Aviator Qualification Course; Aviator Basic Officer Leader Course; Aviation Captains Career Course; Marine Corps Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course (WTI); Officer Combat Skills (Green Platoon); Combatives Level 1; MH-60M Pilot Basic Mission Course; UH-60 A/L Instructor Pilot Course; and Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Course.

CW2 Barnes' awards and decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross with "V" Device, Distinguished Flying Cross with "C" Device, Air Medal with "V" Device, Air Medal with "C" Device and Numeral 2, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, Senior Army Aviator Badge, and Air Assault Badge. He was posthumously awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and inducted into the honorable Order of Saint Michael for significant contributions to the Army Aviation Community.

CW2 Barnes is survived by his wife, Samantha; and his daughters, Amelia and Katherine.