Douglas A. Dicenzo

West Point, 1999

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Stephen Schaffer on August 1, 2006:

I keep asking myself why. Then God reminds me. We are all put on this earth for a mission; to influence who we need to influence, to touch who we need to touch, to lead who we need to lead, and to serve in what ever capacity it is we are called to serve. I first met Doug in Alaska. He was the XO for C Company, and frequently came to the motor pool for questions and answers about everything from weapons parts to knobs for the CDR's HMMWV. He later became the BN Motor Officer and my boss. A super leader, he taught me what I called the "crazy Russian" workout, and encouraged me to excel in everything I did. He promised me a 4-day weekend if I ever quit dipping Copenhagen. (Still working on that one Doug) He taught me to ski, one trip around White Bear Loop at a time. When I went through a divorce in 2000, he opened his home, offered moral support, and then taught me to brew beer. A skill I still possess today. When on his way across country when he left Alaska, he stayed at my home in Manhattan, KS. My current wife and I took Doug and Nic out for dinner and were able to open our home, as he and Nic did for me. Napa, and Simi seemed to enjoy it, too. I thank God for the time he allowed me to have with Doug. He was a model soldier, a superior leader, and a great friend to all he came in contact with. The memories will last forever. Carry on Sir, mission complete. --"Cold Steel"--

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