1st. Lt. Daren Hidalgo

I graduated with Miles in 02 wow haha and I do remember Daren. Always seemed to have charisma and if anything like Miles was, we were lucky to have those kinds of people. I didn't know him much bc he was a a frosh at the time and I was a senior but I still remember him and why I say it's good to remember those kinds of memories of good people like your son. Thoughts always Hidalgo fam

To the family of 1st Lt. Daren Hidalgo:
The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Christian Memorial Day Remembrance worship service at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, 26 May 2013. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the bordering states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with some 300 white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.

The Memorial Garden will be encircled with larger white crosses representing all of the wars of our nation's history and give honor to all who have served in the United States Armed Forces and made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today. Wreaths will be placed at the foot of each 8-foot cross bearing the number of U.S. Service Members killed in each of America's conflicts.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, Kenneth L. Beale, Jr., will preach a message entitled, “Freedom:Free, but Costly.” At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and there place poppies at each of the crosses. A Memorial Rifle Squad of the Fort Snelling National Cemetery will fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played. Following your visit to the Memorial Garden, your family is invited to attend an informal reception (weather permitting) outside of the Chapel. The Memorial Garden will remain until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, 27 May (Memorial Day).

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (651/286-7296) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans' name and the number of persons attending. For more information about the Foundation or driving directions to the historic chapel at Fort Snelling, visit our website at: www.fortsnellingmcf.org Special rates for nearby hotels will be available. For more information call (651/286-7296) or email the office ([email protected]) and leave your name and contact information.

Also, beginning at dusk (8:30 p.m.) on Saturday 25 May through dawn (6:30 a.m.) on Sunday, 26 May, a “Prayer Vigil for Peace” will be held in the sanctuary of the Chapel. You are invited to stop by, light a candle and place it at the foot of your loved one's cross in the Memorial Garden … and then enter the Chapel for prayer.

If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Office Manager
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:[email protected]
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org

Thank you Daren for your service and sacrifice for our country.

February 20, 2013
To the family and friends of 1st Lt. Daren Hidalgo:
Remembering Daren on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten.

Darren...thinking about you... and all the others today!

To the family of 1st Lt. Daren Hidalgo:
The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Christian Memorial Day Remembrance worship service at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday 27 May 2012. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the bordering states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with some 300 white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.

The Memorial Garden will be encircled with larger white crosses representing all of the wars of our nation's history and give honor to all who have served the United States and made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today. Wreaths will be placed at the foot of each cross bearing the number of U.S. Service Members killed in each of America's conflicts.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain Col. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr., will preach a message entitled, “Lest We Forget Freedom's Cost.” At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. A Memorial Rifle Squad of the Fort Snelling National Cemetery will fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played. Following your visit to the Memorial Garden, your family is invited to attend an informal reception (weather permitting) outside of the Chapel.

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (651/456-4410) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans' name and the number of persons attending. For more information about the Foundation or driving directions to the historic chapel at Fort Snelling, visit our website at: www.fortsnellingmcf.org Special rates for nearby hotels will be available. For more information call (651/456-4410) or email ([email protected]) the office, and leave your name and contact information.

Also, beginning at dusk (8:30 p.m.) on Saturday 26 May through dawn (6:30 a.m.) on Sunday 27 May, a “Prayer Vigil for Peace” will be held in the sanctuary of the Chapel. You are invited to stop by, light a candle and place it at the foot of your loved one's cross in the Memorial Garden … and then enter the Chapel for prayer.

If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Office Manager
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:[email protected]
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org

Hidalgo Family,

Thinking about Darren and all of his family and friends... I was Darren's Plebe year Chemistry instructor at West Point...and of course remember happier times in the classroom...Darren was one of my favorite cadets, always talked about his family, and kept our class going when everyone else was falling asleep...I still remember the day I came to class about 3 hours after my son was born and Darren was shocked and disappointed that I was not back at the hospital with him...To him family was everything! But he did not understand that the cadets were also part of my family...which is why this has been such a terrible loss for me.

Keeping you all and Darren in my thoughts and prayers...

February 20, 2012
To the family of 1st Lt. Daren Hidalgo:
Daren 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."

Daren and Hidalgo family, I just wanted to pay my respects today and let you know that you are not forgotten. The family and all who knew and loved Daren are in our prayers today. God bless..rest in peace Daren Hidalgo.

A true American hero.God bless Daren and his family.

To Hildago Family, your in my prayers! To lose a brother, son, great friend and leader is hard. I don't know him but he is a brother in arms.

Sgt Triplett
1stMarDiv USMC

To the family of 1st Lt Daren Hidalgo:
The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Memorial Day Sunday worship service at 11:00 a.m. on 29 May 2011. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the neighboring states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with some 200 white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one. The Memorial Garden’s perimeter will be manned by members of the Patriot Guard and a honor guard from AMVETS Post #1 of Mendota will be posted at the entrance.

The Memorial Garden will be encircled with larger white crosses representing all of the wars in United States history and give honor to all who have served their country and made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today. Wreaths will be placed at the foot of each cross bearing the number of U.S. Service Members killed in each of our nation’s wars.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain Col. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr., will preach a message entitled, “A Believer’s Look at War.” At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. A Memorial Rifle Squad of Fort Snelling National Cemetery will fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played. Following your visit to the memorial garden, your family is invited to attend an informal reception (weather permitting) outside of the Chapel.

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (651/456-4410) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans’ name and the number of persons attending. For more information about the Foundation or driving directions to the historic chapel at Fort Snelling, visit our website at: www.fortsnellingmcf.org Special rates for nearby hotels will be available. For more information call (651/456-4410) or email ([email protected]) the office and leave your name and contact information.

Also, beginning at dusk (8:30 p.m.) on Sat 28 May through dawn (6:30 a.m.) on Sun 29 May, a “Prayer Vigil for Peace” will be held in the sanctuary of the Chapel. You are invited to stop by, light a candle and place it at the foot of your loved one’s cross in the Memorial Garden … and then enter the Chapel for prayer.

If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Office Manager
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:[email protected]
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org

Daren,
I am deeply saddened, eventhough we never met. You were well respected among your troops and they will never forget. I higher calling has requested you. Look over your family and friends as we're sure you will always do.
You will be missed. Be thou at peace.
Jim Kotwis
USMA '95

Jorge and Family,
Please accept my condolences and prayers. I'm a '69 grad and veteran of 2 1/2 yrs service in RVN, you may remember me as I was an instructor at USMA when you were a cadet. To this day my emotions are overwhelming when I think about the sacrifices the members of our military and their families continue to make every day. May God look after you and family and provide comfort knowing Daren is with him. I'll leave you with my Company motto from RVN - I've carried this on a 3X5 card with me every day since thankful that I was one of the lucky ones to make it back.

It is not the critic who counts, nor the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better.

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena: whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood: Who knows great enthusiasm, great devotion, the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat….

For those who have fought for it – life has a flavor the protected will never know.

Co H (Ranger), 75th Infantry (Airborne)
Pete Dencker

The Hidalgo Family,
I'm very sorry for your loss. Darren was a great young man and I'm very honored to have known him. My he rest in peace.
1SG Kenneth C. Byrd

Jorge and Family
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.

May Daren rest in peace.

Ruben and Bertha Arroyo

To the entire Hidalgo family, you have so much to be proud of concerning your son, Daren. He was an outstanding young man. I admire his initiative and dedication to his position in the military. My father was in the military and served in combat in World War II. I know your hearts break for your great loss. May all the wonderful memories and all the accomplishments of your son help to sustain you through this very sad, difficult time. God bless and comfort all of the family.

Jorge,

We were very saddened to learn of the death of your son while in the service of our nation. May God be with you and your family during this difficult time.

Joe & Marti Clausius
Madison, Wisconsin

My condolences to the family. You should be very proud of Daren's service and your family's service to our country!
Bruce Michalowski
USMA Class of 1970

I am so very sorry for your loss. May Daren rest in peace.

Jorge,

We are very sorry to hear about your son. Please accept our condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Your son is what makes America great. Someone who stepped forward and said "I'll Go" He is with his Lord now, and will be there waiting for you.

so sorry for your loss, Hidalgo family! such a loss of a handsome bright young man- Daren paid the ultimate sacrifice!
I pray for your comfort & peace.
-Maria from York, PA

Dear Hidalgo Family -- my deepest sympathy to you in the loss of your precious son, Daren. May you find comfort in God's presence during this time of sorrow. Thank you for the many sacrifices your family has endured and for fighting for our freedom. God bless each and everyone of you.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

May the Good Lord hold your family in His healing hands. Thanks to your whole family for their service to your adopted country. Your family story is an inspiration to all who read it. As a family with an '09 grad serving in Afghanistan, I'll forward your son's article. Hope the 2 met during their 4 years together and our soldier will add to the positive stories already posted. The car pulling into the driveway is every family's dread. May our prayers add to your comfort during these times. '09 family

Dear Hidalgo Family; Words may not solace you at this time. However, please accept my condolences to your family for the ultimate sacrifice---your son and brother. May you find comfort and strength in the knowledge that many of us share your sorrow and pain that accompanies the absence you will have in your hearts as you mourn your son, Daren. Peace and love to your family.

I am so sorry to hear of your family's loss. I know there are no words to say at this time except to let you know the thoughts of many are with you in this time of sorrow. May our Father give you comfort and peace in the years to come.

To the Hidalgo family,
Our Hearts go out to you all and we offer our deepest gratitude for the service of your entire family. Our daughter-in law, Liz ( Yoder) Scherbarth went to school with Daren at Kettle Moraine. Liz and our son Jeremy are in Germany , where he is readying for his second tour , this time to Afghanistan. When I was talking to them today, they both mentioned the loss of Daren.
May God watch over you and welcome Daren into his loving arms
Kathy Scherbarth ( MU NAC member)

We offer heartfelt sympathy to the Hildaldo family. We have tremendous gratitude for the life and brave service of this fine soldier. My son, also serving in Afghanistan, was a West Point classmate and speaks in highest regards of Daren. Our prayers and love surround your family.
Mike and Joni Adams
(1 LT Fox Herron, West Point 2009)

To the Hidalgo family,

I know there are no words to say at this time, except how sorry that I am. I truly feel your loss and pain. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. Daren will 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.

For those missing in action;
for those who didn’t make it home.
I know you’re in God’s presence you are not alone.
For every neatly folded flag;
for every shattered family
I will do the only thing I know to dignify your memory.

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 .

I Salute You.


Suzanne MacDaniel - A Proud Aunt

SGT. David M. Fisher
KIA 12/1/04 - Iraq

My heart and prays go out to you. My nephew, Cadet Roger Herndon - class of 1992, died in training at West Point on August 2, 1991. My family understands your heartbreak. God bless and comfort you all. God's peace to you.

We are very sorry for the loss of your son Daren. Our daughter Sarah* was very close friends with both Miles and Daren. She is very sad, as are we who listened to her stories, and looked at her photos -- probably some of the same photos you looked at.

You have a very special family.

Tom, Khay, Sarah(09), Rebekah, Rachel(14), Leah, Hannah Phillips*

DEAR HIDALGO FAMILY,
I AM TRUELY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. DAREN AND I WOULD OFTEN TALK AND IT WAS ALWAYS ABOUT WHAT HE COULD DO TO MAKE THINGS BETTER. HE HAD A LOT OF FIRE IN HIS HEART. YOUR SON WAS A GREAT LEADER.

DAREN, YOU WERE A PLATOON LEADER, A COLLEAGUE, BUT MOST IMPORTANT, YOU WERE A GOOD FRIEND. IF THE GOOD DIE YOUNG, THEN YOU WERE THE BEST.

"R.I.P. GHOSTRIDER 3-6, WE MISS YOU, WE LOVE YOU AND WILL ALWAYS HONOR YOUR MEMORY."

WOLFPACK FOR LIFE!
1LT CHRISTIAN MONTOYO
DARKWING 5

Hidalgo family;
I pray that the peace of God which passes all understanding will comfort you at a time like this.
I thank you for the sacrifice made in your son so we can enjoy our freedom.
I am the mother of a US Marine still training at his MOS and a poolie, waiting for his departure date to boot camp.
I pray that we never take these sacrifices made by our men and women for granted.

My heart breaks for your family. God bless you and give you comfort at this time. My dear friend's son was with your son in Afghanistan when he gave his life so that we may all be free. While I never knew him, I will forever hold him in my heart and be grateful men like him serve our country and to families like yours for your unimaginable sacrifice. God bless and keep you always.

To the Hildalgo Family,

I want to extend to you my deepest sympathy for your loss. Daren is respresentative of the valiant Americans who place themselves in harm's way to protect our great nation. Thank you for your service and courage.

Well Done Daren!! Be thou at peace.

Alex Rodgers
USMA '91

Jorge - there are no words to describe our sadness at the loss of Daren. We can only thank Daren and your family for the ultimate sacrifice in protecting and defending our nation.

Strength as One, '81

To the Hidalgo family, You don't know me. I've never had the pleasure of meeting you good people in person, and I'm sure there are no words of mine which can assuage your grief at this time. But I want you to know there are fellow Americans who are grateful for your service and sacrifice. Thanks to fine young people like Daren, we enjoy the privilege of sleeping peacefully at night. He died trying to help others enjoy that same luxury. God bless you and the memory of your son. Rest in peace Daren. You did your time in Hell, and now you can keep things safe and orderly in Heaven.

Dear Hidalgo Family,
Thank you for your service and courage. Thank you for keeping us safe and free. May God grant that we be worthy of your sacrifice.

To the Hildago Family...I want to extend my deepest sympathy in the loss of your son, Daren. On behalf of my family & myself, we would like to thank you for the service & sacrifices your family has made for this country & for the freedoms we enjoy here. May the Lord comfort you & set your family in a high place, "Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you & help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." God Bless... (I was an employee under Jorge's leadership at Harley-Davidson, York, PA)

To the Hidalgo Family,

Your friends at Hartland Music remember Daren as an outstanding and gifted trumpet student of Greg Garcia. Our hearts go out to you.

My thanks to the Hidalgo family. I wish I could be of help to you. I believe your family protects mine.

To the Hidalgo Family,
My name is Tina, I am Sarah Doolittle's mother. I remember Daren coming to our home and hanging out with "the gang". I remember Daren specifically because he stood out due to his beautiful, contagious smile, and his positive, happy personality. He was a wonderful young man!
My prayers are with you.
God bless you.

To the Hidalgo Family, God bless you and your family. Please know we pray for all of you.

Peace be with you Daren, and God Bless you.

The heart felt prayers from my family go out to you Jorge and to those in your family - Be thou at Peace for your young warrior"

Charles Mitchell - C3 - 1978

To the Hildago Family,

Your son was am incredible leader and a man of honor and courage. He, fully, embodied West Point's "Duty, Honor, Country" mission. May you find comfort in knowing he is one the the leaders of the "Long Gray Line" in heaven. May you find peace and strength during this difficult time.

From an Army Mom 06'

"The Long Grey Line of us stretches thru the years of the centuries told, and the last man feels to his marrow, the grip of your far off hold." God Bless you, Daren, and may your family always be proud of your Duty (served), Honor (character), and (service to)Country. Rest in Peace- Your service will never be forgotten.

To the Hildago Family,

The love and prayers of a greatful nation are with you. We are so sorry for your loss. May the Lord be with you at this most difficult time and give you peace and comfort. Thank you for your family's service.

God bless this family and all they have contributed to this country. Rest in peace, Darren.

Rest easy, Brother. While you may be forever young, you were more mature than many twice your age. May we never forget your selfless life and what you stood for, and may that cause us to be reminded on a daily basis to live a life worthy of the one you gave up. You live through us. Always Faithful. Everyday.

Thank you, and thank you, to your entire family you will never be forgotten.

Thank you Daren and family for having the courage to stand behind your beliefs and fight for our country. How tragic his life was cut short but may his memory live on large and unforgettable.
Sincerely, Mary Davidson RN

Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your son Daren. As a military family, you have given the greatest sacrifice of all. No words can help you at this time, but memories will always be there. Please thank Jared and Miles for serving our Country. Daren is a true America Hero.
Actually, Your entire family is an example of what a true American Hero is. May God be with ALL of you through this difficult time. The Riley Family (Waukesha)

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son and brother while serving in the armed forces of the United States. Daren's sacrifice was not in vain. We will remember him always. May God bless you and comfort you in your grief.

Jorge, my heart is broken for you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss.

Hidalgo family my deepest sympathy. May God Bless You always. Truly Daren is in the presence of the Lord. Monica Parreno(Gurnee,Illinois)

Our military family is lesser without Daren. As his loss is profound, so is our resolve to carry on in his honor. Please accept our deepest condolences.

On behalf on the Eise family, John, Louise, Jessica, and Laura,

JUSTIN R. EISE, Capt, USAF

God Bless your son and your family. Thank you for serving our country. Our family's prayers our with you. The Weber Family (Green Bay).

My sincere condolences to the Hildago family in the loss of Daren. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank all of you for your service and sacrifice.

My deepest sympathies and appreciation to your son and brother Daren...He was a true American Hero...Thank You so much for His Life on this earth!!.....Judy Martinez

God bless you all and thank you for your service to our country. Rest in the knowledge Daren is in the presense of The Lord.

Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of your son and brother. May your memories of Daren fill your heart with comfort at this difficult time. You must be really proud of him. He made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We wish he did not have to make this sacrifice and would have been able to come back home to you. But he is Home now. With deepest sympathy and may God bless you.
Darlene and Thom Petri - Hartland (Darlene is a former employee of Harley in the Genuin Parts Dept and Jorge was her boss, Thom is a janitor at Wilde in Waukesha.)

While I have followed this story from the first I heard of it, it is beyond words how sorry I am for your loss and then also how proud I am of this great American family. God Bless the Hidalgos.

Your son and brother gave his life for all of us. I am so very sorry for your loss. We are saddened beyond belief to lose such a magnificent young man. Your family's sense of duty makes me proud beyond words. God bless Daren and all your family. John Montanaro USMA 1967

Hidalgo Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I was deeply touched by the news article regarding your family. Thank you for all you do for our country and for Daren's ultimate sacricfice. May God bless you all.

Andrea and Jorge – It is with my deepest sympathy to you and all of your family that I express my condolence on the loss of your wonderful son Daren. Words can’t describe the sorrow I feel for you and the sense of loss I too feel knowing you and your family. I feel we have all lost a proud son and we mourn your loss together. May Daren’s memory be a blessing to all and give us strength to face the challenges in our daily lives. Daren’s life serves as a role model of selfless devotion and a life dedicated to a higher purpose to inspire us all.

Please accept my heartfelt condolences to you and your family in the loss of your son. My son had the privilege of serving in Afghanistan with Daren and called to tell us what a great loss their unit had suffered. He only had great things to say about Daren and about what a great person he was. As a very proud Army mom, I want to extend to you my deepest sympathy and gratitude for your son's service.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Our deepest sympathy on your loss. Our deepest gratitude to your son, who gave his life for our country.

Though I do not know you, my heart is heavy reading the story about Daren. What a beautiful young man he was and how proud you must be of him. Thank you, mom and dad, for the sacrifices you have made for our country by encouraging your children to serve all of us. I stand with many others who have a deep respect for your entire family. Daren is now safe in the Arms of God. Thank you, Daren, for giving your life to serve others. You are all in my prayers.

I would like to express my heart felt condolences to the Hidalgo family regarding the loss of their son and brother. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Tom Wachtl(Harley Davidson)

Hidalgo family;
I did not know your son but he is family through the long grey line. I read about your son's death on facebook. My daughter is a 2008 WP graduate and knew your son. She had spanish class with him. She is serving in Iraq and writes; she had wonderful memories of him.
Please except my condolences.

My prayers are with you. May you be filled with the peace that passes all understanding. As a fellow Marine Mom, I feel your pain. My son has been enlisted since March of 2010 and will finish his MOS schooling in May. He hasn't even been stationed yet, but my biggest fear is to lose him battle. But if that were to happen, like you, I would be proud beyond expression for his selfless sacrifice for all of us and our freedom.

Prayers and blessings!

To the Hidalgo Family,
Our prayers are with you. We were lucky to have known Daren through the WPAWPPC. He helped to welcome our son to the WP family and for that we will always be grateful. Words can not begin to express our sorrow. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

To the family of Daren Hidalgo,
Our deepest sympathy on the tragic death of your beloved son. May our Lord hold you all in the palm of His hand and give you His comfort and peace. You are in our prayers.

The Kelly Family stands in honor and respect of Daren and the entire Hidalgo family. We hold you in our thoughts and prayers.

David and Patti Kelly
Lt Spencer Kelly USMA '09 G4
Cadet Carter Kelly USMA '13

To the Hildago Family, I learnt off your sons death through my son, Ryan, who graduated with your son at West Point. He was in the same unit (guppies)G-4. My son was very upset and said that Daren was an awesome friend and someone he would never forget. I asked if I ever met him since we were there often. I do remember your son with fondness. I am so sorry for your loss! He is a true hero ! God Bless your family at this time

Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of Daren. I was honored to be among the large contingent of veterans that welcomed him home on Sunday. His example of leadership will serve as a standard to which all military and civilians should aspire to. He is an American hero, and a fine reflection of his family, his service and his country.

God bless him and his family.

Our prayers are with your family.
- An Indian Family from Madison, WI

Dear Hidalgo Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. Our family lost my nephew in Afghanistan in January 2010. I know that there is nothing I can say to ease your pain; however, I wanted you to know that my heart goes out to all of you and that I share in your grief.

To the Hildago Family and Friends: May God hold you in his arms and give you strength during your time of such great sorrow. Thank you for giving your son(s) such grace, honor and dignity! May your son Rest in Peace and never be forgotten. God Bless America! (and your family).

To the entire Hidalgo Family -
My sincere condolences to your entire family. As a fellow Wisconsinite, UW-Madison Alumni, and USAF service member deployed in SW Asia, I was proud and honored to serve alongside Daren, and continue to be proud and honored to serve alongside fellow patriots and freedom fighters from the Hidalgo family. Take comfort that your son served a noble cause and chose to answer the call of a higher, selfless service beyond selfish comforts and desires, putting the needs of fellow Americans and Afghans above his own.

With great sympathy,

Sincerely

Kurt F. Brueske, Lt Col, USAF

Our deepest sympathy goes out to you on this saddest of days. If not for Daren and all the men like him, we would not know the freedom we have. "America the Beautiful", it IS this way for a reason!! Rest in peace Daren for a job well done!

I cannot tell you how sorry I am for the loss of your beautiful boy Daren. My son Austin was Daren's company commander. He said Daren was always an inspiration to his soldiers. Even as he lay wounded, Daren was more concerned about his soldiers safety than himself. Daren is a true hero and will never be forgotten by his family and friends and those who are just learning about his incredible sacrifice. To Jorge and Andrea Hidalgo and your children, your family represents a beautiful symbol of love and sacrifice for our country and for all Americans. I will keep all of you in my prayers.

Patricia Guillermo Williams (Brownsville, Texas/Washington, D.C.)

You are all in our prayers. I did not know Daren or the family, but came across this article. I am deeply touched at the sacrifice you all have given for our country.
Thank you Daren!
Peace, prayers & blessings

My prayers go out to your family. He is a true American Hero and will never be forgotten! Praying also for your other sons that are so galently serving our country. I have heard from a friend that your son was a great young man, they knew you all personally. From a Marine Mom from WI

Please accept my condolences for the loss of your son, and my thanks to your entire family for your willingness to serve our country. I cannot express the admiration I have for these young men and women who willingly put themselves in harms way for their country and for all of us. May God bless you. I am USMA 1971, a son is USMA 2000, and another son is a 1LT in Afghanistan.

Jorge and the Hidalgo Family: There can be nothing sadder than losing a son or brother, but also nothing that must make a family prouder than to have had a loved one that lived, fought, and died for his country and for what is right. America is free because Daren and other brave young men like him are willing to serve and make the ultimate sacrifice. God bless Daren and the rest of the Hidaldo family.

To the Hidalgo family, I am so sorry for your loss. Your loved one gave the ultimate sacrifice in serving our Country. May he always be remembered for the honor and courage with which he fulfilled his duty--and for the love and joy he gave his family.
With deepest sympathy
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John 15:13 -Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

What an amazing young man from an amazing family. I express my deepst condolences for your loss and thank you from the bottom of my heart for the sacrifices your entire family has made for our country. God bless you all.

Rest in peace Daren. You have given the ulitimate scariface for your country. You are a hero!! My condolences go out to the family & friends of Daren Hidalgo.

To the Hidalgo Family -

May the peace of God blanket your family in this time of sorrow. Please know that your son's sacrifice and that of your family will not be forgotten or taken for granted by those that understand. My daughter serves and so I know the pride you feel in the service of your sons to this country. To his brothers and sister, you are examples of what is good in this country and other young people would do well to emulate you. Stay strong in your committment to family and country.

Our heartfelt prayers are with you. Our Marine son is in Afghanistan, too. God Bless you all.

Dear Hildago family:
My heart aches for you and your loss. As a parent of two Marines, graduates of the USNA (02 and 06) who have deployed 5 times, and an active duty Army officer myself, I understand and admire your sons and your family's commitment. I pray for the safety of deployed service members daily. I am just so very sorry and sad for your loss.
Very respectfully,
MAJ Carol Haertlein Sells, USA

As the parents of a young man who also feels called to serve, fell in love with the Academy, and will begin his studies this fall fully mindful of the sacrifices involved in service: We honor Daren, and offer our sincere gratitude and condolences to your family for your son and brother. To quote Lincoln's famous letter to Mrs. Bixby: "We pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom." A mother and father in Mequon.

To the Family of LT Hidalgo, May God Bless you and may He keep your son in His Loving Arms.

I am so sorry for your loss.

Semper Fi

R Wyrwas
USMC 1968

Thank you to Daren and all your sons for their service to our country. A life well lived is never forgotten. I lost a good friend in Irag 6 years ago also just before his 25th birthday and am sorry for your loss.

To the Hidalgo Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. While I did not know Daren, I feel like I do after reading all the heartfelt messages. The world was a better place with Daren in it. While I am saddened by his passing, I still want to celebrate his life. God Bless Daren, God bless those who have served, and God bless those who are serving our country right now.