26 Sep 2005:
No. 972-05
IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 26, 2005
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DoD Identifies Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died of injuries sustained in Baghdad, Iraq, on Sept. 23, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their M113 armored personnel carrier. They also were attacked by enemy forces using small arms fire. Both soldiers were assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Oakdale, Calif.
Killed were:
Staff Sgt. Daniel R. Scheile, 37, of Antioch, Calif., who died on Sept. 24.
Sgt. Paul C. Neubauer, 40, of Oceanside, Calif., who died on Sept. 23.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- The U.S. Department of Defense announced Monday that 37-year-old Antioch resident Staff Sgt. Daniel R. Scheile died from injuries sustained during an attack in Iraq on Friday.
According to the department, the incident happened in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device detonated near Scheile's armored personnel carrier. The vehicle was also attacked by small arms fire.
Scheile, who was assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, was pronounced dead Saturday.
His father-in-law told NBC11's Lisa Bernard that Scheile had a big heart.
Scheile's sister said he e-mailed her hours before he died, telling her how dangerous the situation in Iraq had become.
"He just needed somebody to talk to. He didn't want to scare Jen, his wife, and he was just reaching out to me and just told me that he loved me and he wanted to send a quick note. I told him that I loved him, and that he could talk to me about anything, and that I would always be there for him, and that I loved him," Scheile's sister, Trina Scheile, said.
"He'd always call and he would say ... 'Hi, Mom. Hi, Mom. Hi, Mom.' I have three messages on my machine, and I keep waiting for one to say, 'Hi, Mom. It was a big mistake. I'm OK. I'm coming home,'" Scheile's mother, Gay Scheile, said.
Scheile was awarded a Purple Heart for the roadside bomb attack he survived in June. His family said he was supposed to come home in October, but the date had been pushed back to November.
Scheile is survived by a wife and two daughters.
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An email we got 6 October:
I attended the memorial for Sgt. Schiele yesterday. It was my first time at a full military funeral and I was amazed at how many in our community attended. The chapel was literally overflowing. All services were represented and the Blue Star Moms sent people as well.
I have to say that it was one of the most gut-wrenching things I have ever witnessed. I sat near the family, and I kept seeing those two precious little girls trying to comfort their mom who was sobbing uncontrollably. As the mom of a small child myself, I cannot imagine that the five-year-old really understood what was happening. As they handed her mother the two purple hearts, bronze star, and California governor's citation, her eyes remained fixed on the flag-draped casket. She looked so confused and afraid. My heart just broke to pieces seeing her little face.
I do not know why people do the things they do- why good men and women have to be exposed to violence and hatred. I suspect that it has something to do with the fact that no one wants to acknowledge: that there IS evil and there IS good and that when the two collide there is conflict and death. As a result of this collision, our city has lost a father, husband, and businessman while some miserable, cowardly bastards are running around yelling hateful slogans. I pray their mocking voices would be forever silenced.
I did speak briefly with Jennifer Schiele (wife), Sgt. Schiele's mother and sister-in-law. They knew about AnySoldier.com and will contact you as soon as things settle down. I think they would appreciate anything- even just a letter or card. If any supporters received correspondence from Daniel- I know they would like to have a copy, especially for the girls.
Take care and God Bless
Tammy in Antioch, CA
31 Aug 2005
First of all let me thank all of the wonderful people that have sent letters and packages. All that is sent is greatly appreciated. Now let me apologize for not updating this site sooner, you see we have been living in tents for over 2 months and just recently moved into barraks. We also just got internet connected in the barraks, so I have had no true access to the internet. Now as for how we are doing, we are all doing well and trying to keep cool. As you know it has a tendency to get rather warm over here. Our living conditions are pretty good, we have power and plumbing. Our needs have not changed, snacks and microwave-able meals as well as jerky are always welcome. Thank You for all of your support.
SSG Daniel R. Scheile
11 Jul 2005
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those people that have sent letters and gifts to my soldiers and me. We are all doing well we recently moved to a new base. We are living in tents, at least for the time being. Our new Apo is [shown above]. Nothing has really changed in the way of needs. Anything that is sent is greatly appreciated.
Thank You,
SSG Daniel Scheile
27 May 2005
Hello everyone,
Let me take this opportunity to say thank you for all of your support. My soldiers are very greatfull for all of the letters and packages that we have received. I have been so busy it took an email to remind me that I have not updated our post in 2 months. Well so much has happened in these 2 months I can't possibly list all. Well the big thing now is that we are going to be moving to a different FOB. Most of the soldiers including myself are pretty bummed out about having to pack up and move, but nothing is permanent. As for our needs, from what I am told we will have pretty much the same living arraingements. My soldiers have been very happy with all of the goodies that have been sent. The same requests have been made for beef jerkey, anything microwaveable, candy and any kind of to go type snacks. On behalf of 3rd Plt Dco 1/184 inf. let me once again take this opportunity to thank all of our supporters for all the letters and packages.
Sincerely,
SSG Daniel Scheile
p.s.- be on the lookout for pictures that are coming soon
07 Apr 2005
First let me thank you for your support of all of my fellow soldiers. I am from California as are all of my soldiers. We belong to an Army National Guard Infantry Batallion based out of Modesto, Ca. I am married and I have two beautiful daughters ages nine and four. As for my soldiers ages we vary in age from 20 - 42 and all are from California.
Our living conditions here in Iraq are not as bad as some. We live in old Iraqi Army barracks, the plumbing is terrible but we make do, we have three clothes washers. We have 110v and 220v electricity. There are a few microwaves and also some refrigerators that we all share. Ramen noodles are a big item over here as is trail mix. Candy and popcorn are a few of the other items my soldiers have requested. If possible a coffee maker and coffee would be greatly appreciated for the long nights on guard duty. Soup, raviolis as well as beef jerkey would be a welcome treat.
On behalf of all the members of 3rd plaloon Delta Company I would like to thank you for taking the time to support all of our troops around the world.
Sincerely,
SSG Daniel R. Scheile
