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<p><em>Darren Ryan Baldwin</em> was raised in central Ohio, where his mother instilled in him an ideological foundation based in the Catholic church, setting him on his life journey of service. In 1993, he graduated from Thomas Worthington Kilbourne High School, where he excelled on the lacrosse team and was recruited to play at West Point. He began by attending the United States Military Academy Preparatory School before entering the Academy in the summer of 1994. </p>
<p>As a cadet, Darren carved a path of success in all areas: academically, athletically, and as a leader. His intelligence and aptitude in the classroom were evident both in the sciences and humanities. However, he was not only a gifted student. Darren held an artistic ability that he would demonstrate in a collection of drawings in his sketchbook, an outlet from the stresses that plagued the life of a cadet. He also held a passion for music and would enjoy listening to 1980s music on the antiquated record players in the Cadet Library on the weekends during plebe year. Also, he would continue to grow spiritually by regularly attending services at the Cadet Catholic Chapel. </p>
<p>On the lacrosse field, Darren was a dominant player. He commanded the admiration and respect of his teammates. KJ Dworcyzk recalled: “Darren not only could play lacrosse, but he was a force to reckon with. He had raw natural talent, skill, and knowledge. Darren included everyone. He was a natural friend to everyone. When you were down or had a rough day, he would be there to pick you up.” </p>
<p>Another teammate and friend, DJ Beil expressed: “He was an amazing athlete and student, dedicated to his classmates, teammates, and, in later years, his fellow soldiers. He did all these with a smile that spoke a thousand unspoken words…that he was your friend, would be there to encourage and support you, and, when times got tough, Darren would be there going through it with you, with a laugh and a smile. The image in my mind is of him under the lights at Michie Stadium in the cold of December and January, doing our conditioning for lacrosse—always finishing first, always putting in the effort, but always doing it with a laugh and a smile.”</p>
<p>He had an extremely vibrant personality at times, earning him the nickname “Hollywood,” which was comprised of his iconic smile and an amazing sense of humor. Evening study periods would find Darren offering entertainment to his classmates to lift their spirits, and everyone knew if they stopped by, they were sure to leave with having shared a few laughs. He accomplished this through accurate impersonations of the chain of command, jokes, and outrageous dances. However, Darren also possessed a quiet, reflective side, coupled with a deep sense of purpose. His closest friends were able to experience this side, allowing them to have very strong and genuine friendships with him, built on unquestionable trust and loyalty. Their conversations were held with their room windows open, looking out on the cadet area and covering every topic of life. </p>
<p>Upon graduation, Darren was initially commissioned as a Field Artillery officer stationed in Germany, where he played on the German national lacrosse team. However, he found himself drawn to serving as an elite green beret in the Special Forces branch, where he demonstrated successfully all that he had embodied while at West Point. He was featured in both U.S. News and World Report and a segment on CBS’ 60 minutes. While in Germany, Darren met the love of his life, Bianca. Although legally married in 2002, they celebrated a traditional wedding in 2007 in her German hometown. Their scenic, beautiful ceremony mirrored the love they shared, which could be seen in Darren’s beaming expression throughout the entire event. </p>
<p>Tragically, Darren sustained traumatic brain injuries during his deployment, which eventually led to an end to his ability to serve in the military. After his injuries, Darren’s warrior spirit never diminished, as he combated his medical situation with unending perseverance, fueled by the love and support of his wife. Each time they were together, Darren’s happiness radiated visibly through his smile whenever she was close to him. The loving couple spent their years together cherishing one another, advocating for Special Forces families, and living life to the fullest.</p>
<p>Darren will always be remembered as a hero and inspiration to everyone who had the privilege and pleasure of knowing him. It was not only because of his successes as an exemplary cadet and as an outstanding officer, but also because of his authentic character and the person that he was. His true gift was his loving heart, which he used in every facet of his life. His love of country and love for those who served alongside him enabled him to achieve his military goals, which defined him as a leader. The love he had for his family, teammates, classmates, and friends was evident by the immense outpouring of support at his memorial services, a reflection of the unbreakable friendships he forged while at the Academy. Above all, the love he had for his wife served as an inspiration to classmates and to those who served with him in Special Forces as an example of unbreakable commitment, even in the challenges of facing adversity, and having the unwavering courage to never give up. </p>
<p>Well Done, brother; Be Thou a Peace.</p>
<p><em>— Friends</em></p>
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