When soldiers fall in battle, their loved ones and the brave souls who fought at their side find ways to preserve their memory, to honor the sacrifice. Michael Williams of Shapeways found a way to honor the memory of a fallen soldier and tells the story of Staff Sgt. Liam Nevins, via the site. It’s a story — one among many — worthy of retelling and sharing many times over. This one is shared here courtesy of this being a 3D printed memorial. Liam’s mother, Victoria, returned to Shapeways when Liam did not return from his last tour in Afghanistan. He had planned a business using custom designs through Shapeways before he left. Seeking a proper way to memorialize her son, Victoria sought help from the Shapeways 3D printing forums and Michael came across her case and is hoping to aid her cause.
There is no better way to capture the soul of Liam than with the words of his comrades, and Michael fortunately found that voice. A fellow soldier deployed in Afghanistan recounts Liam Nevins, “…He was tireless and seemingly everywhere, every day, doing not only his job as a communications specialist, but trying to do every job on the team… He would program radios, build explosive charges, practice with the mortar, shoot at the range, and put his nose in the air to sniff out the slightest hint of work or challenge. Usually this was all before 10 a.m. … His energy level was simply not human and there was nothing we could do to stop him. His stubbornness and commitment would always win. There are people who have a never quit attitude and then there was Liam.”
Victoria decided the best way to give her son the memorial he deserved would be a display in the likeness of Liam’s shirt sleeve. During a fire fight, he had to remove the sleeve from his wounded arm. He pressed on in the night to aid fellow soldiers who took fire. During his advance, he took the injury and repeatedly apologized for being shot while receiving treatment. He kept the torn sleeve as a badge of honor. Victoria wanted a full-scale model, and thanks to his meticulous forum moderating, Michael realized he could help.
A full-scale display of the sleeve would prove too large for one print, but after some tinkering, they found a way. Michael used 123D Catch for modeling, using photos from Victoria. He then utilized Blender which he found surprisingly easier to work with than anticipated. A 3-part model would allow for the best print maintaining the desired form. The pieces were printed in Full Color Sandstone and while the initial print pleased Michael, he knew he had to add some finishing touches. He coated the layers of design in a Glaze Coat to assemble the pieces into one.
The intimacy of the display, the sleeve torn in battle, makes the 3D print something more than a memorial. It is a testament to the spirit of a man willing to sacrifice his own life without question for his brethren in arms. His mother knew what would eulogize his spirit, how others might know of the bravery her son carried, symbolized in his sleeve. “The apparel doth make the man,” and Liam Nevins badge known by the proud people close to him reveals the courageous man to whom it once belonged.
Source: Shapeways
