Michael Landsberry

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Clinton Dudley with the Nevada Air National Guard, stands watch in front of a casket holding Master Sgt. Michael Landsberry Michael Terrence Landsberry (January 20, 1968 – October 21, 2013) was an American math teacher, Marine veteran, and Nevada Air National Guardsman who had served in the war in Afghanistan. During the Sparks Middle School shooting, he attempted to reason with the shooter, Jose Reyes, but was shot and killed.

Early life and education Landsberry was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on January 20, 1968.

Landsberry attended McQueen High School in Reno and lettered four consecutive years in swimming, soccer and cross country before graduating in 1986. After graduating, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. In 1996, he graduated from Truckee Meadows Community College with an associate degree in criminal justice and law enforcement. In 2000, he received a bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Nevada, Reno. He received a master's degree in education administration and supervision from the University of Phoenix in 2005. Landsberry told his students to find cover, telling them "Get to a safe place. Something really bad might happen." He then attempted to talk Reyes down, saying, "Put it down. It's not worth it." Reyes shot Landsberry in the chest before killing himself.

Legacy Sharon Landsberry during the Citizen Honors Ceremony at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial March 25, 2014, in Arlington, Va. Landsberry received the Citizen Service Before Self medal for her late husband Michael. In 2013, the Reno Gazette-Journal recognized Landsberry by posthumously awarding him with the Citizen of the Year award. It is awarded based on nominations and submissions in 2013 were overwhelmingly for him.

The Washoe Education Association started a scholarship named "The Michael Landsberry Memorial Scholarship". It is awarded to a high school senior who plans on attending a 2–4 year college or vocational school.

During his concert in Incline Village, Billy Ray Cyrus presented a memorial plaque to Landsberry's widow, Sharon, on July 5, 2014.

The United States Air Force posthumously awarded the Airman's Medal to Landsberry and the National Guard Association of the United States awarded him with the Valley Forge Cross for Heroism.

Personal life Landsberry is survived by his wife, Sharon Landsberry, along with his two stepdaughters.