Welcome

The family and friends of Cpl. Daniel C. W. Riley, USMC, welcome you to join in as we celebrate and support the life of an incredible young man, friend, son, and brother. It is with great love and with many prayers we know that Daniel will move on to great and wonderful things. God has big plans for him! Daniel was born in Victoria, BC, Canada. In 1999 his family (Dad, Mum, brothers Tristan and Aaron, & sister Elizabeth, & cat) moved to Denver, Colorado, where his dad began working for the Episcopal Church in Colorado overseeing work with children, youth, and young adults. Daniel started high school in 1999 at Columbine High School. After three years at CHS he finished his high school at Brentwood College in Canada in 2004. After which he did some college and worked in the US and Canada. Daniel enlisted (still a Canadian citizen) in US Marine Corps in 2008 to serve his new country and to help pay for a future college education. On July 4, 2009 Daniel swore in as a US citizen before the Vice-President in Sadam Hussein's old palace in Bagdad, Iraq. In September 2010 he was sent as a combat replacement for the 2/6 Marines in Marjah, Afghanistan. On December 16, 2010, Daniel was severely wounded by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). He primarily suffered severe wounds to his legs, left arm, and left lung. There were many times he was close to not making it. He has since had both legs amputated above the knee and three fingers amputated on his left hand. His lung and other injuries are healing well. Before this event and for many years to come, we know Daniel to be a loving, caring, intellegent, humourous, giving, adventurous, and deep thinking person. Keep praying! And use this blog to share your thoughts and encouragement.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Getting closer

While the waiting is pure agony we have a better picture of what we are doing and we know that Daniel has left Germany and should arrive at Andrews Airforce Base late today.  Last word i got was that, "Daniel took off on time; he is happy, alert, and listening to music." 
That text was from a co-worker, the Rev. Col. (Ret) Carl Andrews, Ch, USAF.  Carl is the Canon to the Ordinary in the Bishop's Office and was "USAF (Europe) Command Chaplain" and still has an incredible network of contacts with the chaplains.  He has been a huge help to our family.  It is through him that we had the wonderful level of communication.  We are extremely grateful to him for his great help, insight, wisdom, and care.
Our family will be heading out first thing tomorrow to meet up with Daniel.  We are struggling with the waiting - a true Advent place to be.  But, we know we are in God's hands.

Daniel's family gathered at home (with our 15' tree): Neil (father), Julia (mother), Tristan (18, brother), Aaron (17, brother), Elizabeth Mills (sister), Justin Mills (brother-in-law), Abigail Schuster (Aaron's significant other), and Allie Masse (Tristan's really signifiant other).
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7 comments:

  1. C. Neil RileyDecember 21, 2010 at 10:07 AM

    On another note ..... With all due respect; it seems that the entire US Marine Corps is really run by the Lance Corporals! They really are the ones that are getting things done in a quick and efficient manner -- of course, at the direction of all the NCO's above them. ;-D

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  2. joyfulclineDecember 21, 2010 at 10:47 AM

    Dear Riley Family,
    Thanks for keeping us up to date on how Daniel is doing and we area all super-excited that you will all see him today!! God is GOOD! Let us know if there are specific ways we can be praying for you all. Much love!
    Jenn Cline aka Cline Family

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  3. Dana MaxDecember 21, 2010 at 11:38 AM

    Have a GREAT reunion! We continue to pray for Daniel and your entire family! Sounds like a GREAT Christmas present to be able to be together. Peace to you all. The Max Family

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  4. UnknownDecember 21, 2010 at 11:57 AM

    That is such great news! Have a blessed Christmas, we've all been praying so hard and we're glad you get to spend Christmas together. Peace and Prayers be with you all and Daniel! God is good and will continue to work!
    Christin and all your friends at Good Shepherd

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  5. TaraDecember 21, 2010 at 2:48 PM

    Thank you for the updates...I'm passing them on to my parents. The Mitchell family is praying for Daniel and your family.

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  6. barbDecember 21, 2010 at 3:42 PM

    As I've said before, if you need ANYTHING, please don't hesitate to call upon us. We have been praying since we heard Daniel's news. Our sons (Daniel and Stanley) are in the same unit and are buds. Your Marine family as well as your brothers and sisters in the LORD are here for you. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Rest in His peace.
    Thanks for the update.

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  7. AnonymousDecember 21, 2010 at 4:08 PM

    Yes, thanks for the updates neil! I have been reading them and passing them onto my family as well. much appreciated and obivously wishing all of you the very best.

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