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To new readers and old alike: welcome to my blog! I hope that the people I care about will feel better about me being deployed to Afghanistan and stationed in Germany because they can follow me online. Feel free to contact me here if you have any questions or have a specific topic you would like me to talk about instead of my usual ramblings.


Sam Damon in Once an Eagle:

"Ah God. God, help me. Help me to be wise and full of courage and sound judgment. Harden my heart to the sights that I must see so soon again, grant me only the power to think clearly, boldly, resolutely, no matter how unnerving the peril. Let me not fail them."

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

RIP 1LT Daren Hidalgo (March 4, 1986 - February 20, 2011)

The 20th of February, 2011 was a sad day for 2SCR, the Army, and the nation.  We lost a great soldier, a good friend, and a leader who cared deeply about his men.  1LT Daren Hidalgo paid the last full measure of devotion and all we can do is remember the impact he had on our lives. 

I only knew Daren as an acquaintance in school, but his was one of the first friendly faces I encountered when I finally got to 3/2 SCR.  Our paths didn't cross often, but I always thought highly of his abilities and character.  I am fortunate to be able to consider him a friend. 

Robert Baden Powell said that "No one can pass through life, any more than he can pass through a bit of country, without leaving tracks behind, and those tracks may often be helpful to those coming after him in finding their way."  We can only hope to aspire to honor his memory for the rest of our lives through our words and deeds. 

This is by no means a fitting tribute to Daren, but hopefully these few poor words will help someone else who needs comfort in these dark days. 

Daren, you will not be forgotten.

1 comment:

  1. Beautiful words and I completely agree. Daren will be missed by everyone he met. You guys stay strong out there!

    ReplyDelete

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