OGDEN, IA, USA U.S. Army SGT, TROOP C, 1ST SQUADRON, 113TH CAVALRY, 49TH MP BN (43 MP BDE), LE MARS, IA BAGHDAD, IRAQ 04/06/2006
Daniel LaVerne Sesker was born April 15, 1983, in Boone, IA, the son of Mysty Harper-Stumbo and Dennis Sesker. He graduated with the Ogden High School Class of 2001 and attended Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge. Some of the things Dan enjoyed doing and is remembered for are his love of a good game of pool, bowling, hunting, and fishing. Most of all, he loved living life. Dan was expecting a child with his fiancée, Angie Garey. He had been researching parenthood extensively.
He was very interested in how to be a good father – it was a point of pride for him.
Dan enlisted as a Cavalry Scout in Troop B, 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry in August of 2000. He was deployed to Kosovo in 2003 as part of Operation Joint Guardians. In July of 2005, Dan volunteered to be attached to Troop C, 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry out of LeMars, IA, for the Iraqi Freedom Mission. Between the Kosovo and Iraq tours of duty, Dan worked as a counselor at the Woodward Academy and as a part-time police officer in Gowrie, IA.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Combat Action Badge. He was promoted to Sergeant posthumously.
Dan is survived by his mother and stepfather, Mysty (Harper) and Marvin Stumbo; father Dennis Sesker; fianceé Angelique Garey; brother and sister-in-law Pfc. Thomas and Sara Sesker stationed in Hawaii; sister, Jennifer; stepsister Amie Stumbo; stepbrother Brian Stumbo; grandparents Jean Harper, Boone, and Bud and Diane Harper; several other family members and many friends.