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United States Army Specialist Mitchell K. Daehling, 24, of 180 Raymond Drive, Dalton, MA died Tuesday, May 14, 2013. He was killed in action while serving his country in Afghanistan. Specialist Daehling was born on July 6, 1988 in Kemmerer, Wyoming, the son of Kirk W. and Brenda Sander Daehling of Dalton, MA. He was educated in Pocatello, Idaho schools and graduated from Wahconah Regional High School in Dalton, MA in 2006. He continued his education at Daniel Webster College in Nashua, NH from 2006-2010 where he was a Homeland Security major. Specialist Daehling attended Infantry Combat School at Ft. Benning, Georgia where he received his Blue Cord at Turning Blue ceremonies which signifies entry as an Infantryman. He graduated from Ft. Benning on December 16, 2010 with ceremonies at the National Infantry Museum. After graduation he was stationed at Ft. Bliss in El Paso, Texas with A Company, 3rd Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. He was promoted to Specialist in June of 2012 and deployed to Afghanistan in December of 2012. Specialist Daehling was a Team Leader and Squad Designated Marksman- expert level shooter while deployed in Afghanistan. He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat & Special Skills Badge and the Basic Marksmanship Qual Badge-Expert. Specialist Daehling will be posthumously awarded on Friday with the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge and the NATO Medal at services to be held at St. Agnes Church. Mitch enjoyed all sports, motorcycles, hunting, fishing, paintball and playing his guitar. He was also a licensed pilot and loved to fly. While at Wahconah Regional High School he was a member of the varsity soccer team. At Daniel Webster College, Mitchell was a member of the Lacrosse Team. Besides his parents of Dalton, MA, he leaves his loving wife, the former Samantha J. McNamara of Westford, MA, whom he married on June 14, 2012 at St. Catherines Church in Westford; Samantha a 2009 graduate of Westford Academy and a 2012 Graduate of the University of Massachusetts Lowell ; a brother, Adam K. Daehling of Dalton, MA and a sister, Kayla M. Daehling also of Dalton; his Maternal Grandmother, Mary Sander of Lewiston, Idaho and his Paternal Grandparents, William A. Daehling and Violet J. Daehling, of Clarkston, Washington; his Father and Mother-in-law, John W. McNamara III and Sharon M. McNamara, and a Sister-in-law and Brother-in-law Jennifer M. and John W. McNamara of Westford, MA; his aunts and uncles, Bernard and Carla Sander of Lewiston, Idaho, Steven Sander of Lewiston, Paul and Kimberly Johne of Redmond, Washington, and Mike and Darci Monsos of Missoula, Montana. He also leaves his many cousins and friends. Mitchell was predeceased by his Maternal Grandfather; the late Kenneth J. Sander, a Purple Heart recipient who served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He died in 2009. The entire Daehling family also wishes to honor and remember those other heroes who died while proudly serving our country with Specialist Daehling; Specialist William J. Gilbert of Hacienda Heights, CA, Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey C. Baker of Hesperia, CA, and PFC Cody Towse of Elk Ridge, UT. Funeral services with Full Military Honors for United States Army Specialist Mitchell K. Daehling, who died May 14, 2013, will be held Friday, May 24th at 11:00 AM with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at St. Agnes Church celebrated by the Rev. Christopher Malatesta, pastor. Full Military Honors will be conducted by the United States Army outside the church following the service. Burial will take place at the Lewis-Clark Memorial Gardens in Lewiston, Idaho, where Mitchells Grandfather, Kenneth J. Sander, is buried. Mitchells final wishes were to be buried alongside his Grandfather. Calling hours for Specialist Mitchell K. Daehling will be held Thursday from 4 to 7 pm at St. Agnes Church, 489 Main Street, Dalton, MA, 01226. In lieu of flowers, the Daehling family requests that memorial donations in memory of Mitchell may be made to the USO or the Military Friends Foundation in care of the Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
SPC Daehling,
From one Soldier to another, thanks for your Ultimate Service. You did that which few would do, and even fewer are called to do. I Salute you and your fellow brothers-in-arms who fell alongside you that long ago day. Til Valhalla! Sincerely, your distant cousin from Lewiston, Idaho - CW5(R) Craig J. Jones
Craig Jones
November 11, 2019
I was blessed to wear a dog tag with U.S Army Spec. Mitchell Daehling name on it during the Superhero Half Marathon at Disneyland last weekend. It was an honor. My prayers are with your family.
Jazmin C.
November 20, 2016
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
The Krebs Family
Friend
May 23, 2013
So so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. May GOD BLESS each and every one of you.
Love you always!!!!
Sharon Albright
Cousin
May 23, 2013
Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Daehling Family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to troops in Afghanistan this week and we'll be dedicating several of these to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and the hometown of Mitchell K. Daehling US Army Specialist. We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
Charlie Gili
August 20, 2013
Brenda, I know this is Mitchell's birthday today and I just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you. My prayers are with you and your family.
Geraldine
July 6, 2013
May God bless you always Mitchell and may God keep your family close. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Proud Army Wife
June 15, 2013
Que Deus conforte toda a família, e oro, pelo dia em que toda essa guerra sem sentido acabe, para que nenhuma mãe chore por seu filho morto, por um tiro...
June 13, 2013
Dear Mitchell, Thank you for your service. I'm sorry you had to make the ultimate sacrifice, but as a veteran, the great love for one's country is what we live for (and some die for), and it is the reason why we swore to defend. I salute you. My thoughts are with you and your family and friends.
-Lauren, 24, USN Vet
Lauren Olsen
June 12, 2013
Rest in peace Mitchell.
Henryk Zaleski
June 12, 2013
As the parents of a Marine, we cannot imagine your loss. May the Lord grant you and Mitchell peace and love. Thanks to all of you for your service!
June 11, 2013
I CANNOT IMAGINE, I AM A MILITARY MOM AND MY SON HAS DOWN 3 TOURS....MY HEART ACHES FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ON THIS HUGE LOSS, RIP HERO.....TO NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
RITA PARKS
BLUE STAR MOTHER
OF
SFC COBBY A. MCDONALD,II
US ARMY
FT. BLISS TEXASW
RITA PARKS
June 10, 2013
May you rest in Peace. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice,for us to be safe.
Condolences to your family.
Carolina Sorg
June 8, 2013
To the Family of: Spc. Mitchell Daehling:
Sometimes God picks a flower that's still in full bloom
Sometimes the flower that is chosen, we feel he's picked too soon.
May the love and presence of our Lord bring you peace and comfort in knowing that your loved one is rejoicing in his heavenly garden.
Spc. Daehling:
Thank You for serving our country to protect our freedom.
Mrs. E. B. Garcia
June 8, 2013
Thank you SPC. Mitchell Daehling for serving your country so we can be safe..so sorry to the family for your loss...may God Bless you all.
June 8, 2013
Prayers to the family.
Connie Aluko
June 8, 2013
Rest in peace. Thank you for your service. You will not be forgotten. God bless you.
Mary Frankie
June 8, 2013
Please know that we will not forget the sacrifice that you and your son gave for us. You are in our thoughts always.
Diane P
June 8, 2013
Please know that we will not forget the sacrifice that you and your son gave for us. You are in our thoughts always.
Diane P
June 8, 2013
The entire military forces join in sending deepest condolonces to this brave soldiers family.
cwo USN retired
May 27, 2013
Thinking of you on this Memorial Day weekend, may your family find comfort by remembering your bravery.
D Lucas
May 27, 2013
To the Daehling Family, please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one and Hero Mitchell, and my sincerest gratitude for his service for our country.
God Bless you Spc. Mitchell K. Daehling...you will not be forgotten.
S. Kronenwetter
May 26, 2013
Although I don't know any of you I am from the Berkshires and could not be prouder of this true American hero. Please know your family has the tears and support of an entire nation behind you. God will take care of him now-he is okay. God Bless all of you.
Diane Carey
May 26, 2013
God Bless Mitchell and all the Family through these difficult times.
Time will heal all things.
Thank you for his mission for our security!
I wish I could have been on the sidewalk in Lee when the procession came through town! It would have been nice to pay my respects.
My husband works at Savage Arms, across from Barnes. If he knew when this happened, he would have taken a moment of prayer pause as well!
Rose Picard
May 26, 2013
There are many heavy hearts in Southeast Idaho this week. Heartfelt thanks to Mitchell and sincere condolences to his family.
A. Gwinn
May 25, 2013
Mitchell Thank You very much for serving out country. May God be with your family always. You are a true hero. Rest In Paradise Mitchell
To the family I am truly truly sorry for your loss. May God be with you
Denise Duly and Family
Denise Sumy
May 25, 2013
Samantha, Brenda, Kirk, Adam & Kayla.....please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss. My heart aches for each of you. We are so very proud to have known such a fine young man.....a HERO. May God comfort each of you & may your wonderful memories of Mitch help to comfort you as well. RIP Mitch.
Trina & John (Delmolino)Farnam & Santino & Anthony Delmolino
Trina Delmolino-Farnam
May 25, 2013
I know there are no words to say at this time, except how sorry that I am. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. Mitchell will never be forgotten.
For you every single soldier
Those who served so honorable
Your life was forever altered
While I'm home safe and free
I stand with grateful admiration
I stand respectful and so proud
I know I'm only a civilian
And I don't even know if it's allowed
But I salute you; allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
Even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
My humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you.
For those missing in action;
for those who didn't make it home.
I know you're in God's presence you are not alone.
For every neatly folded flag;
for every shattered family
I will do the only thing I know to dignify your memory.
I salute you, allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
my humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you .
I Salute You.
Suzanne MacDaniel - A Proud Aunt
Colonie, NY
SGT. David M. Fisher
KIA 12/1/04 - Iraq
S MacDaniel
May 25, 2013
God gives his toughest battles, to his strongest warriors. Prayers to his wife and family.
kathi hjelm
May 25, 2013
Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with you and all of your family, we thank you Mitchell for your service and dedication to our country. you will not be forgotten. Rest in peace,from the residents and staff of Craneville Place of Dalton.
May 24, 2013
To the Family and friends of Spc. Daehling: Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss.Take comfort in knowing that many others feel gratitude for his brave service and ultimate sacrifice for our country. Godspeed, Soldier- Thank you. We will never forget.
May 24, 2013
Deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Our prayers are with you.
Grateful American
May 24, 2013
To the Family and friends of Spc. Daehling: Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss of Mitchell and my sincere gratitude for his brave service to our country. He was a true American hero, who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedoms and protect our way of life. We will not forget. May he rest in Peace and may you have comfort and healing.
M. Carpenter
May 24, 2013
RIP, thanks for protecting our freedom with your own life. May you family and loved ones find peace
Karen White
May 24, 2013
RIP Dear Soldier. Thank you for your service and protecting our freedom. My prayers for your family. God Bless.
Michelle MacQueen
May 24, 2013
My hearts go out to all of you in the family and all who knew this brave soldier. His service to the country is honored and remembered and appreciated.
Lea Morgan
May 24, 2013
This candle is for Mitchell for fighting our Country.
May 24, 2013
Saluting your veteran this Memorial Day weekend.I didn't know him or his family but a heartfelt thank you goes out to him for serving our country. May god bless his family at this time. From my family to his family our deepest sympathy for your loss.
May 24, 2013
Thank you...RIP dear Soldier.
Michelle Plouffe
May 24, 2013
Thank you for your service...a True American HERO...Love to you and your family. Thank you for protecting my kids....Never meet you.But Forever thank you for keeping my kids safe. Love you more than words can say....GOD Bless you and your family
May 24, 2013
Our heartfelt thanks to Mitchell for serving our country so valiantly...and our compassionate sympathy to his wife and family who loved him dearly and will bare the scars of his sacrifice.
Linda and Brian Crowley
May 23, 2013
I am a truly grateful American, thankful for the freedoms we have because of brave young soldiers. I will never forget that Mitchell Kirk Daehling gave his life for our country.
Skip Daniels
May 23, 2013
To Mitchell Daehling's Family
I stopped into church today after work to say a prayer for your hero. I never had the pleasure of meeting such a fine young man or your family. My Deepest Sympathy to all of you. You should be very proud of him. We wish we could have thanked him in person. May he rest in peace
May 23, 2013
As a life time military person i wish to extend my deepest apprication for the service you have given to your country and your fellow comrades. Rest in peace my brother. tony martini American Legion Riders Dalton, Mass.
May 23, 2013
Such a terrible and tragic loss. My heart breaks for his family, wife, and friends. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
Kristen W.
May 23, 2013
Tahnk you for serving this great country...you are a hero.
so very young
May 23, 2013
God Bless you...a true hero, so brave
patti mahoney
May 23, 2013
This is what a hero looks like. Thank you for your sacrifice.
John H
May 23, 2013
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Allison Silvernail
May 23, 2013
Thank you, a true hero
may your family find peace..God Bless
May 23, 2013
Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers ([email protected]) is an organization with groups throughout the country who work to send handmade prayer shawls and/or lap robes to families who have lost a loved one while serving our country. Members of Trindle Spring Lutheran Church would like to extend our sincere sympathy and to honor your son and husband's sacrifice and memory by sending our prayers and comfort through a prayer gift which will be mailed to you. If you are interested, please contact me at [email protected] with the names and addresses of those who would like to receive one and which gift they would like to receive. We will send our gift as soon as possible. Also, if you know of any other families who are grieving the loss of a loved on who died while serving our country, please pass along my e-mail address. May God bless you and comfort you in the days ahead. Sincerely, Lynne
Lynne Neibert
May 23, 2013
To Mitchell's Family and Friends, I never met Mitchell but I wanted to acknowlege that he has touched my heart and evoked tears in his service to his country and sadly his sacrifice. I will think of you in the days ahead and pray.
Val Tracy
May 22, 2013
Wiith a heavy heart and much gratitude I extend my love, thoughts and prayers to the entire Daehling family. Rest in peace Mitch; your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Cathy Grady
May 22, 2013
Sgt. Daehling it was my greatest honor to accompany you to Pittsfield. You are an American Hero. May you rest in peace.
Rosanne M. Frieri
May 22, 2013
Mitchell is a true hero.Rest in Peace
May 22, 2013
So very sorry for your loss. He is a HERO!
May 22, 2013
You my friend are a hero. My brother, Jeff went to school with Mitch. There has been many a time in which Mitch showed up at our parents house. In fact, Jeff looked at Mitch like a brother. Even though we didn't talk or shake hands, Mitch, you are a hero. For my brother to have a friend like you. My former principal Tom Calahan would say Wahconah we are Family. We are Family... you are family to my brother to your mutual friends. I thank you for your service and your ultimate sacrifice.
Patricia Filiault
May 22, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family in this time.
May 22, 2013
So very sorry for your loss...
May 22, 2013
Thank you
May 22, 2013
from the lacosse family and sweeney family your deepest sympathy at your trouble times thoughts and prayers always with you
May 22, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mitch's family during this difficult time. He was a fine young man and a good friend to many.
Larry & Emily Holmberg
May 22, 2013
We are deeply sorry for your loss of this brave young soldier. Sincerely, the men and women of Adams-Budz VFW Post 8183, Housatonic, MA
Michael Casey, Cmdr
May 22, 2013
Although I did not know Mitchell, personally, please know that I have shed many tears for your loss. Our family has been praying for your family and will continue to do so. May God hold you in the palm of His hand during this time of sadness and loss. Thank you, Mitchell for fighting for our freedom. May you rest in peace.
Christine Chiaretta
May 21, 2013
It is with much sorrow that I sign the guest book of Mitchell. A fine soldier who lived a life well. I will always be grateful to Mitchell and his military colleagues for their service and sacrifice. May the pride his family feels for his accomplishments help sustain him in the days and years to come. I offer you my deepest sympathy.
May 21, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with Samantha
And the Daehing Family.
Rochelle Gaudette
May 21, 2013
Land of the free because of the brave
A vetern
May 21, 2013
although i did not no this fine gentlemen. i would like to say thank you for your service. thank you for defending our country. god bless you and your family.
bill delsoldato
May 21, 2013
Rest Easy Mitch,
I am so glad I was able to know you, if only for a short while. You taught me many things and I am grateful for that. Thank you for bravely serving our country. You will be missed by all.
Jaimie Taylor
May 21, 2013
Thank you, Mitchell, for your service and for being one of America's finest. God bless you and your family.
Tom
May 21, 2013
Although I did not know Mitch personally, we are from Berkshire County, stationed at Fort Stewart with Sgt. 1st Class Baker and a military spouse myself I send my deepest condolences to Mitchells wife and family. I will truly be thinking about you has you bring your husband/son/brother and hero home. I wish I could be there Wednesday to line the streets, to pay my respect and just give you all a big hug. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE, A TRUE AMERICAN HERO!
Shannon LaFrance-Goodell
May 21, 2013
While I did not know Mitchell, personally, I want to express my condolences to his family, and to say thank you to Mitchell for his service to our Country.
Jodi Beckwith
May 21, 2013
RIP Mitchell Daehling. Thank you for your service and committment to the USA.
From one who appreciates the sacrifices made every day
May 21, 2013
God bless
May 21, 2013
The Final Salute
“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.
This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to SPC Michael K. Daehling our Brother-in-Arms. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Michael. And to Michael it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the supreme sacrifice he made for his country while opposing enemy forces in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army. No greater love is shown than a man lay down his life for another. Michael, you gave the last full measure of devotion for what you believed in and fought for. You are a brave American Warrior, a true Patriot and a national Hero. With your passing, our Country has lost a National Treasure. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at ease. Rest in Peace.
On behalf of the 1,261 military veteran Legionnaires of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion and the 233 veterans of VFW Post 2238 in Shreveport, Louisiana, we extend our sympathies and our condolences to Michael's family and loved ones.
Stephen J. Lavery, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 South Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109
John Adams, Commander, VFW Post 2238
1245 Gary Street, Shreveport, LA 71101
For the Commanders, Carroll R. Michaud
May 21, 2013
I don't know your son, husband or brother. From what I read he passed on doing what he love best, fighting for our country and our freedom. My sincere condolences to your family during this sad time. I salute you Mitchell for keeping the United States from harm.
Nancy Colvin
May 21, 2013
I salute a true hero.
Col William C. Koch Jr, USAF (Ret)
May 21, 2013
To Mitchell's Family, Friends and his Comrades. Mitchell we never be forgotten. He will be remembered each and every year on a day we call Memorial Day. Job well done Comrade. Rest In Peace.
(Salute)
Mike Rivera
May 21, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Mitch was always full of energy and great to be around.
Respectfully,
Your Barretts co-workers
Scott McDougal
May 21, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time...sorry for your loss...
Carl Kelson
May 21, 2013
Military Mom
May 21, 2013
Our heart and souls are with the Daehling family. Mitchell will forever be remembered as a reflection of his wonderful parents and family.
Susan and Mark Lackey
May 21, 2013
Sending my thoughts and prayers to Kirk and his family at this time of great sorrow and loss. I am geratly appreciative of men (and women)like your Mitchell who devote their life to protecting our Nation and the freedoms we strive for.. and protecting those who can't protect themselves. Thank you Mitchell for your dedicated and exceptional service. For giving it your all.
Pam Sack
Specialty Minerals, Easton
Pamela Sack
May 21, 2013
Deepest sympathy and prayers for you.
Pat Markland
May 21, 2013
Forever in our hearts
Rebecca Galletly
May 21, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with all of your family. Mitch was a wonderful young man, and a true, dear friend to my son Kevin Pursell. He will be deeply missed.
Rebecca Galletly
May 21, 2013
Thank you for your fine service to our country. Rest in peace.
Hayley Arone
May 21, 2013
A true gentleman.... A Hero... Mitchell was so much to so many... Please accept my deepest, heartfelt sorrow for Your loss ..... <3
Lori LaFrance Bracci
May 21, 2013
I did not know this fine young gentleman or his family, however wanted to send condolences and say thank you for his service to our country. God bless you all at this sad time. Mr. R Newbery Pittsfield, MA
May 21, 2013
Thank you for your brave service. Peace to your proud family.
Catherine M
May 21, 2013
Thank You Sir for your service to our Country . God Bless You and Your Family .
K Crayton
May 20, 2013
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