Dane R. Balcon Obituary

Happy Birthday Day! The days pass, the memories NEVER fade, but are cherished!

I am so blessed to have the precious memories of my grandson, from the cradle to the grave. He was wonderfully, and fearlessly made, by God.

Always on my mind Dane. I will continue to wear the bracelet with your name, branch of service and the day you passed engraved, as a constant reminder of what an awesome soldier you were.
Honor and Courage,
CPT Fematt

Day by day, one foot in front of the other...

The only way I get by and make it without you...

As far as I´m concerned...
Every day is your Birthday...
Every day is Veterans Day...
Every day is Memorial Day...

Every moment we spent together on earth more precious that I could have ever dreamed...

Can´t wait to see that smile again son...

Love,

Dad

Never forgotten even after all these years

Another year has past, and the belief that time heals all wounds simply doesn't apply universally. I still hurt each and every day. I soldier on because l know that you would say, it's okay grandpa.
"Sweetly, May You Continue To Rest"

I just miss you...

Gone but never forgotten by this old soldier! You were an explarary Soldier who I was fortunate to cross paths, and will forever hold you in my thoughts, especially September 5, 2007.

Honor and Courage
CPT Fematt

Missing and loving you...
Living without you never gets easier.

Rest easy son!

Salute you man! We miss you.

Happy Heavenly Birthday! I am grateful for the time we spent here.

Dane... We´re thinking of you!!! You changed things for the better! That´s what living is all about... making a difference in someone´s life! Rest on young man your assignment was WELL DONE!!

You've been on my mind heavily. I had gotten some ink work done in your honor. You were a gentle soul and truly impacted everyone who met you, in addition to those who know of you. Know that you will never be forgotten. You're my brother for life and I'm honored and humbled to have been able to know you and to be able to keep I'm contact with your mom. She's in good hands and surrounded by loving friends, family, and other guardian angels. Love you much bro. Got more ink work about to be done for you. Keep Watching over us king. Love always.

Tears and pain. Pain and tears. And still, so much joy. It's not you that we cry for, it is us- we cry because we miss you. I know every tear is a testimony of how much love we all have for you. This badge, like many... is painful. You are loved and missed more than words can describe. I smile because I believe you are with us. I smile because I can still hear your voice. I see your face in your brothers. We continue to say your name. You will always be our hero!
- Miss Lisa

Dane you were AMAZING then and now!! I wish you could mentor our youth today in person!! Oh...what an example you set for them!! Thanks for your commitment, discipline and dedication!! It speaks for itself!! You never will be forgotten!! The Carter´s

Dane-Missing you more and more with each breath I take. Continue doing what you are doing-though you are not here in the physical, you continue to make a difference in the lives of others. I love you
Mom

Another year, another anniversary of a day that I wish had not come. I wonder every day what you would have become and what the world lost. Love & miss you. LDS

Well Dane another year has passed, and I still recall that fateful day that 3 of our soldiers have passed, including you. Not a day goes by without the memory of you on my mind. Dane you are gone but will never be forgotten by this old soldier. So today I honor and render a hand salute for the inspiring, motivated, respectful soldier that you were. I will continue to wear the bracelet with your name engraved and will forever keep you in my prayers.

Honor and Courage,

Richard M. Fematt
CPT U.S. Army (Ret)

Happy Memorial Day Dane. It has been a long time since basic. Thank you for all you did. Not a day goes by that I don't think about that 20 year old kid that was so friendly and talented. I will never forget me and you going through the gauntlet of vaccinations. That peanut butter shot was the worst. Rest easy buddy.

We´ve never met but I see your name every time I´m driving home from work.
14days a month( work schedule) 168 days a year for over 15years. Happy Belated Heavenly Birthday and thank you for serving in the military and serving your country. Somethings in life just don´t make sense. Like how we leave this earth. But, who am I to question God. God brought you home and heaven gained an angel name Dane Balcon. Now you serve under God along with the other angels. You watch over your family and I´m sure you´ve visit or even visit them in their dreams. They love you and truly miss you but I find comfort knowing that God says that we will meet our love ones again. As a Christian, I´m holding on to Gods promise on this.
Bless you and God Bless your family .
Anna

Dane, Happy belated Birthday. So much have been going on in my life, but I never forget those who made a difference... and you´re one of those difference makers! You´re still changing minds and lives today! Oh what an example you set for us! Thank you for everything...The Carter´s

My sweet Dane-you are never far from my thoughts and prayers. I still remember the sound of your voice, that incredible smile and infectious personality. Continue to watch over us and bless the heavens and the world...until then, I will see you on the high side rest easy, son.
Love you,
Mom

It never gets easy son! Oh how I wish I could just have a conversation with you...

Dad

It still feels like a dream, and I cannot wake up. I look at your photos daily, they are everywhere in my home. And I feel the presence of your smile. I miss you but I don't question God's decision to call you home. I am certain that He has you on a mission at this very moment. I truly miss the time that we had together.
Love you grandson,
"Sweetly May You Continue To Rest In His Arms"

Hi Dane just want to honor and salute you on Veterans Day! Thank you for your selfless service in defense of our nation! I wear this bracelet in memory of you Dane and pledge to honor you till I take my last breath
Honor and Courage
Richard Fematt
CPT. USA(Ret)

Hey DaneIt’s Veterans Day Im thinking about you bro..I got married and have children now and Im a real grown up I guess lolI signed up as well and I’m headed ‘down range’ for the first time.My son wants to be a soldier like his Dad. They really do mirror what you do it’s crazy bro. I’ve been reading my Bible more and have been trying to get closer to GOD. Seems like all the answers to life are in there. I’m finding out how imperfect I am and starting to love people more. It’s a peace I’ve never experienced before.Thanks for everything bro your in my prayers.

Dane-I often struggle to hold back the tears while the memories of you flood my mind. Although it has been 15 years since I heard your voice or saw your face, it still seems like yesterday to me. Remembering you is so easy--I do it everyday, but missing you brings with it a type of pain that never goes away. I miss and love you Son...you will never be forgotten.
Mom

Well September 5th has passed, but I keep you in my memory for the courageous soldier you were. My daughter gave me a gift for my birthday a bracelet with your name engraved on it. I wear it daily and when I'm down I just look at the bracelet and a sense of peace comes over me. Dane I will never forget you and I will honor you always but most especially on those special holidays honoring those who gave their lives in defense of our country.

Honor and Courage
Richard Fematt
CPT USA(R)

15 yearsit's been 15. That's 15 years of wondering what you would have become. 15 years of asking how? Asking why? 15 years of recalling small bits of your life. Those reflections do put a smile on my face. Dane you were just a good person. So good you continue to influence people now. That is a testament to a life well lived. Short, but impactful. Love you and miss you.

Remembering you always...

Manyou are so missed. There really are no words. Love you

Dane--I would give my life to have you back. I cry each night for you and I know that you catch all of my tears. I pray for the day that I can see you again, but when I close my eyes I see you. You are the first person who loved me and you were the first person I loved. You are always there when I need you. You always seem to know when I need a hug. You are and will always be in my heart. I miss you so much! Rest easy my love on your heavenly Birthday.

I miss you so much.. so many things I want to tell you. Find myself talking to my wrist band. A constant reminder of such a beautiful soul we lost but yet I wear it so proudly. Fly high, we will all see each other again one day.

SPC Balcon I made it a commitment to visit the bridge named in honor of you. I fulfilled that commitment when I had the opportunity to visit San Antonio to see my daughter SSG Stephanie Fematt graduate from SLC course. I made it a point to visit the site where your name is on display and took a picture honoring the sacrifice you made in defense of our country! Dane you are one remarkable young man and I will never forget you. You left an imprint on my soul and I will honor you on this day, a day I will never forget.

Honor and Courage
CPT Richard Fematt USA(R)

Thank you all so much for the prayers...we received every single one of them. Thank you for the kind words, calls, texts, IMs, messages and flowers. Your continued support and friendship keeps me at a loss for words. If you knew Dane...you already know. If you didn´t know Dane you´d have wished you had. He was a bright light and continues to be a bright light in every life he touched-an amazing soul. An awesome human being. A wonderful friend, son, grandson, brother, cousin, nephew and Soldier. My sweet Dane is definitely missed.

May God continue to bless each of you always. I love you

Dane! Please know that your sacrifice is not unappreciated. We are a free country because of men like you. Love!

I miss you every day Dane Dane Gone but never. Ever. Forgotten.

Thinking of you on this day a day to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our great nation. Dane you are gone but will never be forgotten by me or those who were fortunate to cross paths with you. You are a great human being, an exemplary Soldier who left an imprint on my soul. Today I Honor you and Salute your duty and service to to our country.

Honor and Courage
CPT Fematt

Thank you for your service Dane.

We see the Spc. Dane R. Balcon Memorial Park memorial each day as we go about our daily activities, reminded that many and their families have paid the ultimate sacrifice for us to live as we do.

On this Memorial Day, we simply say again that we remember, and we our grateful.

Thank you.

A day of remembrance is such an understatement for your life son! With every breath I take and every beat of my heart, I remember! Rest well warrior. See you in the other side.

Dad

To the Family of Spc. Dane R. Balcon,

Though physical years may have passed since Spc. Balcon gave his life in protection of our freedoms and safety, know that his sacrifice was not in vain, nor shall it ever be forgotten.

I can see by the many posts, he was a wonderful young man, full of joy and drive to make the world a better place. He may be gone, but I do believe that he has succeeded in making this world better.
Loved and greatly missed!

God, please bring peace, comfort, and joy to Spc. Balcon's family and friends. Guide and guard this family and his friends.

Spc. Balcon will not be forgotten!

I never knew him; however, as I sit here at Ruth's BBQ in San Antonio, Texas, I saw that our city honor him by naming a bridge ( that I have been looking at right this very moment) after this outstanding young man. I know he was outstanding, 1. Because he was in the military. 2. Because he gave the ultimate sacrifice. God hless his soul, and his loved ones he left behind. I am offering my sincerest condolences almost 14 years too late. I am sorry. Please know that although I just read Specialist Balcon's obituary and I had never met him, I will always keep his soul in my prayers. RIP Sir.
If anyone come to San Antonio, to visit Sea World, please stop at Rudy's and sit outside and face the bridge we named in Dane"s honor. Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice, Sir.

I never knew him; however, as I sit here at Ruth's BBQ in San Antonio, Texas, I saw that our city honor him by naming a bridge ( that I have been looking at right this very moment) after this outstanding young man. I know he was outstanding, 1. Because he was in the military. 2. Because he gave the ultimate sacrifice. God hless his soul, and his loved ones he left behind. I am offering my sincerest condolences almost 21 yeara too late. I am sorry. Please know that although I just read Specialist Balcon's obituary and I had never met him, I will always keep his soul in my prayers. RIP Sir.
If anyone come to San Antonio, to visit Sea World, please stop at Rudy's and sit outside and face the bridge we named in Dane"s honor. Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice, Sir.

At 33, you would surely have been one of the best leaders the Army has ever seen, one of the youngest to make the rank you would have, revered by the soldiers you lead, and probably an awesome husband and father as well. I MISS YOU Son!

Love,

Dad

Dane--Happy 33rd Birthday. I celebrate you today and every day. You continue to bring so much love to the world and one of the sweetest parts of my life. This year I will only have the fondest memories of you in my mind.

Love,
Mom

Dane,
The memories you left us with will last a lifetime. It was you and Lil Charles that introduced us to your parents back then. What a blessing!! The Carter's

SPC Balcon not a day goes by that you are not in my thoughts! It was truly and honor and a privilege having you as one of my soldiers their on FOB O'ryan! I feel so guilty having a hand in getting you transfered to the FOB as you were so motivated to leave the boring life on LSSA Anaconda and wanting to get to go on patrol. Words can not describe the pain and anguish I experienced when I heard your patrol vehicle was hit by an IED and I played a role in your untimely death! Dane you are a highly motivated, dedicated U.S.Army soldier who gave his life defending our freedoms! I will forever keep your memory alive as long I live. And I Salute and Honor your name, my Warrior Hero. CPT Richard Fematt USA(R)

It’s Veterans Day today son. Wishing you were here so we could sit around and share stories. Miss you so much son. Love and adore you soldier!

Dad

Heaven is richer because you came!

Love,

Dad

Dane--You have been an inspiration to everyone, yet mere words are not adequate to express the pain we have felt since you left this Earth 13 years ago. We are blessed that God gave you to us, even for a short time, and the love and joy you brought us is forever missed and treasured. May God bless your beautiful soul always.
Love you , miss you, and so proud of you!

Dane I wish you were with us to see how much your brothers are like you. You had such a positive spirit and it was so contagious. You are missed but you left such an impression on everyone...you are never far. Love You!

We honor you on Memorial Day Dane! We love you and miss you everyday before and after Memorial Day as you well know. Please watch over your family and friends and we will continue to share your story. Love You

I miss not being able to see what you would have become. I know it would have been something great and influential. You had such a gift. Please watch over us when and where you can and know you will never be forgotten.

Happy Birthday Dane! We're a day late wishing you a BIG BIRTHDAY in Heaven! We miss and think of you often. The Carter's

Happy birthday Dane Dane.. I miss you so much. I know your enjoying your birthday up there! I love you, we all do❤

I'm heading into the army recruiting station today hopefully to take my asvab, your still the main reason for me wanting to go love you so much miss you a ton!

Happy Birthday son! We miss you and love you so much! ❤

Dad

Each day for me is like yesterday, the day that I received that gut punch. I see your face everyday and I struggle. My strength to move forward is my spiritual belief and a strong prayer life. On the days that I feel that I can't move, you, are the wind beneath my wings.
Grandpa Steve,
"SWEETLY MAY YOU REST"

Hey man. I can't let another day go by without dropping you a note. I miss you and speak of you all the time! I continue to see you every time I look at Quinn and Grant. They are amazing and we are so proud of all three of you! I love you baby...always!

Missing you and thinking of you EVERYDAY! You are still and will always be a driving force in my self betterment! Thank you for the influence and impact you put on my kids/family who look up to you and pray you know how much you are loved! Your brothers are an incredible reflection of you and give me strength, comfortable and reassurance that your loss was not in vain. I love you Nephew and pray each night that you know this! God Bless your soul and may God continue to strengthen and comfort our family and friends! See you when I get there!!!

There is not a day, a breath, nor a heartbeat that goes by where you are not in my thoughts and prayers. I miss you to such a degree that no one can possibly understand. Your loss has burned a hole in my heart forever, yet my heart still beats. It beats because of the memories, because of your impact on others, because our family and friends who have continued to pray and support us. I sent an extra prayer up yesterday and I asked for a sign that God delivered my message to youand my prayer was answered. God is sooo good. We will continue to honor you all the days of my life and beyond. I love you and I miss you sonrest easy my love Psalm23

Missing you...

Dane,

You have been on my mind again. If it wasn't for your positive attitude basic would have been much more difficult. You always had a way of cheering others up. You were so dedicated to your dream of serving. Till Vallhalla brother

I went to basic with you. I went to 4ID when you went to 1cav. I think of you often. The most motivated soldier I've ever met. Till Valhalla brother.

I still struggle wondering why you had to go so soon...you were the little brother I always wanted and even though so much time has passed, it hasn't gotten any easier bro. Love you always.~medic1

Amazing Grace

https://youtu.be/HsCp5LG_zNE

Love you Son!

Pops

Thinking of you today (and everyday). Missing you like crazy, but also knowing you are not far from me. You still bring me so much joy. I love you and know that when I see you again on the high side, we will make up for lots of Mother's Days. Rest easy my love...

Drove by your sign today and saw someone was kind enough to place flowers and a flag beneath it and it brought a smile to my face. You are missed but I know you are with us in spirit. I miss you and can't help but wonder what you would be doing were you here physically. What I do know is it would have been great. Love You

Sweet Dane,
I love and miss you dearly! I know you have found peace and you must be so proud of your family! Your brothers remind me of you more every time I see them! You will always be in my heart and your name is always on my tongue. Never fear - you are remembered each and every day! I'm doing my best to live righteously so I can get one of those first class hugs you give.
Rest well baby!

Heaven and earth may keep us apart, but love; love gives us hope and gives you life. We love and miss you this day and everyday.
Rest easy son♥
SPC Dane R. Balcon
KIA, 5 September 2007
Balad, Iraq

Thoughts and prayers of you and your family.

May your treasured memories continue to provide a measure of comfort and peace to the family. Please be strengthened from Isaiah 61:1,2; God "binds up the broken-hearted and comforts all who mourn".

Never forgotten

We have celebrated another Heavenly Birthday and have spent a lot of time remembering and honoring.you on this special day. Although you are not here physically, people continue to remember. They haven't forgotten. Mahatma Ghandi said, Where there is love there is life. You continue to live on...

Te amo mucho mijo!
Ma

Driving through a mountain pass, two lane highway last week, I was sleepy...and I did fall asleep, I gently woke to see I was headed for a tree and veering into the opposite direction of traffic. Usually, one would jolt awake and over correct. I was instantly, yet gently awoken without panic and felt completely refreshed, in the split second of all this I noticed my steering wheel ever so perfectly correcting itself, however, it wasn't my hands guiding the wheel.

Never drive sleepy ... and never drive faster then your dragonfly. Dane you're my angel! Freedom isn't free.

Happy Heavenly 30th young man!

Love always

Happy Birthday Son!

What an amazing thought of what you would have accomplished by now had the Lord decided to leave you here. Can't wait to see you again!

We all miss you dearly!!!

Pops

Happy birthday big brother... I cant wait to celebrate the rest with you one day.

Dane it is your birthday. I am left to wonder how you would spend it were you here in the physical but I have an idea based on the past. The last few days I have been reminded of how you would fall asleep in the car when I would pick you up. The day we picked up pizza I remember telling you "don't fall asleep" and you replied "I won't. The smell of pizza keeps me awake." Shortly after, you were sleep and I could only laugh. Dane, have a slice of pizza and a Capri Sun on your birthday. Love you

Thinking of Dane on this Veterans Day weekend. Never to be forgotten.

Remembering and Celebrating Your wonderful Life and Memory every Year this time. Rest in Paradise Nephew! You are missed!

Dear Mr Balcon , I don't know personally, and honestly I have forgotten how I came across your guestbook , but I am ever so happy I did I just want to say thank you so much for your services and thank your parents for bringing brave man into this world . thank you for protecting us may you sleep in heaven .

Love
Monalisha .

I first came across Dane's legacy page when I was a 15 year old boy, out of the hundreds/thousands of faces who gallantly laid down their lives for the American way of life, there was something about Dane's page that stood out from the rest. Maybe it was his young age, who knows.

Now 10 years on, I am a 25 year old man and I still check up and read the lovely heart felt comments left by family & friends.

My thoughts go out to Dane's Mother, Father & to the rest of the family.

Respect Dane.

Love and miss you so much...

Pops

10 years...seems like yesterday and a lifetime ago. I miss you and know you had so much to add to the world! It is our loss. Please watch over your mom and brothers. We continue to share your story because you had a great gift. Love

I have run out of ways to explain how much I miss you. I'm always trying to replay the last moments I was with you. You were always so happy, with your contagious smile. I love you bro and one day, me, you, Sam, dad, and everyone will be together again.

Your sister

I spoke of you today, as I rattled on about this, that and the other, tears caught me off guard. I speak of you often, think of you daily but now and again without warning when I share your story, I get a lump in my throat, my voice cracks and my cheeks become salted and wet. Your story will be talked about and shared from me always.
FOREVER 19! Rest easy Sweet Dane, smiles to YOU!

All Gave Some. Some Gave All. Gone, But Never Forgotten.It is evident by all the pictures and post that you were indeed a very special person. I wanna Thank You and Your Family for your service. I wanna Your Tell your Family that they raised an extraordinary young man. God Bless You.