Aviation Boatswain Mate 3rd Class Petty officer Daniel R. Verbeke

Aviation Boatswain Mate 3rd Class Petty officer Daniel R. Verbeke

Daniel R. Verbeke Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 19, 2008.
One of Daniel R. Verbeke's pick-me-up methods was hugging his buddies. Just the threat of a hug was enough to make someone smile, said Chaplain Gary Taylor. "I'll give you a hug," he would say. A common response: "No Dan, I'm all right." He would persist, "I'm gonna give you a hug." Sometimes he'd sneak up behind a friend and hug them from behind. Verbeke, 25, of Exton, Penn., died July 14 of complications from injuries suffered in December 2005 on the USS Theodore Roosevelt. He was left a quadriplegic after being hit by a piece of equipment while trying to repair a cable on the flight deck. Verbeke learned to vocalize basic words and make his feelings known, said his father, Robert. He recently said, "I love you," on the phone to his mother and sister. He enjoyed visits from his former shipmates, listening to hip-hop and classic rock, and watching Philadelphia Phillies games on TV. Born in Arlington Heights, Ill., Verbeke joined the Navy in 2004 and had been aboard the Theodore Roosevelt for 15 months when he was injured. Verbeke also is survived by a daughter, Savanna; his mother, Melanie; and stepmother, Katherine Verbeke.

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July 31, 2016

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November 11, 2014

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56 Entries

Traves Whaley

July 31, 2016

VB my boi think about you everyday bro real true Brother Arresting Gear night crew Rest in Heaven bro I remember that morning like yesterday miss you much my boi. You the reason why I settle down bro for the record Love you mane.

Austin Appelman

November 11, 2014

I will always remember my comrade and good friend. You are missed Dan, let this day be for you and all others who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

BIG HUG BROTHER

ABE2 Appelman CVN-71

S.Allen

July 14, 2012

Forever remembered on this day, NEVER to be forgotten. May God be with your family.

Peggy Childers

July 14, 2012

To the family and friends of Aviation Boatswain Mate 3rd Class Petty Officer Daniel R. Verbeke:
Always remembering Daniel. "Some gave all."

Peggy Childers

July 15, 2011

To the family and friends of Aviation Boatswain Mate 3rd Class Petty Officer Daniel R. Verbeke:
Please accept my remembrance of Daniel on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Peggy Childers

July 14, 2010

To the family and friends of Aviation Boatswain Mate 3rd Class Petty Officer Daniel R. Verbeke:
Remembering Daniel on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

S Allen

July 14, 2010

On this day a special rememberance for our fallen Hero.

S Allen

June 1, 2010

Forever Remembered an American Hero.

July 15, 2009

You are not forgotten.
"Fair Winds and Following Seas"
Thank you Petty Officer Daniel R Verbeke.

S.A.

Peggy Childers

July 14, 2009

To the family of Aviation Boatswain Mate 3rd Class Petty Officer Daniel R. Verbeke:
Daniel gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Matthew Turpin

May 25, 2009

I worked with Daniel's mother in Ocala, FL for a little while and although I did not ever meet Daniel, the stories and pictures of him showed me what a great person he was. I did not know he passed away in 2008 until I went onto Mapofthefallen.org. It so saddens me that he is no longer with us but I thank him for his honor and strength that he gave to us.

S. Allen

May 24, 2009

Never Forgotten.

colleen

April 16, 2009

i worked with dan for a short time.but he left a big impression on me.with his big smile sense of humor and his willingness to go into the navy.like there was nothing to it.and knowing otherwise.i have thought of him often and just found out this morning.i needed to tell you how sorry i was for your loss and how happy i was to have known him evan for a short time.

T Starman

January 1, 2009

I offer my deepest condolences for your loss.

Kenna Larra

December 19, 2008

We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families at this time. This is a Nonprofit Organization to honor are Soldiers!
FREE OIL ON CANVAS PAINTING OF THIS HERO. COMPLETE FORM AT WWW.HEROPAINTINGS.COM
Please contact us! Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna

Al Pierson

October 23, 2008

I was onboard the ship when this happened. I did not know Petty Officer Verbeke died until today, 23 October 2008, since I am no longer on the ship. I remember this incident when it happened. Rest in peace, Shipmate and thanks for your service!

David Faith

September 22, 2008

I knew Daniel and had the honor to work with him for about 2 years on the Roosevelt. Full of energy and always making me laugh. I will never forget him.

ABE2 David Faith

Anne McVaugh

August 23, 2008

Chuck & I knew Dan & his Dad at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital, where our son was recovering from a TBI. Our hearts are reaching toward Dan's family. We saw a young hero struggling inside a damaged body and striving to communicate with another hero, his Dad. What devotion and loving perseverance Bob exemplified as both father and advocate for his beloved son. Dan was fortunate to be embraced with such love during his tragic travail. Chuck & I will remember always their struggle. God's ways are not for us understand. We pray that Dan is now within the arms of God.

Lawrence Miller

August 23, 2008

My heart felt condolences go to your family for your loss. So many do not know or understand the daily risks of those that serve and work on the flight decks of an aircraft carrier. Those decks are among the most dangerous and unforgiving places of all the armed services. Yet these fine and wonderful young men and women serve quietly and in near anonimity and rarely get the recognition for the dangers they face daily serving our country. They are "my" true heros in every sense of the word to this day.
May god bless and keep you in your time of sorrow.

Thank you Daniel for all you did and those many grueling hours, days, weeks & months of risks at every moment. Rest well now... knowing you are among the finest that this country & society had.

Lawrence Miller
Aviation Boatawain Mate 2nd class
Viet Nam 71-72
USS Kitty Hawk

Gary Allain

August 22, 2008

Officer Daniel R. Verbeke
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.

Tom Gugliuzza-Smith

August 18, 2008

My heartfelt sympathy to the Verbeke family and friends in the loss of Daniel. I did not know Daniel, (I lived in the Easton/Bangor PA area 52 years) but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Daniel you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom

"TO LIVE IN THE HEARTS
OF THOSE YOU LEAVE BEHIND
IS NEVER TO DIE"
~Robert Orr~

Stephanie Rafoss

August 12, 2008

Prayer for Peace

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen

debbi

August 9, 2008

To the family and parents of Daniel I want you to know that you are not alone in the grief you are feeling. I too know what you are going through and what you will go through in the coming weeks and months ahead. You will have many questions as to why? You will have many things to get ready or go through and that should be done in time. Sometimes it just can’t be faced and that’s ok, for you will know when the time is right for you. There is no right or wrong way to grieve it’s an individual journey that unfortunately we now have to take. I ask that God give the comfort, strength and courage that you are going to need. When and if the time is right for you please contact me. You can cry, vent, or just talk as only another person who has been where you are can really know what you are going through. May God continue to be with you and heal you.

http://goldstarfamilysupportgroup.
com/

In memory of my son
Spc Harry (Buck) Winkler III
KIA 11/12/06 Samarra, Iraq
82nd Airborne 2-505th PIR

August 1, 2008

My deepest condolences to the family. May you find comfort from the scriptures. Knowing that soon God will fulfill his promises to bring about peace.
(Psalms 46:9, 72:7) (Isaiah 2:4) (Daniel 2:44)

Jeri Herrera

August 1, 2008

Though I did not know Daniel personally, he will always be a hero to me. Nothing I can say will take away the pain that you feel right now. Please accept my sincerest condolences and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.


Sincerely,
Jeri Herrera
Proud sister of SFC Rocky H. Herrera
KIA 8/28/07 Jaji, Afghanistan

maggie selzer

July 31, 2008

To the family and friends of Aviation Boatswain Mate 3rd Class Petty officer Verbeke,

I am so sorry for your loss.

My name is Maggie Selzer, and I am directing ‘Run for the Fallen 5K run/walk’ in Boalsburg, PA (just outside of State College) on August 24th, 2008. The event, held on the PA military Museum grounds, aims to keep alive the memory of all fallen soldiers, but particularly those from PA. All proceeds from the event will go to organizations that support the families of fallen soldiers and supports wounded soldiers.

I encourage you to learn more about the event at www.freewebs.com/runforthefallen5k/
index.htm.

The event is meant to keep alive the memories of brave men like Petty officer Verbeke.

If you have any questions, or would like to send a memory of Petty officer Verbeke to be included with the flag memorial that will be set up at this event, please contact me at (814) 571-8755 or

[email protected].

RIP PFC Aaron J. Ward 4/28/89 - 5/6/08 (KIA)

Gary Tolle

July 23, 2008

Dan, God bless you soldier and thank you for your brave and honorable service to a grateful nation and for paying the ultimate price for our freedom.. You are now in great company with God and so many other fallen hero's before and after you. On 5/6/08 my nephew PFC Aaron J. Ward was killed in action in Iraq and my final promise to him was to never forget him and our fallen hero’s, we will never forget their commitment and sacrifice. To the Verbeke family, words cannot express the pain we now share, but our families will forever have a bond and we will be thinking of Dan and your family and will keep you in our thoughts & prayers. Please accept my heart felt condolences and my prayer that god help you cope with this tragic loss and may the memories of your HERO carry you through each day. From one Gold Star family to another!

Jim McGowan

July 23, 2008

“The nation grieves the loss of another American Hero.”

My deepest condolences and prayers to you and your loved ones this is such a loss for you're family and our country, and his sacrifice is deeply appreciated. My hopes thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless you.

Sean Bassett

July 22, 2008

I cannot begin to express my sorrow for the loss of Daniel. Our job out here is not an easy one, nor is it often times full of the glory one may expect. Dan did it right, he served his country as only few know how. Having not known him personally I do know this. He is up there looking over us down here where we really need an angel looking over our shoulders. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Warm Regards,
AM1(AW) Sean Bassett
VAQ-136
USS KITTY HAWK CV-63

Annette

July 21, 2008

To The Family of Aviation Boatswain Mate 3rd Class Petty Officer Daniel R. Verbeke

My name is Annette. I would like to express my deepest sympathy to each of you.

We are not familiar with one another, We are however familiar with the pain that occurs when enemy death strikes.

When our Heavenly Father created the first man and woman death was optional.

As long as they were obedient to Him they had the choice to live forever. Only by disobeying would death occur.

From the Genesis account we read that they chose the latter. And for this reason is why we have to shed tears of sorrow. (Romans 5:12)

God's purpose for us to live forever has not changed for he promises us (1) that all those in the memorial tombs (graves) will hear his voice and come out and (2) he will wipe away the tears of sorrow from our eyes forever and death will be no more. (Revelation 21:3-5)

Although the pain you are feeling are not remove I hope that knowing that our Creator cares about us and will undo the ill-effects that we suffer will be of comfort to you.

william williamson

July 21, 2008

"GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN HE WHO GIVES HIS LIFE FOR A FRIEND". FREEDOM IS YOUR GIFT TO US PETTY OFFICER, THANKS FOR THE GIFT DANIEL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. YOUR MISSON IS OVER, REST IN PEACE, HERO

CSM W.H.WILLIAMSON

For the Commander, Carroll R. Michaud

July 21, 2008

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 Daniel Robert Verbeke our Brother in Arms. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Daniel. And to Daniel it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the ultimate sacrifice he made during Operation Iraqi Freedom while serving the U.S. Navy. Daniel, you are a brave Sailor, a Patriot Warrior and true 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 1,409 members of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion in Shreveport, Louisiana, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Daniel’s family and loved ones.

Dennis N. Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

Suzanne MacDaniel

July 21, 2008

To the Verbeke family,

I know there are no words to say, except how sorry I am for your loss. May you hold Daniels' memory in your heart and please remember he shall 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.

Suzanne MacDaniel
A Proud Aunt
Sgt. David M.Fisher
KIA 12/1/04

Ileen Forcine

July 20, 2008

Dear Mr. Verbeke: Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your brave son, Dan. I was honored to meet Dan at the last facility in which he underwent rehabilitation before going home. I so respected his courageous fight and your support and love during that time. I can't imagine the pain you must be enduring now. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for Dan's service to our Country and hope that my gratitude and that of others will help comfort you in your grief.

Suzie Fetterman

July 20, 2008

My deepest sympathy's for the loss of your loved one. While 8 1/2 months pregnant, I lost my fiance, SPC Michael Hook KIA Aug 22nd, 2007. I'm so sorry for your loss, and know that he was truly a hero. God Bless

Valorie

July 20, 2008

My prayers and thoughts are with you.
I know how you feel losing a "HERO",Becoming a "Gold Star" Mother myself on 25 March.. The sacrafice our sons and daughters are making on a daily basis should tell us all..These young HEROS knew full well what they were doing and did it proudly When you hug your loved ones tonight.... Remember... We also hugged ours and they were protecting you..We.. as Americans need to make the "Ultimate Sacrafice" by supporting all our military(HEROS)...the Proud Mom of SGT. Jason W. Swiger
5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne,Fort Bragg, N.C. KIA 3/25/007

Gale Poindexter

July 20, 2008

I am writing to offer my deepest sympathies to you and your family over the loss of your HERO Aviation Boatswain Mate Third Class Petty officer Daniel R. Verbeke. I lost my son in Iraq on May 6/2007, so I can well understand your pain of losing a loved one so dear.

I pray you will be guided by a higher power to give you peace, comfort and strength in this time.

Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit
GOD Bless you and your family. Your soldier was a true American Hero and we are all very proud of his service. He will not be forgotten!


(Proud mother of Sgt Joel W. Lewis, 5/20, 3-2 SBCT /Ft Lewis
KIA 5/6/07, Baqubah, Iraq)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXAX__FZYg4

Henryk Zaleski (USN-Ret)

July 20, 2008

Fair winds and following seas shipmate.

Jerry Huston

July 20, 2008

Bob & Melanie,

very sorry to hear of Dan's passing.

As the son of an USN (Ret) Chief Aviation Bosun's Mate I know full well the hazards of working on flight decks.

You all showed tremendous courage in handling Dan's recovery. It takes a strong man to go to sea and choose life on a carrier.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Verbekes.

Semper Fidelis

Jerry, Chong & Janis Huston
Camp Foster, Okinawa

SHIRLEY DONEY

July 20, 2008

REST IN PEACE PETTY OFFICER VERBEKE, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF DAN'S LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
GOD BLESS YOU

Shelley H - Blue Star Mom

July 19, 2008

From our military family to yours, we would like to thank Aviation Boatswain Mate Third Class Petty Officer Daniel Verbeke for his service and sacrifice to this grateful country, as well as send our deepest condolences for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Garnet Jenkins

July 19, 2008

I am Deeply Saddened to learn of the loss of Aviation Boatswain Mate 3rd Class Petty Officer Daniel R. Verbeke.
The Price this Brave Young Hero and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, Will Never Be Forgotten.

May Daniel rest peacefully now, in the Loving Hands of God and may the Healing Grace and Comfort of the Lord be with the Verbeke family.
There will Never Be Enough Ways to Humbly Thank these Young Heroes for their Sacrifices, my brother among them. Killed in action in Vietnam in 1967.

"I consider that our present sufferings.
Are not worth comparing with the glory
That shall be revealed in us."
~ Romans 8:18 ~

May the Peace of God and your treasured memories of Daniel, remain in your heart always and give you comfort and strength through the difficult days ahead.
You are in my thoughts and my prayers.

Carol Andersen

July 19, 2008

Please accept my deepest sympathy. My own son, a young Navy Lieutenant, was killed last year, and reading about Daniel brought tears to my eyes once again. I can only say that I know how you feel, and my heart goes out to all of you. Bless you and bless Daniel.

Lee Feussner

July 17, 2008

To all the family of Daniel Verbeke:

I was saddened to learn that Dan had passed away. My prayers are with you all.

May God Bless each one of you and carry you through this time of great loss.

Lee Feussner
Cindy's Mom
Ocala, FL

Peggy Thompson

July 17, 2008

I am very sorry I couldn't be there to celebrate Dan's Life with you. My thoughts and prayers have been with you all week. Dan showed us what the word courage really is about. Love to all - Peggy

Sandy Perryman

July 17, 2008

It is so hard to say goodbye to a loved one. You just have to keep reminding yourself that he is now able to walk and talk again and is in God’s arms. You will still be able to touch him, not with your hands but with your heart. You will still be able to see him but not with your eyes, but with you dreams and memories. I feel like I know Dan just by being your friend and hearing your updates for the last several years. He was a strong person and a proud military man. I love you and my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sheri Austin

July 17, 2008

Dearest Melanie,
I am so very sorry for your loss of such a treasured family member. Even though I have never physically met Dan-through all your stories and his triumphant miracles you spoke of, regarding him; I feel that I knew him as a person very well...and he was and always WILL be a wonderful, honorable man. I truley believe that he is in a better place now, and is HAPPIER then he has been in a very long time-even though he can't be with those he loves and I'm sure Dan wants you to know "that he's OK now." My heart goes got to you & your family during this time of sorrow. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.

Unknown

July 16, 2008

You were a HERO!! Thank You.

Ellen Lucas

July 16, 2008

To the entire Verbeke family,My heart is breaking for you all...I never knew Dan,but through his sister Sarah,I feel I've learned a lot about this brave young man who gave his life serving his Country...May God wrap his loving arms around Dan and may he also give you comfort in this most difficult time...warm wishes from Ellen,Andy,Melissa & Samantha Lucas

Katie Manns

July 16, 2008

In so that our God has taken you to him - may you now know the Peace and Beauty of being pain free and with him. May he also grant your family and friends the inner peace they have waited so long to feel for you Dan. My Blessing and Prayers - Melanies Co-Worker and Friend - Katie Manns

Pat Hanson

July 16, 2008

Dear Melanie , Sarah and Bob,

I am extremely sorry to here of your loss. I was never able to meet Dan, but from all you have shared with me over the past 2 years, he was a very brave and strong young man. I will be forever grateful to him and for his contribution to us all. Please know you are in my prayers. My deepest sympathy.

Robert H Verbeke

July 16, 2008

As Dan's paternal great-grandmother always said:"The good die young." May he rest in peace. Our condolences to his family.

Bob and Alice Verbeke

Phyliss Myers

July 16, 2008

Semper Fi
Thank you for your service.
May God grant you andd yours peace.

Proud Mother-in-law of a US Airman

July 16, 2008

Thank you for giving your life in the service of our country. May your family know that your heroism will never be forgotten.

Betty Lineberger

July 16, 2008

We are so sorry for the loss of this beautiful young man. He served our country well. Melanie is a very good friend of mine.

Jim Downs

July 16, 2008

Daniel,

Thank you for your service

Semper Fi

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July 31, 2016

Traves Whaley posted to the memorial.

November 11, 2014

Austin Appelman posted to the memorial.

July 14, 2012

S.Allen posted to the memorial.