Mark J. Daily Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

LOCATION

Irvine, California

Mark J. Daily volunteered to go to Iraq out of a sense of duty, not as a last resort. "If you think the only way a person could bring themselves to volunteer for this war is through sheer desperation or blind obedience, then consider me the exception," he wrote on his Web page. "I simply decided that the time for candid discussions of the oppressed was over, and I joined." Daily, 23, of Irvine, Calif., was killed Jan. 15 after a roadside bomb near his vehicle in Mosul. He was assigned to Fort Bliss. After spending two years at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, where he was active in student government, Daily was accepted into the ROTC program at the University of California at Los Angeles. He was named the ROTC's outstanding cadet for 2005 and also a Distinguished Military Graduate, the highest honor the ROTC awards. He graduated with a degree in political science. Mark loved sports, particularly baseball. He also listed his top interests as family, peace and progress. In his last e-mail, he wrote: "All is well. More war stories than I can fit in this e-mail. Having the time of my life!" He is survived by his wife, Snejana.

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One of the very first things I saw after I emigrated to the United States was a plaque, hanging on the side of SAC at UCLA, with the name 2nd Lt Mark J. Daily on it. I had left my homeland - a country that was under occupation just over a decade before I was born - to try to become an officer in the U.S. Air Force. It was a choice that bewildered MANY around me, I had little connection to America, and little connection to the military. Leaving home for a country I'd never lived in was a...

Dennis

May 25, 2025 | Prague, Czech Republic

To the family & friends of Mark Daily, I am truly sorry for your loss. I saw the memorial park in Irvine that honors Mark & read the stories. It is heartbreaking to hear of such a wonderful person cut down so young. My brother-in-law served 3 tours in Iraq. I have had the honor to help many of our soldiers that have come back with PTSD. If you are a soldier reading this we pray for your peace & thank you for your service. If you are a family member or friend we prayer for peace with your...

Sheralyn Winn

August 22, 2022 | Orange, CA

My way of saving thank you for your service, Sir.

Sgt. Bob Kohler

January 06, 2021 | Irvine, CA | Friend

My deepest sympathy and condolences on your loss.

// Patrik

January 14, 2014

I was Marks first driver in Iraq. I was so proud to be his driver! I asked him many queastion like why you joined the army and what he thought about the war in iraq. He was my mentour, told me "to learn as much as i could while i was in country". I was reading one of marks books he had in his chest, that he brought from home. i got half way through it. Then i got the news from a friend. A lot of guys dont belive in grown men crying but i sat in my room with my head in my pillow trying to...

aaron foster

August 14, 2013 | Lowville Ny, NY

To the family and friends of 2nd Lt. Mark J. Daily:
It has truly been my honor to sign Mark's guest book these past few years. Unfortunately, due to complications from my Multiple Sclerosis, this may be the last message I'm able to write. Please forgive me and know that Mark will always be remembered in my home.
With love and respect ~ Peggy

Peggy Childers

January 15, 2013 | Carson City, NV

We thank God for 2nd Lt. Mark Daily and soldiers like him. We will forever remember, respect and honor him.

September 16, 2012

I never forget what he taught me! And I miss his funny jokes and understanding still today.May god bless us all.

Byron kersee

May 02, 2012 | Bryan, TX

To the family and friends of 2nd Lt. Mark J. Daily:
Always remembering Mark. "Some gave all."

Peggy Childers

January 15, 2012 | Carson City, NV

2nd Lt. Mark J. Daily

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