“Staff Sergeant David Doran was born in Phoenix Arizona on November 11, 1980. He entered the Army in March 2000. He completed Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training as an Infantryman at Fort Benning,Georgia. His assignments include Automatic Rifleman, Schweinfurt Germany; Javelin Crew Member, Fort Campbell,KY; Fire Team Leader Fort. Campbell KY; Squad Leader Fort Campbell KY; Assistant OPS SGT,Fort Campbell KY; and Drill Sergeant Fort Knox KU.
Staff Sergeant Doran’s Special Skills include: Air Assault, Air Assault Instructor and Drill Sergeant. He is a graduate of Warriors Leaders Course and Basic Non Commissioned Officers Course.
Staff Sergeants Doran’s military decorations and awards include: Army Commendation Medal (2 oak leaf Clusters) Army Achievement Medal (3 Oak Leaf Clusters) Army Good Conduct Medal(2 Knots) National Defense Service Medal ,Kosovo Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal (2 Stars) Global war on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Drill Sergeant identification Badge.
At the time of his death David was working as a Drill Sergeant at Fort Knox, KY.
David died on January 5, 2009 in Fort Knox, KY
He was buried with full Military Honors at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona on January 12.2009
REMEMBRANCES:
Things I remember about my brother:
He was always laughing and telling jokes. He always remembered to call all his family members to tell us how much he loved us. He would always say, ‘I love you’ before he hung up.
He got married when he was stationed in Germany. When he died he left a son almost 2 years old and a daughter.
I was close to David, and I remember the time he came to California to visit me before he returned to the service. Little did I know that would be the last time I saw my brother. When he visited me he road my horse and I still have his picture on the horse. David loved everyone…God, family and friends. He would give his last dime to help someone in need…Even now as I remember David in my dreams I can remember him telling me to take good care of myself…and he always said ‘I love you sis’ I miss those phone calls, his laughter, and the twinkle in his eyes
He also played ice hockey when in high school – he loved playing hockey.
He enjoyed hiking, camping, swimming, and all outdoor activities. He was playing Army at a very young age as his dad was in the Air Force reserves…he loved guns and wanted to be the best he could.
Of all the children in my family nobody ever thought David would take his life as he did. We all never saw this coming. I remember asking my mom, ‘Do you think David would have did what he did if he knew how badly it affected all the family?’ and my mom said, ‘No he would not have done that.’
Those words always stay in my memory. My brother was gone too soon – never to be forgotten. He will always be my baby brother. I still talk to him and thank him for his son who looks just like him.When I see Jud I see David – his memory is forever with me.
The tears still come but not as much. Every time I hear the bag pipes and gun salute I cry and the hairs on my body stand up.
I now try to remember the happy memories of David, and I can still hear his voice. I remember how I felt when I got that phone call about David, the shock and disbelief and anger. But I’ve made many friends during this time of my life and they help me to work through my feelings. Now I’m out there trying to help others who have experienced this loss of a loved one. I want to let them know everything will be okay one day and to treasure all those happy memories.
For me, this has been a long journey, but now I’m out there wanting to make a difference, and I know David’s legacy continues. I know he would be very proud of his big sister knowing that I’m out there fighting for that silent killer that took David’s life. I shall continue to support and be an advocate for 22 Too Many, PTSD Awareness, #itsoktoaskforhelp and suicide prevention.
If only David had asked for help maybe he’d still be here. But he is here in my heart, soul and memory – ‘David, I will always have you in my life.’”
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