Pensacola, Florida
When he wasn''t leading his squad on patrol, Darris Dawson liked to challenge his men to pick-up basketball. "Dawson liked joking around with the soldiers. He was a friendly guy. He would take them out on the basketball court and say stuff like, `When y''all get old enough to play me, come play me,''" said Sgt. 1st Class Xaver Perdue. Dawson, 24, of Pensacola, Fla., was shot and killed by a fellow soldier Sept. 14 in Tunnis. He was a 2001 high school graduate, was on his third tour of duty in Iraq and was assigned to Fort Stewart. Dawson, 24, had recently re-enlisted during his third combat tour in Iraq. Just two months ago, he was asked to take charge of an eight-man squad whose leader had been wounded. "The thing about him that impressed me most was he picked things up like he had been in the company for the entire deployment," said Capt. Eric Tisland. Within his first week as a squad leader, Dawson had discovered two caches of enemy explosives and helped an Iraqi village set up a water purification system, said Perdue. He is survived by his wife, Latasha, and four young children.
Where do I begin bro we grew up as children and grew up to be respectful and responsible men I just hate that your not here now bro from the playground to the grave I'll always have love for you bro #LONGLIVESMOKE #HOMETEAM #AKASHOCKA
Gary Travis Jr.
November 24, 2022 | Family
Smoke,
You may not have known but you taught me how to be a good man, leader, friend, and also what it really feels like for someone to look out for you like family.
As a Pvt. You helped me understand what I needed to do to keep the salty, recently returned from combat, CIB having, SPC's from torturing me to much. Thank u!!
You were the only SPC that allowed me to call you by your name, Smoke, you never looked down on me and constantly helped build me up...
Jarrod Toothman
June 02, 2021 | Served In Military Together
Unfortunately I never had the pleasure of meeting him, but just knowing we are from the same hometown and were stationed at Stewart makes me feel a connection.
I pray for your spirit & soul, as well as that of your beloved family. Rest in Heaven Battle!
Tiffany Dickens
June 07, 2020 | FL
Missing you Smoke
September 15, 2015 | PA
jb
September 14, 2015 | MI
You are never forgotten!
October 05, 2014
In memory of Darris Dawson. Prayers for his children.
October 14, 2012
Missing Smoke
February 05, 2012
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Darris J. Dawson:
Remembering Darris 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
Peggy Childers
September 14, 2010 | Carson City, NV