URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — An Illinois National Guard member, and University of Illinois student, who was killed in action in Iraq is now getting honored in a one-of-a-kind way.

Sgt. Shawna Morrison joined the guard at 17, she was deployed overseas, and died in 2004. She was laid to rest in her home state of Illinois, but next week, Sgt. Morrison will be honored and remembered, nationwide.

Sgt. Morrison will be moving to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, which is just across the Memorial Bridge from Washington D.C. There, she will be buried alongside other veterans killed in action throughout our nation’s history.

Morrison first joined the guard at 17, then came to the U of I and chose to major in psychology. Then, once Operation Iraqi Freedom began, her unit was deployed overseas. On Sept. 5, 2004, Sgt. Morrison was killed by a mortar attack.

She was the first enrolled student to leave the U of I and be killed in overseas combat. Sgt. Morrison was also the first female soldier from the Illinois National Guard to die in overseas combat.

“To earn the honor of being buried in the hallowed ground, along with other fallen servicemen and women at Section 60 at Arlington National Cemetery, is such a tribute to her distinction and her sacrifice, serving her country and giving, ultimately giving her life in service,” said family spokesperson A. Mark Nueman.

Morrison will officially be laid to rest on Monday. Nueman said he’ll be attending with the family and that they are honored to have their daughter moved there. He also said she’s an inspiration for students across campus.