1LT Daren M Hidalgo, 24, was Killed in Action February 20, 2011 while serving his country in Afghanistan. Daren attended Kettle Moraine Middle School and High School and was a member of the school band and wrestled there. He graduated from Pennsylvania’s Dallastown Area High School in 2005 where he was a championship wrestler, National Honor Society member, and a trumpeter in the school marching band. Daren was accepted to the prestigious United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, NY. He excelled at the Academy, serving as G-4 Company Commander during his senior year. Daren graduated near the top of the Class of 2009 with a Bachelor of Science degree. In the Army he completed numerous courses to include the extremely challenging Ranger School. Earning the coveted Ranger Tab was one of the many proud moments of his short career. Daren was assigned to 3rd Platoon, Ghostrider Company, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.
Deployed to the Maiwand District of Afghanistan in October 2010, Daren executed his duties and responsibilities to perfection. Throughout numerous combat engagements he gained a reputation in the Squadron that was second to none. His ability to assess any situation and fix any problem was awe-inspiring to those who knew him. Daren’s greatest talent was his ability to maintain a positive attitude and inspire each of his Soldiers to be great. As a man who stood up when others would not and as a man who said “Send Me” when others wouldn’t go. He has earned posthumously the award of a Bronze Star and the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster.
Daren was known for his winning smile and engaging personality. A jokester and prankster always looking to cheer up people around him. His strength of character and empathy endeared him to all who met him. Daren will be sadly missed by his parents: Jorge & Andrea, Siblings: Jared (Jenny) Hidalgo, Miles (Caroline) Hidalgo, Carmen (Mike) Spellman, nephews: Wade, and Carson and his niece: Lexie. His extended family and many friends will miss him also. Daren’s life and legacy will never be forgotten. All of us fortunate enough to have known him will cherish his memory, love and friendship.
Visitation Wednesday March 2, 2011 from 11AM to 3:15 PM at St. Anthony on the Lake Catholic Church W280 N2101 Hwy SS Pewaukee, WI 53072. A remembrance presentation will begin at 3:45 PM. The Funeral Mass will be at 4:00 PM. Burial will be in West Point Cemetery in NY later this week.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Daren M. Hidalgo Memorial Fund. It will be used for future scholarships and support of wounded soldiers. Donations can be made at any US Bank in the country. Mailing address is: US Bank 2040 W. Silvernail Road Pewaukee, Wisconsin 53072. For further information please call Randle-Dable Funeral, Cremation, & Preplanning Services at 262-547-4035.
Editors note:
A memorial ceremony for 1LT Daren Hidalgo has been confirmed for Wednesday 02 March 2011 at 1000 hours in the Rose Barracks Cavalry Chapel. Please join us in honoring the service and memory of 1LT Hidalgo.
Please pass this information on to your families and keep 1LT Hidalgo’s family in your thoughts and prayers.
Dragoon memorial at Rose Barracks, Vilseck.
A U.S. Army team carries a transfer case containing the remains of 1st Lt. Daren M. Hidalgo during a dignified transfer ceremony Tuesday at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
A tribute website has been set up by the family of Lt. Hidalgo with pictures, stories and videos. Click on DAREN HIDALGO or go to http://www.rememberdaren.com/
113 Comments
Daren and I were at West Point together. I’ll always remember the infectious smile. My condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.
Well done Daren, be thou at peace.
My heart goes out to all Guppies, Alums, and Soldiers who had the honor of knowing Daren.
Darren was a great kid and a good friend to my son as the were wrestling teammates at Dallastown High. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Daren was an amazing friend and always there to help people out. He encouraged everyone he knew to be the best. We were friends, partners in class, and I will miss him immensely. My prayers go out to his family. He was truly a great man and an outstanding officer.
My prayers are with Daren and his family. I knew him through 4 years at West Point. Always had a joke and a smile. I know he’ll be dearly missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Daren and his loved ones. Truly such a sad day.
My heart goes out to Daren’s Family and Friends. I went to HS with him at Dallastown and he was a great guy and a great friend. He will be missed
Darren was a terrifc young man, leader and soldier. He was like a second son in our family, staying at the house when he did not get home to Wisconsin. Our family sends all the love possible to his family. It is with great pride to know have known and loved Darren.
You will never be forgotten Daren! Thank you for your bravery, courage, and leadership.
I love you, Darren Hidalgo. You were a joy to have in my life for so many years, you were a true friend to both me and my sister, and you will forever be missed. I am so very proud of you. My thoughts and prayers to the remainder of family and friends that were so blessed to have known and loved Darren.
Why do bad things happen to the ver best of people? Our kids and families spent many great times together at Dallastown wrestling events. I don’t know how many people I’ve told over the years that Darren was a terrific, courteous young man who was so full of life and could make anybody laugh at the drop of a hat! He will truly be missed and remembered in our hearts. I can’t imagine the devastation to his family!
Wishing peace and comfort for the Hidalgo family during this difficult time. It was an honor to meet the father of three brave sons. The World is a better place because of your patriotism.
Daren and my son Patrick were class mates at West Point. The day before my son left Afghanistan 13 Feb 2011 he had lunch with Daren. Daren came to Patrick’s ranger graduation. I remember Daren and we pray for him and his family.
We are shocked at this news. Daren was a joy to be around and full of life. My boys were friends and teammates of his on the Dallastown wrestling team. We are all very blessed to have been his friend. Our hearts go out to his family.
Jorge and Andrea – I can’t even begin to express my deepest sympathy to you. Darren holds a special place in my heart from our wrestling years at Dallastown! He was an absolute officer and a gentleman even in high school. The world is not as good a place without him.
In deepest sympathy,
Dee
Daren and I had a few classes together in high school. He was a great person with a kind heart. My thoughts and prayer goes out to his family. Thank you, Daren for your amazing courage! You will be missed dearly!
It was Daren’s genuine leadership and passionate care for his soldiers that influenced me to stay at the Academy. He will truly be missed. My prayers go out to his family and closest friends. May he rest in peace.
My heart goes out to the friends and family of Daren. His courage will never be forgotten. We thank him for all that he has done and his message will continue do.
With Love,
Nicole Pritchett
Daren was a great guy and one of my favorite mememories with him was when we went to costa rica for the spanish field trip. He will truly be missed from the dallastown family. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Thank you for your service!
We were classmates at West Point. I, along with the rest of us, will miss him immensely. My prayers and heart-felt sympathy go out to his parents, extended family, and friends during this time of great pain and loss. I will always remember him as brave and steadfast.
Be Thou At Peace.
A fantastic life cut way to short. I only new Daren for a short time, but he made an enormous impact on my life. I will always remember his smile and golden personality. He will be missed but not forgotten.
Daren & I went to high school together. He was a great person with a big heart.
My heart goes out to his family & loved ones.
Daren you will be missed! <3
My thoughts and prayers go to family of Daren Hidalgo. We cannot say thank you enough for what he did for our country.
Just when I stop crying, I read how much you touched OTHERS. And then I realize I’m not the only one who lost u. Thanks for being so sweet.
My deepest sympathies and prayers to dear Daren’s family and friends, including his fellow Guppies from West Point. I was honored to know Daren through his USMA 09 classmate, my oldest daughter, Diana (serving currently in Afghanistan). He will be so missed. God bless and keep you all as you grieve such a loss.
With love & prayers,
Ellen
I love reading the comments here – he was a super special guy and I never get to see him and his brothers and sister enough! Someone said it best above – he will be missed, not forgotten!
To my wonderful nephew – God Bless you and keep you, may you watch down over your friends and family from a better place now!
My heartfelt condolence goes out to the Hidalgo family. I can’t imagine how painful this must be for you.
Unbelievable grief and sorrow. The world was a far better place because of Daren’s presence. He was a true joy and the love he showed his friends and family were genuine and a blessing. So many thoughts and prayers are extended to his family. He will always be in our hearts.
Wishing this news wasn’t true doesn’t express the grief. He was a great nephew, great kid, a great man, a great person. Thank you,Daren.
Daren was a person who you wanted to be around. Bright, optimistic, and caring. He lives on in all of us he impacted. I am glad to have known him. My thoughts go out to his family and friends.
My heart and prayers go out to him and his family.
Darren was in charge of my company one year and we ran Biathlon together 1 season. He was always laughing and having a good time, both of which were highly contagious. I will pray for him and his family as he will be sorely missed.
Daren, thank you for exemplifying what it means to be a good cadet, officer and person. I am proud as hell to have had known you and am so sorry to see you go. Your leadership and friendship I will never forget. Go Guppies. Love and prayers for your family.
-Dan
Daren, you were and still are an example of the life I hope to lead myself. Thank you for being there for all of us. To your parents, your sacrifice will never be forgoten. Your son was an exceptional leader through school and through out the military. Thank you
We were deeply saddened to hear about Daren. We had the honor to know him and will always remember the trip to Yellowstone and Jackson. He will live on in our hearts. God bless,you are in our prayers.
My deepest sympathy to the Hidalgo family. Many are grieving with you and are praying for you.
To the family of 1LT Hidalgo, know that the entire 2d Dragoon family shares in your loss.
LT Hidalgo, your patrol is done, sir. Time for R and R.
Always Ready, sir!
Daren, I wonder after death if you are granted the privilege to look down at the absolutely outpour of love and support for you & your family here on Earth… all your Dallastown buddies, West Point, MN, and fellow soldiers, among others…
You will be forever missed! You were a great friend, soldier and person in general. The world lost your body yesterday, but your vivacious spirit will continue to shine on for years to come & make others smile.
Be Peaceful. I extend my deepest thoughts to your family. You will give them strength.
Love,
-Shannon
Such a beautiful light. He was compassionate to all. With a smile that you couldn’t resist smiling back. blessings to all the family and friends who are feeling this significant loss.
To the Hidalgo family goes our deepest sympathy from the O’Donnell’s, your neighbors from Marlborough. Our kids were close to the same ages and we were always so impressed with all of the Hidalgo kids, Daren included. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless You
I had the honor of being in the same company and racquetball team as Daren. He has impacted so many lives with his zest for life, commitment, and dedication. He was a great friend, leader, coach, and overall as a person. Daren was always impressive to watch on the court! He always know how to make someone smile or laugh. We love you and will miss you! My thoughts go out to his family, friends, and unit.
God bless all of you. Words can’t really describe this, Daren, an awesome guy who showed me and the other Gups how to be a good, genuine person in the year I knew him at the academy. I owe him my thanks.
Despite all of our sadness, it would be Darren to want us to laugh again. It is admittedly difficult to get through these comments without remembering something that he may have said or done that will make me smile and cry at the sametime. With heavy hearts we will try and move forward. As cousins we were bonded through family but it is the friendship that I will remember forever. Thank you for being a friend, CMC.
I didn’t know this soldier but I graduated from the same high school many years ago. As an Army Mom my heart goes out to this brave soldier’s family. Prayers and hugs to them all, May you find comfort in the loving arms of our Lord Jesus.
Loved watching Darren and the other Wildcats wrestle. He certainly was a standout.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.
- The Morrisons
So sorry to hear about the loss of such an outstanding young man. Daren’s service to our country in these times is nothing short of extraordinary. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
“Be thou at peace…”
I played racquetball with Daren and he was part of our eastern collegiate racquetball conference family. We are all very close and we all knew and loved Daren very much. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to the rest of his family and friends.
My heart aches for the Hidalgo family and all that knew him. I had the honor of getting to know Daren while he played on the racquetball team with my son at West Point. I would watch Daren’s racquetball matches whenever my son was not playing. Daren was the most naturally gifted racquetball player I have ever watched play the game. It is true, you could look across a crowded room of cadets and always seem to zero in on Daren’s smile. This is why it is so important to spend every moment with these great young men and women. Thank you Daren for serving our country, we all cherish the opportunity to get to know you. Mr. and Mrs. Hidalgo, thank you for letting us all be a part of Daren’s life.
God Bless Daren, your family and you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so blessed I had the honor of knowing you; Daren was the nicest person I have ever encountered my time with. He was always smiling, care free and had such an outgoing personality. He befriended anyone; that was something I will cherish till this day. Thank you Daren for serving our country and you will never be forgotten. RIP
Daren was a senior when I was a freshman at dallastown and he was an all around good guy and someone to look up to and he always will my prayers are with his family and I can understand as I serve in the military also RIP Daren you will be missed very much
I knew Daren when he was a young wrestler at Dallastown High School. He was always a leader of his pears and spent many hours helping teach the up and coming lil kids in the program. My son looked up to him and we supported the whole team. Now as a veteran myself and after spending 2 years (08-10)working overseas in Iraq I can tell you that his valor, courage and bravery will be missed. I have NO doubt that 1LT Daren Hidalgo has left a legacy among his fellow soldiers. My sincerest of sympathies to his family and his fellow soldiers. May GOD shine down on you, his soldiers as you travel the world to spread Freedom amongst the people.
Another York County, PA young man gave his life for our country. Another example of freedom is never free. God bless his family and many friends for his self-sacrificing service to our country.
Al though it has been sometime since you lived in Wisconsin. We have never forgot the Hidalgo family. You all made such a positive impact on all my family. My sons John and Michael wrestled with Jared, Miles, and Darin. I do remember what an infectious smile and fun personality Darin had. Our heartfelt sorrow goes out to entire Hidalgo family. Thank you Darin for your service and God bless you.
Daren, we will always love and miss you. Thank you for all you’ve done for our counrty. You are in my prayers. I love you<3
I went to West Point with Daren. We have more than a few classes together and we also worked on a few projects together. He always had a smile on his face and tried to make everyone laugh. Miss you buddy.
Be thou at peace. I roomed with Miles at the Point and remember Daren from before and during his cadet days. God bless.
Daren was an amazing individual. I am blessed to have been able to call him a friend. I met him while playing racquetball at Penn State and our friendship continued over the years. I am honored that last year Daren and I ran a marathon together. It was a goal of his and was a moment I will never forget. Even at the finish, he was smiling and joking around. I am so proud of him and know he will be missed greatly.
Daren was a great young man from a wonderful family with an honorable military tradition. My wife and I feel extremely fortunate to have known Daren, and we will always remember his warm smile and fun-loving attitude. We are heartbroken by this sad, sad loss.
I met Daren through his long time friend Phil and my son Bryan. He was a wonderful young man that I feel fortunate to have known. I will always remember his smile and his genuine love of life. While heartbroken, I’m consoled by the fact he was engaged in his life’s passion and calling when God spoke his name.
Once you meet Daren, you could never forget him. He and my son were racquetball doubles partners and some of my happiest moments were watching them play – and win. I send my deepest condolences to the Hildalgo family, they have a burden no family should bear. As a retired Sergeant Major, I would have gladly served under his command. God bless he and all those who love him.
Rest in Peace Daren. You are a brave and courageous soldier. Thank you for your service to our country. Peace be with the Hildago family and his friends.
I feel so blessed that I got to spend my Highschool Career having such a good friend in Daren. He was a kid that EVERYONE liked. He is an inspiration in us all to be better individuals. This Tragic Loss couldn’t have happened to a Better Individual, Family, and Friends. I’ll Never Ever forget him.
My deepest sympathies go out to the Hidalgo family for their loss. I have always admired the tremendous pride that Jorge had for his family, as well as his patriotism for our country. It is men like Jorge, and the sons that he and Andrea raised, who make our country great by courageously and unselfishly defending America. May God bless the Hidalgo family and all our troops.
Our prayers are going up to the Almighty for your loss. Jorge, what an honorable thing you and your entire family have done for our country. It is families like yours that make America such a wonderful and free land. We all owe you a debt that we cannot pay you. I am also a very proud dad of USMC PFC Johnson who is currently in MCT at Camp Lejeune. May God’s peace be with you and your family!
My son Patrick went to West Point with Daren. He said nothing but wonderful things about him. They had some great times together. Our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with the Hidalgo family. Daren’s courage and sacrifice won’t be forgotten. He was giving back. He was doing what he wanted to do. The Lord has a special place for him.
I had the priveledge to work with Jorge and through him and his family, I discovered the true meaning of patriotism and service. I am a better person for feeling the grace and honor a Hidalgo.
As a parent, I cannot express the sorrow I feel for your loss. As an American I cannot overlook the pride I feel in spite of your sacrifice. As a friend, I can only offer my deepest condolences and the comfort of our prayers.
Jorge, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your son’s sacrifice will never be forgoten. I wish you peace and comfort during the difficult times ahead.
Jorge, to you and your family our deepest condolences and sympathies. I can’t imagine how painful this is to you. I know how proud you are of Daren and all of your family. God bless you and your family. We continue to have your family in our prayers.
- Felix and Cecilia Garza
At this time my thoughts and prayers are with the Hidalgo family for the sacrifices they each have made – Father, Mother, Son, and Family. The Hidalgo family has affected my life in ways they do not know. I will treasure the time spent meeting and my brief adventures with Daren. Daren – here to your next adventure. Enjoy the ride…
We did not know Daren, and have only known his cousin Chris, the youngest of our extended cycling family, for a short period. To you Chris, to your family and family friends and to Daren’s extended family who have served and those that continue to serve; we send our prayers.
Tony & Shea
Jorge and Andrea,
Words cannot express the sadness and pain that many of us are feeling right now. Daren was an incredible young man, with a personality and smile that impacted everyone who met him. He was truly one of the best and we are all better people because of Daren. We are so thankful for the opportunity to have known such an amazing young man. He was a great role model for many young wrestlers back in his Dallastown days, our son Zac being one of them. We personally know that there is no pain or grief greater than losing a child but may knowing that Daren impacted so many lives and made this world a better place bring you peace in the days, weeks and months to come. Daren was a true American hero! He will be missed but never forgotten.
Keeping you in our prayers,
Mark & Missy Sweitzer
My thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with Daren’s family, friends and all loved ones. These young men who answer the call of Duty, Honor and Country are American’s finest. May all our thoughts and prayers comfort you and the God of comfort hold you in the palm of his hand.
I never knew Daren. I stumbled upon this page but after reading all the heartfelt condolences and compliments on such a fine man and soldier i had to say something. My thoughts and prayers are with his friends, family, and all of you.
My heart is just absolutely broken. Daren had such an amazing personality and outlook on life and I feel so blessed to have known him. My cousin is Lance Cpl. Richard Warner, who Daren adopted his senior year of high school. We are very close family friends. His fellow high school students sent my cousin care packages & letters and unfortunately, my cousin was lost shortly afterward in Dec. of 2004. It just saddens me so much to experience this loss again, but i am comforted by the fact that him & Rich are together now, both in a better place. You will NOT be forgotten for what you did, Daren. Thank you for everything. I am a better person for having known you.
I had the honor and privilege of getting to know Daren on the racquetball court. As a cadet at the Air Force Academy, I always looked forward to seeing him at our yearly rivalry showdowns and also at the national tournament. He never stopped spreading joy to everyone around him, regardless of the score on the court, or while he was hanging out with his multitude of friends. Despite the limited time I got to spend with him, I will forever consider myself blessed that I had the opportunity to get to know such an upstanding young man and impeccable officer.
My prayers and deepest condolences go out to his family members. May you take comfort in knowing that he is home with his Father, and may the Peace which passes all understanding dwell and thrive within you and your family.
– Eric Atchison
We are honored to be invited to stand a flag line for LT Daren M. Hidalgo here in Wisconsin. RIP LT Hidalgo, you have served us well, your watch is done, you can stand down, thank you for a job well done.
Our love, support and prayers to the entire Hidalgo family. We will never forget our heroes- Daren and Rich (nephew) who made the ultimate sacrifice. Our lives are so much richer for having known them. We will miss you and ask our two angels in heaven to watch over us.
Jorge, my deepest condolences and sympathies to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family, Daren will be missed but not forgotten.
Daren was one of the best friends of my daughter, Katie, and her fiance, Dimitri, at West Point. It all started Buckner summer. Yesterday Katie changed her Facebook photo to one of her and Daren together at Buckner, both smiling. I met Daren several times, most recently at Dimitri’s Ranger School graduation party last May. He has stayed in my home, though I was in Iraq at the time. I’ve never met a nicer, friendlier person. I’ve been weeping on and off for two days now, mourning his loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the Hidalgo family. May God abundantly bless them, all of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines — and their families.
Nate Pulliam, Oxford, England. USMA 78/Parent USMA 09.
Our deepest sympathies to the Hidalgo Family. Daren will be remembered as a courageous patriot whose family and friends loved very much. We hold you all in our daily thoughts and prayers.
Rest In Peace Daren,
The Potter Family
(Dallastown HS Family)
Our Families deepest condolences to Jorge, Andrea and their Families. Darren volunteered to work serving food to the employees of Harley Davidson where his father Jorge was Vice President. I will always remember that big smile behind the apron. In our Prayers,
The Brodfuehrer Family
With deepest sympathy at this time of sorrow. My thoughs and prayers go out to the entire Hidaldo family during this difficult time.
After reading the many tributes to Daren, you have all confirmed the feeling I had about this fine young man. My wife and I had the pleasure and honor of meeting Daren when he came to Houston a couple of years ago with an Academy classmate, Will Treadway. We only spend maybe 10 – 15 minutes with Daren, but he left a lasting impression. Full of life, fun, smart. Top shelf all the way. Hearing of his death has left us numb with sadness. To the Hildalgo family, we offer our our prayers and support. Thank you for sharing your son with us and allowing him to serve our country. God bless you and God bless Daren. He will always be remembered!
To the family of 1LT Hidalgo, my deepest sympathy. My son is also a West Point Graduate and stationed with 2SCR in Vilseck. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. May God Bless you.
To all of the Hidalgo family, my deepest symathy and prayers to you. I wish a world without hate. God bless.
The sun has set on a life too young. God bless & take my fallen nephew into His loving embrace. Daren was always so happy, never seemed to have a worry in the world! I am honored to have him as my nephew and his brothers Jared & Miles: To serve our country’s freedom is oftentimes a thankless job. Thank you Daren and all of our service men & women – you are all heroes. All my love to Andrea, Jorge, Carmen, Jared & Miles draw strength from family & friends and Daren’s loving memories.
With all my love, thoughts & Prayers,
Celeste Vecchiarelli
To Jorge, Andrea, and the entire Hidalgo family, we send our prayers and deepest sympathy. I only met Daren briefly, not so long ago, while working for Jorge but have periodically followed all of the siblings listening to Jorge’s pride about all of his children. As a former Army officer and being from military families we respect and are honored by the service of the entire Hidalgo family.
God Bless your family – you will be in our prayers.
Rosser Family
hefilled my heart with smiles..there will never be another Daren in my life, and i’m so thankful I had him in my life..now he dances with Jesus and watch over all of us from heaven…from the bottom of my heart, rest in peace..my jokester, my friend, my HERO..i love you, and always will..
he inspires me..i have never known such a handsome, strong, whole hearted gentleman. watch over me, my life will never be the same without him..he will always be my hero. My heart is with the hidalgo family
Love you always, Daren. Thank you for the memories, for your smile and laughter, and now for your sacrifice. You will never be forgotten, and you will always be loved. The time we spent together was truly a blessing.
Dear Hidalgo Family
Daren was a good friend to our son Austin at West Point. Our hearts are very heavy for your family. We pray our Heavenly Father’s choicest blessings of comfort and peace be with you always. Thank you most kindly for raising such an honorable, kind, and giving son. We honor Daren’s life and memory. Daren knew the meaning of honor – integrity to principle. His life, service, and sacrifice will have far reaching and eternal significance and we have faith that all will be made whole, right and complete for Daren and for your family. May the peaceful spirit of our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ comfort you through this unbearable time and always. With our love and deepest admiration,
M.V. Parker family
Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your son. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to the Hidalgo family and to those who knew Daren and were close to him. I didn’t know 1LT Daren Hidalgo, but I remember seeing him wrestle on a couple of occasions. I knew this student was a special athlete. When I learned of his West Point acceptance, I was in awe. What a special person it must be to have that inner courage, leadership, physical ability and academic excellence. Thank you 1LT Daren Hidalgo, for your elite service to our country and your sacrafice, which came way too early. May God bless you.
- Don Lehman
This is to Daren’s Family
We were privileged to know Daren through Phil Bayliss and our son Bryan. He spent a number of weekends with us at Lake Anna in Virginia and at St Joseph’s in Philadelphia. We cannot imagine the loss that you are enduring. Daren’s smile and positive personality effected everyone around him and is something we will always remember and cherish. May he rest in peace.
Jorge – Andrea,
Our thoughts and prayers continue for all of you. I knew Daren but not nearly as well as everyone above me. My son was in 8th grade when we sat in the bleachers and watch him win the sectional title and recieve word of his appointment – I still get chils thinking about that day. Daren took the time to talk to my son a few years ago during his recruiting for wrestling after recieving a letter from the West Point coach. I remember laughing with him in the wrestling room while conversing with my son – Chili.
The special thing about Daren was you didn’t need to know him to understand what kind of person he was – all you needed to do is look at him or look at a picture of him. He is one of the few people that was transparent – you could see his light beeming right through him.
It was an honor for me to know Daren and I will never forget what he did for me.
May God Bless you,
John – Jill – Jonathan – Molly Childress
Though I never met the Hidalgo family, I have cried many tears over your loss. Our country and this world has lost the very kind of man that we all desperatly need. my prayers are with you, USAFA parent & Navy mom from York,
Rest in peace, Lt. Hidalgo. Deepest condolences to the Hidalgo family. My son served with Lt. Hidalgo in Ghostrider Co. and COP Terminator. My son’s good friend served on Lt. Hidalgo’s Honor Guard at Ramstein AFB. My cousin was his father’s classmate at West Point. We mourn your loss.
Our prayers and thoughts to his family, OUR family, Andrea, Jorge, Jared, Miles, Carmen and the extended family, are joined by many family and friends as we make a tribute to a courageous and inspirational young man. We love you, Daren and thank you for who you are and what you have done for your country. May your memory live on in the hearts of your family, friends and all who you have touched in your life. God bless you!
The Hidalgo Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. It was a privilege and honor to have met Daren and the entire family when our two families were joined at Caroline and Miles’ wedding. May God wrap you in his arms and grant you peace.
Bill & Barb
God Bless Our Soldiers, Our Heros
We are forever in your debt.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgkxiqKj0nU
Some gave all…
Our daughter was a classmate of Daren’s at WP and had classes with him and lived in the same barracks for a time. She simply said he “was a guy that everyone liked”. That’s testimony to a life well-lived. Easier said than done. Thank you Hidalgo family for your generosity and for raising a generous son. Your sorrow is our sorrow, too. Peace Be With You.
My thoughts and prayers are with Daren’s parents, family and friends. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
God Bless you and all of our troops.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and freinds at this time. Daren was a definite part of the Love A Cadet family and will be missed by many.
Thank God for Daren and your family.
Sincere condolences to the family of 1st Lt Daren Hidalgo. We all live safe and free because of great men like Daren. Lt, we appreciate your service and mourn your sacrifice. May your family find some comfort in knowing they raised such a fine young man. You will not be forgotten.
Scott
Patriot Guard Riders of New York
Rochester, NY
words cannot express how painfully sad we are for your family. are thoughts and prayers are with you. although its been a few years since seeing daren when we lived in wisconsin, daren’s smile, warmth and witt, will forever be in our hearts. such an incredible young man!
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Hidalgo Family. May you be comforted by the thousands of prayers sent your way. I was very humbled by the funeral service and military honors on Wednesday night. to see the walkways lined with military vets holding the US flag all of which clothed in military pagentry. I was humbled amd moved by the messages of all who spoke – both military dignitaries and family. Be proud that you have raised such a fine family of which 4 have willingly served our nation. We do have a gift in them. I am so very thankful that they have enabled me to be free.
Daren you will truly be missed my brother. My condolences go out to your family and closest friends. It was a honor to know you and I will always remember your visits to my office seeking information about posting just before Post Night at USMA. It was also an honor to have met your father at the Infantry Ball Feb 2009. Thank you for your service and courage to our Nation. Peace be unto you. RLTW!
Daren, you will forever be missed. You’ve lived a life of consequence that has made an impact and difference in the lives of those you touched, from your fellow and subordinate Cadets in CO G4 and the Corps at large, the Ghostriders whom you led and those whom you followed … we all are forever changed. I remember you well as if it was yesterday when we last were together, and will think of you often. It was an honor to be numbered amongst you.
God’s Speed my friend.
Love always
Go Forth and Conquer!!
i was comment 22, there were 108 in total. and thats just on THIS website. Daren, thank you for showering all of us with your rays of sunshine. missing you, still, everyday.
My son received his appointment to West Point just a few weeks before Daren gave his life for his country. When I read the stories and the comments from friends I was deeply moved. Ever since I have told many people about Daren even though I never knew him. We just returned home from R-day at West Point as my son is now following in the noble steps of Daren. We visited Daren’s grave and I have never been so profoundly moved by someone I never met. God Bless you Daren, and God Bless your parents and siblings. Rest in peace soldier.
I met Darren when he visited Cancun Mexico, with some cadets from West Point, Tuesday June 5, 2011 I got the news of his death. From this cidudad send my condolences to his family, friends and fellow cadets.
conocí a DArren cuando visitó Cancún México, con algunos cadetes de westpoint, ayer martes 05 de junio de 2011 me dieron la noticia de su muerte. Desde esta cidudad envío mis condolencias a toda su familia, amigos y compañeros cadetes.
One year later, not forgotten.