NORFOLK, Va., March 30 -- Old Dominion University issued the following news release:

By Jonah Grinkewitz

Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah (B.S. '07) was always someone you could depend on.

That was clear in 2005, when he was a student worker in Facilities Management at Old Dominion University, changing air filters in heating and air-conditioning units and doing minor repairs at Powhatan Apartments.

"I can't recall Brandon ever calling out or missing a day of work," said Thomas Maddox, director of building services.

At the time, Maddox was the maintenance supervisor for Powhatan and developed a lifelong friendship with Lt. Col. Shah, who was studying for his bachelor's in sociology and criminal justice with a minor in military leadership.

Madd...