We were very saddened to learn of the loss of one of my daughter's closest friends from Warren High School on September 5th in Balad, Iraq. Dane Balcon, 19, a PFC with the Army's 1st Cav was lost when his vehicle was hit by an IED. His loss has not been covered by San Antonio media, probably because Dane transferred from Warren High School to a school in Colorado Springs, CO. Dane's mom serves in the Air Force there. People who live in Creekside, the neighborhood just south of the GNW will certainly remember Dane.When we first met Dane, he was a very tiny kid, and it is tough to get that image out of our minds. He had such an engaging personality that it was impossible not to like him. He was a member of Warren High Schools Silver Guards drill team as part of the Air Force Junior ROTC program. Though he transferred, he stayed in touch with my daughter and all of his ROTC friends.
When we last saw him in May (he visited after my daughter graduated from Air Force Basic), he had grown so tall I couldn't believe it was the same "little" kid. Dane told me that he was ready to go do his job in Iraq and was eager to get started.
Being an ROTC mom I am really having a hard time with this loss. He is as I call him "one of my babies". He would call me "mom" and would tell me he was going to marry my daughter. I was always welcomed with a "hi mom" and a tight hug. Then it was "guess what I learned and what I am doing now", with so much excitement I would have to tell him stand still and talk, son your all over the place.
ReplyDeleteI will miss his smile and how he could take over the room by just walking in.
I called Dane's mom and she said he will be at Arlington National Cemetery. It is a fitting place for a hero like him. I love him and will miss him dearly.
Be with God and the Angels my darlin Dane, and we will continue your mission here on Earth.
Mom
His service and sacrifice are appreciated.
ReplyDelete