Posted by Sanjiv Prabhakaran on Nov 10, 2017
 
Sergeant Daniel Casara served his country proudly for nearly 15 years.  He deployed in 2005, and on September 23, his M113 rolled over an anti-tank mine.  The explosion flipped his tank, killing two and injuring four.  Sgt. Casara suffered bilateral fractures to his right tibia and fibula, a shattered left tibia, shattered heel and ankle bones to both feet, and a dislocated right hip.  To date, he has undergone 24 surgeries and countless hours of physical therapy.
 

For his service, Danny has been honored with a Purple Heart, Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and the Presidential Unit Citation.

Still in rehabilitation for his injuries to this day, Danny has also worked with over 20 non-profits to raise awareness and money in over 15 states for the wounded veterans’ community and their families. Using sports and recreational activities to support his rehabilitation, he has continued to strengthen his legs.

Sgt. Casara cycles, golfs, plays baseball, softball, snowboards. He sits on the board of directors of Open Hearts For Purple Hearts Foundation, board of governors for Morgan Run Club and Resort,  and is the Executive Director of the Veterans Golfer’s Association Western Region. He was also the Chairman of the 2016 and 2017 Charity Classic (an annual nation-wide charity event hosted by ClubCorp).  Sgt. Casara is a 2016 graduate of the Golf Academy of America in San Diego, California and he is currently pursuing a degree in criminal justice.

In 2009 he married Barbara “Basia” Gasienica, who emigrated from Poland in 1987.  They have resided with his son, Denali, and his mother, Elaine, in the 52nd district in San Diego County since 2012.

In 2016 Danny was selected as a subject for a portrait painted by President George W. Bush for his book on “Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors”.  The painting of Danny is on the cover of the book.

He gave credit to all the Vietnam Vets for paving the way for others. He also credited the Korean war and World War II vets and their spouses. He talked about Honor Flight (https://www.honorflight.org/about-honor-flight-networtk/) that aranges a trip to WWII veterans to go & see the museums in DC.

He was finally awarded the Malawi school project certificate by DMSB President Bill. This is a program by our club where school supplies are donated to Malawi schools in honor of the speaker.

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