It's been a year now, that I met Dan for the last time. I'm thankful for the days at VA Hospital, we could talk about the things WE were not able to, 10 years ago.
A first love stays forever, hope well meet one time again.
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I served with Dan in the 1436th and we deployed to Kuwait/ Iraq together. I always enjoyed the time we spent together over the years. We lost contact a while back when he started his truck driving job. I would get a message here and there but nothing consistent. I always missed our time and conversations. Until our paths cross again Brother.
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I served with and worked alongside Dan in Iraq in 2011. We never agreed on anything socially or politically but I always admired how hard he worked. He was always where he needed to be, when he needed to be there, and never hesitated to assist with anything. 3/4 through the deployment we learned we were cousins. We still never agreed on anything. lol. Thinking of you Dan and sorry for the hardships you endured after coming home. I hope you found peace and the lord in the end.
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A sweet boy always putting up with his little cousin, Elysabeth 😀
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I’m so sorry to hear of this loss. I met Dan when i was stationed at Fort Bliss and we worked in the same unit. He was a no nonsense NCO. We always joked about how he never accepted any of our weapons cause they were never cleaned enough! Such a huge loss ❤️
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Dan was my older brother. It still is surreal he’s gone. Thoughts of him pop up often in the rhythm of things.
One thing I think of is Dan was one of the most authentic people. Anyone knew exactly how he was doing or where he stood. At all times he was uniquely himself. When we were able to share a laugh, it meant something more because he had no interest in pretending or posturing. Dan became a fantastic communicator and storyteller, so saying something he thought was interesting or making him laugh felt like such an accomplishment. So his laugh was what I’ll remember most. My brother and I were pretty different. So whenever we could connect and share a laugh it was an amazing feeling.
Another thing I was always in awe of was his military service for our country. He had amazing talents and traits I never had and never will have. And he used them to serve bravely. He didn’t like talking about that period in his life. I get it. But I always told him he truly had lived more and accomplished more than I ever could. As a civilian who couldn’t know what he knew and couldn’t understand what all he had been through, I tried to let him know what he did mattered a lot to me. So his legacy of service will be remembered.
I know my brother is now healed. His battle scars are gone. His cancer is gone. I will see him again some day. Until we meet again, his memory is something I’ll carry. The next time I hear him greet me with “Hey bro”, we’ll have a lot to catch up on.
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I had the privilege of training Dan as a driver for Swift transportation. Living together 24/ in a semitruck you get to know someone very quickly. In that short time together Dan and I became good friends. We got to see each other over the years whenever our paths crossed. I was able to spend some time with him during his last few months here. I miss him. All my love to his friends and family.
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Wished we could have caught up together and fished walleye on the Columbia River where you took pictures several times and posted on Face Book. I will think of you the next time I go there. I know you are at peace now and helping your grandparents in heaven! Give grandma a kiss on the cheek and hug from me. Thank-you for your service! Love! Uncle Doug
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