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, January 4, 2011

Purple Heart

Just a brief update from the other day ....

Daniel was presented his Purple Heart by General James Amos (Commandant of the Marine Corps; four-star general who is in charge of the US Marine Corps) and the Sargent-Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt-Maj. Kent.  It was a wonderful ceremony that honoured Daniel as a US Marine and as a young man.  As the general said, "It is the medal no one wants to earn; but once you have you earned it you want to receive it. It is our way to honor those who sacrificed so much for their country and their fellow marines."

It was a special moment for the family, friends, and marines present.


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12 comments:

  1. Kohlton FryJanuary 4, 2011 at 7:20 PM

    Congratulations on your medal, Daniel! You look fantastic!! We continue to pray for you daily, and Matthew can't wait to talk to his (and our) hero.

    Blessings,
    treese

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  2. UnknownJanuary 4, 2011 at 7:25 PM

    Congrats, Daniel! I know it's not the medal you wanted, but you deserve it.

    I'm so glad to see you in these pictures!! I sent a card this week, so hopefully it makes it to you!

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  3. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2011 at 7:39 PM

    Congrat's Daniel....
    It was good to see a picture of you...
    So impressed with how much you look like your dad.
    Still prayin
    Penny and Ray say Hi..... they are praying too.
    I keep checking the blog to see how you are doing as well as your family...
    Big Hugs to all of you
    Paulette Nichele

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  4. ColinJanuary 5, 2011 at 4:52 AM

    The choice of a "heart" as the image for this award is prophetic. The purple or royal heart is one that beats in rhythm with God's heart. This is the heart of those who love deeply and who sacrifice greatly. Daniel, you have a Daniel heart, but also a David heart. Grace and peace be upon you - you didn't take this honor to yourself, it is bestowed upon you by those who can see your heart. Colin

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  5. AnonymousJanuary 5, 2011 at 5:49 AM

    Denis and I continue to follow your progress and pray for you daily. One of Denis' passions is working with the Telluride Adaptive Program and esp. the Wounded Warrior groups. When you get ready you're invited on a fly fishing trip. Jo Ann and Denis Ford

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  6. AnonymousJanuary 5, 2011 at 6:23 AM

    Dear Daniel, we would like to echo the words that Colin said before us a few blogs up. He said it so well, don't think we could say it any better.
    Much love and respect for you and our continued prayers,

    Ken and Joan Wilkes

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  7. UnknownJanuary 5, 2011 at 6:47 AM

    I like the cute little smirk in the family photo!! You all look good. We keep praying!

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  8. C. Neil RileyJanuary 5, 2011 at 7:43 AM

    @ Amber - that is the "Riley Smirk". I am sure you know it well. :D

    Another indication that "he is still in there" after all that has happened!

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  9. jami amoJanuary 5, 2011 at 9:58 AM

    What an honor!! I believe the General said it best; nobody wants to earn one... but Daniel, you have certainly earned it.
    You're lookin good with that smirk, just like always :) A wonderful sight.
    Mail should be rolling in for you soon buddy. I can only hope that you are having your share of good days, and being grateful for the little things. (Chipotle!!!)

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  10. Meg SternJanuary 5, 2011 at 10:35 AM

    Daniel, I had a wonderful chat with your dad just now. I will pass on your comments to Jim -I am sure he will look forward to a "hobble race" I have a feeling you will beat him by miles, knowing you!! Hang in there - we are all praying so hard for you and can't wait to see you. We are so very proud to know such an amazing young man.
    With very much love from all of us,
    Meg Stern

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  11. AnonymousJanuary 5, 2011 at 11:13 AM

    Congrats Bro. I dont need to say anything more. You know what you have earned.

    "We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate. The world is all gates, all opportunities."
    Ralph Waldo Emerson

    George Cundiff

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  12. Cindy BukachJanuary 5, 2011 at 9:33 PM

    A soldier's heart
    Beats strong and true
    Throughout the watch
    The long night through
    And as it beats
    This phrase repeats
    I beat and watch for you

    A soldier's heart
    Serves courageously
    Risks all for home
    Across the sea
    And in its pain
    Beats this refrain
    I sacrifice for thee

    A soldier's heart
    Is longsuffering too
    Returning home
    The wounded few
    And beats the phrase
    As it wounded lays
    I wear The Heart for you

    Thank you Daniel, for your bravery and service.

    ReplyDelete

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