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.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Back Home.

Finally made it back to Colorado yesterday (only 186 days, 4 countries, 3 states, 7 Hospitals, 19 Surgeries if any one is keeping track)!!

It was great to be able to fly home to such a welcome. Greeting me at the airport were not only my family but 200 other friends and supporters. Even the local news was there and put a piece on that night. The welcome was more than I could have ever imagined and have to thank everyone who was there, especially the Patriot Guard Riders (a group of veteran bikers) that escorted me all the way home from the airport. Over the next couple weeks I will have a chance to rest and relax for a bit. Just being away for a hospital has been good enough, although I could trade for San Diego's weather.

Daniel
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6 comments:

  1. danielMarch 13, 2011 at 9:05 PM

    http://www.9news.com/news/article/187137/188/Friends-family-welcome-soldier-home

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  2. Sarah McAfeeMarch 13, 2011 at 9:11 PM

    We missed the massive welcome by about 5 minutes, but send you most heartfelt welcome and thanks. Pictures of the baby: http://gallery.me.com/brjames#100170

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  3. AnonymousMarch 14, 2011 at 1:41 PM

    Thanks for the video link Daniel. You look really good and that crowd must have warmed your heart. Bless you. Enjoy your time with your family and friends.

    Diaen

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  4. UnknownMarch 14, 2011 at 8:08 PM

    Hello Daniel!
    It was such a pleasure meeting you at ECOT yesterday in Edwards, CO! What an honor it was for our entire family! We wish you the very best as you continue your rehab. Your blog will keep us updated.
    -The Maurer Family
    PS You said you has some other favorite books about Afghanistan (besides Where Men Win Glory). Would you mind sharing the titles? Thanks so much!

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  5. AnonymousMarch 15, 2011 at 12:21 PM

    As a friend of Cindy Bukach, I have followed your progress on this blog. I am so impressed with your progress and admire you and your family for your collective strength. You are often in my prayers. Thanks for your service - I love Marines! You keep blogging, and I'll keep reading.
    Best wishes, a Mom in Virginia

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  6. PaulaMarch 16, 2011 at 3:56 PM

    I didn't check your blog until Sunday morning, so I missed your homecoming. Hope you're relaxing and recharging and getting spoiled rotten by family and friends.

    ReplyDelete

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