Fallen Soldier: Daniel M. Eshbaugh
Hometown: Norman, OK
Branch of Service: Army
Rank: Sergeant
Player: Ryder Cowan
Sergeant Daniel M. Eshbaugh, 43, of Norman, Okla., was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, Task Force 34 of the Oklahoma National Guard. On September 17, 2008, Sgt. Eshbaugh was killed when his CH-47 Chinook Helicopter crashed near Tallil, Iraq.
A 1982 graduate of St. Francis High School, Sgt. Eshbaugh enlisted in the Air Force shortly after and served ten years before he was honorably discharged. He took a six-year break in service, and after realizing the military was his passion, he re-enlisted with the Oklahoma National Guard in 1998. Posthumously, Sgt. Eshbaugh was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Oklahoma Distinguished Service Medal and the Lone Star Service Medal.
“My dad was a soldier who faced life with faith, courage, and a genuine attitude of service to his country,” his daughter said. “I will never forget his kindness, humor, and dedication. He was a big family man who took anyone under his wing. He opened our home to any of my friends who needed it and to every stray animal I found. He was a wonderful storyteller and could make anyone laugh.”
Sgt. Eshbaugh’s daughter is a Folds of Honor Scholarship recipient.