MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- He was a son, a brother, a friend and a Marine.
Staff Sgt. Daniel L. Hansen was many things to many people, so when the tragic news of his death spread, family and friends felt everything from shock to denial.
Nearly a week after the tragedy, a memorial ceremony was held at the chapel here. Anyone faced with denial would soon come to the realization that he was really gone.
Hansen, an Explosive Ordinance Disposal technician with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, was killed in action Feb. 14 in Afghanistan. Hansen, a native of Tracy, Calif. was killed by a improvised explosive device blast in the Farah province.
After Hansen’s death, he was promoted posthumously to the rank of Staff Sergeant.
On Feb. 18, the Department of Defense announced Hansen’s death. Following the announcement, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger ordered all state capital flags to be flown at half mast in honor of the fallen Marine.
“Sgt. Daniel Hansen fought tirelessly to defend the values of freedom and liberty that define our nation,” said Schwarzenegger. “He was a courageous Marine who dedicated his life to serving his fellow Americans, and his sacrifice will always be remembered. Maria and I offer our thoughts and prayers to Daniel’s family and friends as they mourn this terrible loss.”
Hansen and his identical twin brother joined the United States Marine Corps the moment they graduated high school in 2002.
From the very beginning, Hansen showed a promising future, quickly picking up two promotions and receiving Yankee White clearance, a requirement for members working directly with the president.
In less than two years after he enlisted, Lance Cpl. Hansen was providing security for the president of the United States at Camp David. In early 2006, as a corporal, Hansen deployed to Camp Fallujah, Iraq.
When he returned from deployment, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant and then assigned to EOD School in Florida.
After nearly a year of training, he was assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 with the III Marine Expeditionary Force here.
While at Iwakuni, Hansen quickly developed a reputation for being reliable and motivated.
“If he saw something that needed to be done, he would step up and take care of it,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Brian E. Brach, an EOD officer here. “For example, when we went on deployment to Australia, there wasn’t a platoon sergeant. Without hesitation, Hansen stepped up to the plate and took charge of the platoon. I knew I could always rely on Hansen to get the job done.”
In October of 2008, less than a year into his tour in Japan, Hansen deployed to Afghanistan.
“He was young, but he was ready,” said Lt. Col. Christopher A. Feyedelem, MWSS-171 commanding officer. “I could see it in his eyes.”
Hansen’s identical twin brother, Matthew Hansen, recalled a phone conversation he had with Daniel, “I asked my brother after he told me of his upcoming deployment if he wanted to go. He said, ‘It doesn’t matter if I wanna go or not. If I don’t, they will send another Marine, and I would never be able to hold my head up if something happened to him in my place.’”
On the day of Hansen’s memorial, grayish clouds filled the sky. More than 450 Marines, sailors, and civilians took their seats and lined up against the walls to pay their respects to a Marine who inspired so many.
A display of flowers and photos lied underneath the chapel’s cross while Hansen’s rifle and helmet stood at attention in front of the congregation. At the end of the service, Sgt. Maj. Timothy A. Crisp called role. One by one, members of MWSS-171 EOD stood up, snapping to attention. After the last Marine’s name in attendance was called, Crisp called one more.
“Staff Sergeant Hansen. Staff Sergeant Daniel Louis Hansen!” shouted Crisp.
Hansen was gone. He was really gone and with no one to respond to his name, a deafening silence filled the chapel.
After the service ended, people lined up in front of Hansen’s display to individually pay their respects.
As Marines left the chapel, they reminisced about Hansen. They vowed to exercise more, to stay motivated and to try their hardest to emulate his dieing affection for the Marine Corps.
“I will always remember that smirk he had,” said Staff Sgt. Aron Cheatham, an EOD technician. “He did what he loved. He loved being a Marine.”
Hansen will always be alive because he was a Marine. He may not be at work on Monday or running on the seawall, but he will live on in our beloved Marine Corps. Hansen has joined the ranks of heroes who have died for our country. Every time TAPS plays we will remember him and all the others who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. We will never forget.