“I want to personally thank everyone for being interested in learning more about our fundraiser and our mission.
My name is Patsy; I am the surviving spouse of Danny Dietz, a Navy SEAL that was killed on June 28th, 2005 during Operation RedWings.
The loss of a loved one has a great impact on someone’s life, but even more so when they are taken from you when you never expected it. Danny and I had just bought a new house, had our two dogs, and dreamed to grow old and have children…that all changed by a knock on my door that delivered the news that my husband was killed in Action. Being part of the SEAL community, you know there is a certain danger that your loved one must face…you know that country comes first…. and there is a chance that you will not see him one day…. but nothing prepares you for that.
I decided after Danny’s loss to turn that pain and sorrow into something positive that reflected his character of loyalty and strength, by being there for the community that he loved and respected, the SEAL community. I started getting involved with the NAVY SEAL FOUNDATION, the foundation that primarily takes care of this community. They were the first ones to come to my door after the tragedy and continue to help me and many other families that have lost their warriors fighting for our FREEDOM.
In 2009, Mr. Dan Quinlan was present during one of my guest appearances where I spoke about Danny and after the event he reached out asking if he could help bring more awareness on Danny’s story, his Teammates and the NAVY SEAL FOUNDATION. He came up with the idea of doing a fundraiser every year in Texas that donates 100% of the proceeds to the foundation by doing a Memorial Roping where you would combine the two worlds of the “All American cowboy and Teamwork” with the “All American Warrior and No Quit mentality”. Every year the event is getting bigger and bigger and it’s thanks to all of you that come out and support our cause to help the SEAL community and remember not only Danny, but all the men that have died on June 28th, and all the men in the Navy SEAL community that have sacrificed so much.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart and hope to thank you myself one day” – Patsy Dietz-Shipley
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.