Dan Riordan
Daniel Patrick Riordan was born to Rick and Jeanine Riordan on February, 17, 1983, in Fort Worth, TX, where he lived with his twin brother, Nick, and sister, Suzanne. At age five, Dan and his family moved to St. Louis, MO, where Dan joined the Boy Scouts, played baseball and soccer, developed a keen love of the outdoors and dreamed of one day becoming a fighter pilot in our nation's military. His favorite pastime was an annual family vacation to Table Rock Lake, where he loved to boat, knee board, and most importantly, spend time with his family.
Dan attended St. John Vianney High School and earned both the Gold Circle and Marianist Awards for his impressive level of involvement. He was involved in Photo Club, Year Book Club, plays and musicals, the Letterman's Club, varsity track, cross country and football. Dan built strong relationships with his coaches, teachers and administrators, and kept in touch with many of them after graduation.
After high school, Dan attended Southeast Missouri State University. Although he was almost 14 years removed from his childhood in Texas, it was common to see Dan around campus in Wranglers, a pearl snap shirt and cowboy hat. It was this attire that earned him the nickname Cowboy Dan. During his time at Southeast, Dan pursued his calling in the US Military via the Air Force's ROTC program. He also worked for the Department of Public Safety and the Jackson Sheriff's Department and spent his summers working with horses on The Night Winds Farm. It was during this busy collegiate time that Dan met Tiffany, his soul mate and the love of his life.
As graduation approached, Dan decided to switch from "Blue to Green" and was commissioned into the United States Army. Although Dan's life-long dream was to be an Air Force pilot, he was unable to obtain a pilot slot due to less than perfect eyesight. Instead of pursuing what Dan described as "a boring desk job," he jumped at the opportunity for a career in the Army, which he anticipated would be much more action packed and fulfilling. The U.S. Army happily accepted Dan into their ranks and Cowboy Dan became Lt. Dan.
Dan began his military career in the Infantry at Fort Benning, GA, but eventually moved to a hybrid cavalry company that combined two tank platoons and two infantry platoons. Lt. Dan, now a tank commander in "America's First Team," joined Blue Platoon, D Company (the Demons), 2nd Cavalry Regiment, 8th Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division out of Fort Hood, TX. After taking on a new platoon, Dan was baptized by fire. Demon Company was deployed to Camp Taji, Iraq, in October 2006. While on a 15-month tour, Dan and his unit were heavily utilized in Operation Iraqi Freedom. As Dan described the assignment, "Demon Company is to be the tip of the spear to pave the way for our mission." Dan believed in this mission. While at home on leave in February 2007, he consistently reassured his family that our country's military efforts were truly bringing empowerment and freedom to the men, women and children of Iraq.
Dan and his unit fought in several key campaigns during OIF II, including numerous intense firefights. Despite covering a large territory where they were always outnumbered, Dan and his men pressed the offensive with courage and determination and accomplished every objective. It was easy to find Dan, since he was always out on the "point" directing his platoon. Dan took his leadership responsibilities literally: "How can I order my men forward if I'm not willing to go first?" He escaped many close calls, including numerous IED strikes, with minor wounds, burns and concussions. But on June 23, 2007, a massive IED explosion proved to be one too many - Dan and four of his brave troops were killed instantly.
Although Dan's life was much too short, he left a lasting impression on an amazing number of people. He was selfless, caring, faith-filled, genuine, brave and loyal. He dearly loved his family, friends and country, and we all miss him immensely.
Fellows Cathy Vornberg, Dan Casara, Tiffany Garcia, and Robert Wake are completing their Fellowships in honor of Dan Riordian.
Our Mission:
To build an America where every returning veteran can serve again as a citizen leader, and where together we honor the fallen by living their values through service.
