Veteran's Day 2009 - An Amazing Experience

Each year, our school (like many) pauses to recall the sacrifices of the men and women who have served and are currently serving in our nation's military by remembering their service through an assembly on Veteran's Day. Our History Club, advised by Miss Warren, puts together a very nice program and always invites someone from the military to speak to the students and staff. This year, the father of two of our students was able to be with us and share his remarkable and inspiring experiences. Mr. T. Daniel Capel captivated students and staff with his many experiences and thoughts about what Veteran's Day means to him.

Mr. Capel started his professional career at the age of 17, when he enlisted in the United States Navy and volunteered for the Navy SEAL Teams. He entered Basic Underwater Demolitions / SEAL (BUD/S) Training Class 132 which started with 120 students and graduated 16. Before his 18th birthday, he reported onboard SEAL Team 4.

SEAL Team Four’s primary Area of Operations (AO) in the early 80’s was central and south America. Mr. Capel served in a series of covert operations within hostile, non- permissive environments. Mr. Capel was awarded several medals for heroism and gained the recognition of his superiors.

Mr. Capel was selected for the USN SEAL’s premier counter terrorism unit (SEAL Team Six) and holds the distinct honor of being the youngest and lowest ranking in the unit’s history. Shortly after the initial selection process for ST6, Mr. Capel was hand-picked for a 12 man team called REDCELL: the country’s first anti-terrorism special operation team. After his distinguished service with REDCELL, Mr. Capel returned to ST6 and served out his career as an assault team member in the following campaigns: Operation Urgent Fury, Operation Just Cause, Operation Uphold, Kosovo Campaign, Desert Shield, and Desert Storm. Mr. Capel retired from US Navy service as a highly decorated SEAL in 1999, with 5 unit citations, 32 medals (8 for Valor/Heroism/Actions above and beyond the call of duty).

The events of September 11, 2001, however, changed the face of America. All Americans in some respect answered the call. Mr. Capel was no different. Within months, Mr. Capel was serving in Afghanistan. Since 9/11, Mr. Capel has served 6 Combat Tours in Afghanistan and 3 Combat Tours in Iraq. During his tenure he has earned multiple awards for valor in the face of danger.

Accompanied by a slideshow of his tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan, Mr. Capel described to the audience what it means to be American through service to one's country. There are many of local men and women who have served and are serving our nation’s military, and we at Loyalsock could not be more proud of their dedication and service to protect and defend our freedoms that we often take for granted as Americans.