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<p>“A born Texan has instilled in his system a mind-set of no retreat or no surrender. I wish everyone the world over had the dominating spirit that motivates Texans.” <em>— Former Texas Speaker of the House Billy Clayton</em></p>
<p>There are men who run to the sound of guns and danger with one dominating thought, “If not me, then who?” <em>Dario Natale Lorenzetti</em> was one of those men. He died as he lived, putting others before himself, and he made the ultimate sacrifice, forever bonding his legacy to the high standards we expect of our heroes: Duty, Honor, Country. </p>
<p>Dario was born a proud son of Texas on May 20, 1970 in Fort Worth, TX, son of Olfeo and Joyce Bailey Lorenzetti. Growing up in Fort Worth, he attended St. Andrews Catholic School and Nolan Catholic High School, where he was active in rodeo, hockey and Boy Scouts, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. He often attributed his time in scouting as the foundation of the man he became. He then attended Texas A&M University for one year before being accepted to the West Point Class of 1993, “Defenders of the Free.”</p>
<p>Dario’s time at USMA was distinguished with an overflowing personality that encompassed the seriousness of his future military career, lightened by the humor of cadet life, and with a loyalty to God, country, friends, and family. Early on at USMA, he became “Tex” to most of us, and that nickname seemed fair to a man with a larger-than-life personality and a huge smile to go along with his high and tight haircut. He had an unwavering dedication to achieving his goals and becoming the best possible version of himself. He was one of the more “squared away” cadets in our class and, whether it was giving his famous haircuts to other classmates in the barracks or training for the annual Sandhurst competition or getting ready for life as a future Infantryman, Tex always seemed to be on point and focused on his mission. </p>
<p>After graduating from West Point in 1993, he served for 10 years in the United States Army as an Infantry officer with assignments at the 101st Airborne Division, 75th Ranger Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, and finally as a professor of military science at Texas A&M University. During his tour in Korea with the 2nd Infantry Division, Dario met Ms. Kirstin Bakke, and they were married in Fort Worth on June 22, 2002. </p>
<p>Dario began a second career working for the U.S. government, for which he was first posted to Saudi Arabia. During this post, Dario and Kirstin welcomed the arrival of daughter Jacqueline Arabella. His next posting took the family to India, where they made many friends and welcomed the arrival of another daughter, Gianna Natalia. The family then returned to Texas and settled in Spring, TX, where Lucia Aryanna was born. These three darling girls and his beautiful wife were the light of his life and grounded him against an increasingly dangerous world, post-9/11.</p>
<p>In 2011, Dario was posted in Afghanistan and had almost completed his tour when he was tragically killed in a suicide bombing on October 13, 2012. Dario was seen methodically checking on his comrades and assisting with the wounded before he succumbed to his own wounds. His actions on the day of his death are remembered for selflessly putting others first before being treated himself. He died an American hero.</p>
<p>Dario is remembered as the most incredibly loving husband and father, a strong, compassionate, and inspiring leader, a loyal friend, the best son and brother ever, a devout Catholic, a dedicated American and a proud Texan. He lived his life in cheerful service...a true man for others who is and will always be missed. Rangers Lead the Way!</p>
<p><em>— His family and West Point classmates</em></p>
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