US Marine Corporal Dane Michael Freedman, born September of 1988, of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, beloved son of Ronald and Donnamarie Freedman; beloved brother of Rachelle, Nicole, Jessica, Beth and Daniel. Dane graduated from Camp Hill High School in 2007, and left for the US Marine Corps.
He was proud to be a Marine and served a combat tour in Iraq and Afghanistan, as an adept machine gunner, where he earned the rank of Corporal. His awards include: Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (x2); Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Combat Action Ribbon; Afghanistan; Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal; NATO Medal-ISAF Afghanistan; Rifle Expert Badge.
Upon returning home in 2011, he attended Penn State University main campus during the Fall semester. His lifelong dream ended too soon when he noticed his symptoms of PTSD were becoming too overwhelming to go on for his second semester. Unfortunately, Dane could not leave the battle behind when he returned from Afghanistan. He fought an internal battle with PTSD every day. Twenty days after the sudden death of his 14 month old service dog, Lager, he took his own life to end that battle.
Dane Michael will always be remembered for his infectious smile and his ability to light up any room, his brave sense of adventure and his caring spirit. Fellow Marines have said that he was brave and always knew what to do and say to motivate them in times of trouble. In his short 25 years of life, Dane touched the lives and souls of hundreds of people that are better for knowing him.
Cpl Dane Michael Freedman lost his battle with PTS, December 13, 2013. He was 25 years old.
Thank God for such Men
First we are proud of your service to our Country. We are even podruer that your heart is open to Rescuing a Dog like Zane. He will prove himself to you. We don’t give up on any dog that finds a way to us, they all take a toll on our hearts. Zane came so close to being euthanized simply do to human failure. Everyday of his life since that time he has impressed us with his will and zest for life May he inspire you as well, through the toughest moments,,, and repeating his story is truly his lasting legacy. Bless you and your fellow Marines, You are in our hearts and on our minds everyday, we could not be podruer of Zane’s story, a Truly Happy Tale. Glen Wolfe