Ann Wagner: “Today, I rise in honor of a great hero. On June 23, 2007, Missouri's Second Congressional District lost a brave young…”

“Today, I rise in honor of a great hero. On June 23, 2007, Missouri's Second Congressional District lost a brave young man when United States Army First Lieutenant Daniel Riordan made the ultimate sacrifice for his country while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the life of this young patriot. Daniel Patrick Riordan was born to Rick and Jeanine Riordan on February 17, 1983. He had a twin brother, Nick, and an older sister, Suzanne. After graduating from St. John Vianney High School in Kirkwood, Missouri, Dan attended Southeast Missouri State where he was in the Air Force ROTC program. After graduation, Dan decided to follow his father into the military and joined the U.S. Army, quickly becoming known as ``Lieutenant Dan.'' Lieutenant Dan became a tank commander, and in 2006, he was deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. As a member of Demon Company in the First Cavalry Division, Dan served with courage and determination. Despite frequently being outnumbered in enemy territory, Dan was always out on point, leading his platoon into battle. Dan took his leadership responsibilities literally. As he put it, ``How can I order my men forward if I'm not willing to go first?'' To those who knew Dan, his devotion to his country through service and sacrifice came as no surprise.…”