Remember Our Heroes
Army Sgt. Devin J. Daniels, 22, of Kuna, Idaho
Sgt Daniels was assigned to 546th Transportation Company, 82nd Sustainment Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Aug. 25 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle using an improvised explosive device.
Sgt. Daniels was posthumously promoted to sergeant from the rank of corporal.
Sgt Daniels graduated from Eagle High School in 2007. He joined the Army in 2008 and was an Army Ranger. He served at Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Benning, Georgia; Fort Bliss, Texas; and Fort Leonard-Wood, Missouri. He served as a heavy vehicle operator, deploying to Afghanistan in August 2010.
Sgt Daniels loved the outdoors and loved hunting with his dad.
Devin Daniels and his wife Samantha welcomed their first child, born in January this year. He was able to come home on leave for 17 days meet and hold his daughter, Olivia Lynn.
In a statement released through the Idaho National Guard, his family said:
“Devin was our family’s pride and joy. Growing up, he was a wonderful young man who was a good student, good athlete and who was never in trouble. He lived by the motto, ‘Winners never quit and quitters never win.’
Sgt Devin's awards and decorations include:
Bronze Star
Purple Heart
Army Commendation Medal (2)
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/ Bronze Service Star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Army Service Ribbon
Overseas Service Ribbon
NATO Medal
Combat Action Badge
Drivers Badge
To the wife, daughter, and parents of Sgt Daniels. I was honored as a Patriot Guard Riders member to escort Sgt Daniels on 2 separate occasions. First from his arrival at Gowen Field to Payette then later from Payette to Council then returning to Payette. Sgt Daniels became a part of my life when I moved him as a pallbearer in Payette and that is when the reality of his ultimate sacrifice touched my heart very deeply. The ride to Council was tearful for me on many occasions as we passed through towns along the way and people showed their respect with flags, salutes, and hands over their hearts. Police and Fire equipment had their lights flashing to show their honor and appreciation for his sacrifice. People came from homes far off the roadway to honor a hero they did not know. What impressed me deeply was a little boy about 6 or 7 standing alone, all alone on the sidewalk when we arrived back to Payette from Council. He was at attention with his right hand over his heart. Three of our riders later spoke with him and his father and commended him for the respect he paid to the procession. I will long remember your Son, Husband, and Father~ Nick B., Boise, Idaho
Army Sgt. Devin J. Daniels was killed in action on 8/25/11.
2 comments:
God Bless this soldier and his family. His mom must be heart broken. My son is in the same company and his mission was right after this mission. I pray/think/ whatever you want to call it constantly, when my son was there. He is back at Fort Bragg today with his family after his year long deployment. His name is PFC Noah VanWechel. Perhaps, your son knew him. My heart and prayers go out to you. We do not pick what our kids chose to do with their lives. You can be proud there are many Americans who feel for you and your loss. May God Bless the family of this soldier throughout eternity. It will always be a great loss that he is gone. I wish I could say something to bring him back. My words seem fruitless. Hold him in your heart forever. I know I will not forget him and I did not even know him. You have my empathy. Please take care and take it one day at a time.
Candace Jean Sturtevant.
I worked with his mom at the post office here in Idaho. Her grief was indescribable and consumed us all. Marni is one of the strongest women I have ever met and continues to inspire us all with her resiliency and faith. She lost her father last summer when he drove away from home and was not heard from again. Many days of searching for the brother-in-law of former senator Larry Craig finally ended when the vehicle and deceased driver were found on a rural back road 10 miles from his home. She is an ever-doting grandma to Olivia.
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