Dave Rouse honors his son’s memory this Veterans Day with donation to EG Memorial Library and EG school

Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Nolan Rouse was born in 1967 and graduated from Eagle Grove High School in 1986. By the age of 12, he had developed a passion for the military and soon developed interests in history, philosophy, and politics as well. So it was no surprise that he enlisted in the United States Army in 1987 while also attending Iowa State University. There, he earned a degree in Business Administration and Finance, as well as a commission as an Army Infantry Officer in 1991.

Rouse spent the next 22 years serving his country. During this time he attended Airborne, Pathfinder, Ranger, and Air Assault School. He was a Rifle Platoon Leader; attended Officer Advance Course at Fort Benning; took command of 2-502 Airborne (Air Assault) Infantry; volunteered for Operation Iraqi Freedom I serving as the Army Central Command-Kuwait Operation Officer during the largest single force rotation in the history of the United States; and was assigned to conduct combat, security and infrastructure operations in the Ghazaliya and Shula areas of Baghdad for Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2006 - 2008; amongst many, many other assignments in many countries around the world throughout his years. He was also award numerous medals, badges, ribbons, and even a bronze Star which is awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces for either heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a combat zone.

According to his dad, Dave, his son’s most enjoyable tour was in the Himalayas. As part of he U.S. Army Central Identification Lab, Hawaii, he served as a Team Leader and Planning Officer for Missing-in-Action and Recovery for Southeast Asia and flew a C47, with no communication and low visibility, into the mountains. He took a group up to look for the remains of soldiers. After finding some, they returned home to make contacts with the families. It was difficult, but he knew it would at the very least help provide some closure for the loved ones of the formerly missing soldiers.

“He helped so many people out there on those search and recovery missions,” Conrad Kleppe told Dave in an effort to bring some peace to the grieving father.

“He was a good soldier,” Dave said, nodding his head in agreement.

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