Dear friend,

This Monday, May 25 is Memorial Day, a day of remembrance. To all the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice, we can never repay you, but we will always remember you. To all of our Gold Star families, we mourn your loss but we promise to keep your loved one’s memory alive.

One of those we remember is Captain Daniel Bartle, a United States Marine from Ferndale. He died on January 19, 2012 in a helicopter crash while serving our country in Afghanistan. He was 27 years old. Dan graduated as valedictorian from Ferndale High School and went on to attend the U.S. Naval Academy where he chose to serve in the Marine Corps. Classmates from the Naval Academy remembered Dan for his rugged, disciplined character, but also for his gentle and generous nature. The monthly stipend he earned at the academy went to buy birthday presents for his nephews and nieces.

Dan’s family describes him this way: “Men of humility and honor are rare in this world. Dan lived these values every single day and inspired others to do the same. He was a loving son, brother, uncle and friend, and though his death saddens us greatly, we are finding consolation in all the love, laughter and joy that he gave to those who were fortunate enough to know him.”

On this Memorial Day, let’s all pause and remember Dan and all the soldiers just like him, who believed in something greater than themselves – and who died in the service of their country.

As always, I am here to help you. If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my Bothell office at (425) 485-0085. For more updates on what I’m doing for WA-01, you can follow me on social media at the links above.

Take care,

Suzan