Sergeant Daniel Casara, U.S. Army-Retired and Kevin Johnstone
Oceanside CA— The annual Law and Order Awards Dinner was held last week at the Oceanside Elks Club. Master of Ceremonies, Kevin Johnstone presided over an evening where eighteen local heroes were recognized by the American Legion, Post 146, and the Oceanside Elks Club for their service to the people of north San Diego county coastal communities.
Sergeant Daniel Casara, U.S. Army-Retired, sporting a shirt that read; “I’m no hero but I had the honor of knowing a few” was the guest of honor for the evening.
Daniel, a Chicago native, served his country proudly for nearly 15 years. He deployed in 2005, and on September 23, 2005, his M113 rolled over an anti-tank mine. The explosion flipped his tank, killing 2 and injuring 4 of his comrades. He suffered bilateral fractures to his right tibia and fibula, a shattered left tibia, shattered heel and ankle bones to both feet, plus a dislocated right hip. To date, he has undergone 24 surgeries and countless hours of physical therapy. When the doctor asked him what he wanted to do about his severely injured legs he told them, “I came in here with two legs. I would like to leave here with two.” Sgt. Casara is one of the people featured in the book titled ‘Portraits of Courage’ by former President G.W. Bush.
Daniel is very involved with the community and had a chance to be a Fire and Police Commissioner. ” I didn’t get the full magnitude of what you guys do until I sat in that chair. Then, I had a chance to understand where your passion lies. I am grateful for each you of that puts on a uniform. Also, I am grateful to each and every one of you who stands by and beside these great heroes. You all keep things right at home. I thank you because you are even more heroic than those who put on the uniform.”
Sgt. Casara is currently continuing his rehabilitation at Naval Medical Center San Diego (Balboa Hospital). Using sports and recreational activities to support his rehabilitation, he has continued to strengthen his legs.
Below are photos of those honored and a very brief description of why they were chosen. In addition to the people below, Jake Billings, a California State Lifeguard received a Medal of Valor for his work rescuing a man caught in a rip current in Carlsbad. Jake was unable to attend the event.