SSG Daniel Christopher Villarreal US Army

SSG Villarreal was first born son to young parents Daniel and Carmen Villarreal on December 7, 1986 in San Antonio, TX. His father joined the US Army when he was a toddler. He was big brother, role model and best friend to his brother Aaron, antagonist and motivator to youngest brother Ryan, and protector to baby sister Sierra. He also took on the role & responsibility of young man-of-house while Dad was pulled away for duty. A responsibility he took seriously and at which he was almost too good. Perhaps this is why fatherhood came so naturally to him. He was in fact a natural talent at anything he attempted. Baseball, football, basketball, and wrestling to name a few. He was not just brawny, but he had a deep intelligence and was an excellent student. He was also a musician at heart. He learned various percussion instruments in band, and later taught himself to play the guitar. He loved entertaining family and friends with renditions of his favorite songs. He once taught a school bus of high schoolers to join him in rendition of a Chuck Berry hit song "My Ding-a-ling" - a song he convincingly claimed to have written himself. No one can deny that Daniel was the life of the party wherever he went. There are many stories of his outrageous and sometimes ridiculous pranks and general shenanigans. Through all the stories, there was no doubt that Daniel left a smile on everyone's face - except perhaps his brother Ryan who felt somewhat tormented by oldest brother but only because he made it so easy for him. At the end of the day, all of his siblings knew he loved them greatly and encouraged them to excel. He grew up to be a strong, brave young man for whom his parents have great pride. His journey into adulthood, lead him to Florida where a beautiful, witty young lady caught his eye. She was different from everyone else, she marched to the tune of her own band, and he liked it. They worked together and soon he finally got the courage to say, "See you tomorrow," which became the daily routine. And her cheeky reply was always, "Yes, probably." This led to a date which led to young love and marriage. When impending fatherhood came into the picture, he stepped up and joined the US Army. Now he wasn't just the little boy playing soldier in his daddy's combat boots and helmet. He embarked on his military career because though he knew it meant great sacrifice on his part, family comes first and this was the best way he could be provider and protector for his family both now and in the future. Family has always been Daniel's proudest accomplishment. His wife Sarah and their three beautiful children, Raylin Ava, Lila Marie and Jones Navarro, provided him daily motivation. Motivation and determination to work hard, striving to reach the next goal, and to excel in his career. His personal

cadence in that pivotal last mile of the PFT run, pushing past fatigue and muscle failure, he would chant "For the kids, for the kids, for the kids!" Today we honor Staff Sergeant Daniel Christopher Villarreal. In his spare time, he enjoyed watching NBA basketball. He was a die-hard, loyal San Antonio Spurs

fan since he was a young boy. Daniel has always been a family man. At the end of each day, as soon as he walked into the house, he was greeted with delight by his adoring children and devoted wife. He took every opportunity to create laughter and memories with his family. In his professional life, SSG Villarreal was not just NCO and mentor in the careers of his soldiers, but he also genuinely invested in the welfare and morale of their personal lives. He devoted himself to being a great leader. Always encouraging his soldiers to excel. He spoke highly of their accomplishments and hard work. He was honored to lead such exceptional soldiers. Rather than mourn the passing of a beautiful soul, Daniel would want family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances to gather together to celebrate his life with laughter, memories and good food.