Waukegan, Illinois
Getting good grades wasn't enough for David L. Giaimo _ he had to join the National Honor Society. Being a good shot wasn't enough either _ he had to be a championship-winning marksman. "David was a born leader," his family said in a statement. "He earned respect and people naturally followed him." Giaimo, 24, of Waukegan, Ill., died Aug. 12 when his vehicle hit a land mine in Tikrit. He graduated high school in 1999, had attended Iowa State and was based at Fort Stewart. Giaimo was on the high school's rifle team for four years and its captain for two, during the last of which the school won a state championship. A lifelong baseball fan who was an honorary batboy for the Chicago White Sox when he was 8, Giaimo was a shortstop and catcher on the varsity baseball team. Giaimo had been promoted last July from second lieutenant to first lieutenant. "He was a good brother, a good kid, and matured into a fine young man. David was patient and quiet. He did himself and us proud," the family said. He is survived by his father, Thomas, and his mother and stepfather, Julie and Frank Derrig.
Remembering when I was a child at your funeral back in 2005. Graduating college this semester and I know you would've been proud. My mother always thinks of you. Thank you for your service. You'll always be my hero. Your little cousin.
Peter Chiarelli
January 19, 2019 | Gainesville, FL
LT Giaimo was my platoon leader. I was there on that awful day and will never be able to get it out of my mind. I think of him and his family daily.
LT, you were a great leader and an even greater friend. Thank you for your sacrifice.
We will never forget.
Wesley Randolph
April 02, 2017 | Trinity, AL
I was a year ahead of Dave at Waukegan High School. I remember hanging out with him in small groups of people from The Bulldog Battalion. I happened to be home in August of 2005 and saw the news report on CBS that covered his passing in Iraq. I was fresh out the military myself, and for the last eleven and a half years I have thought about Dave over and over again. We weren't close friends, but two things stand out from our short time together; his smile and sense of duty. He had a...
Aaron Baldwin
March 22, 2017 | CA
Uncle Frank & Julie, been a long time - I wanted to remember David and all he represents - he followed his dream and I wish I could have followed mine in his footsteps, and my fathers, your sacrifice was not in vain David. "Aunt" Julie, Uncle Frank and family, I know you must find comfort in knowing that David parted while doing what he loved.
Cindy Parisi-Arriaga
August 15, 2013 | Chicago, IL
David - will you never be forgotten.
A fellow soldier
August 12, 2013 | TN
Still remembered, honored and respected, even after all these years.
March 17, 2013
David,
Its Royer. I was your resident assistant when you lived In Helser. I remember you helping and staying behind to clean out the "3-man" when everyone else had bailed at the end of the year. I really had enjoyed getting to know you back then. I'm deeply saddened by you and your families loss. I'm proud to have known you as a fellow ISU student. You were always part of a fun crowd and a really nice guy.
Eric Royer
October 17, 2012 | San Jose, CA
Though I now live in Waukegan, your hometown, I did not know you or your family. Thinking of your service and sacrifice my heart swells with pride and gratitude, and breaks in tears.
This Memorial Day Weekend 2012, I honor your memory and service to our country, and free-peoples everywhere.
Les Deffner
May 27, 2012 | Waukegan, IL
David I'm your little cousin and I met you a couple times when I was little and I wish I remembered them, but I visited your grave yesterday and parted for you and your family. Thank you for serving our country, your my hero.
Peter Chiarelli
May 20, 2012 | Homer Glen, IL