It’s not how he died that made him a hero, it’s how he lived!

Sgt. Donald Delbert Griffith Jr. was born on December 20th, 1975. He was known as “Don Don” to his family, and “Donnie” to his friends. He grew up working at a veterinary hospital and housed many animals, including: 12 birds, a desert tortoise, hamsters, snakes, and six cats. He was described as being very intelligent, and picked up on things quickly. As a result, he acquired skills in carpentry, computers, and skiing. He was also described as a longtime motorcycle enthusiast. He graduated from Rancho High School in Las Vegas in 1994, just before moving back to Mechanicsville, IA with his family. At that time, his father Don had just retired from his 20-year military career in the U.S. Air Force. He married Stacy Paup of Mechanicsville in 1997. Donald Griffith Jr.’s life was cut short at the young age of 29 on March 11th 2005, while trying to protect his fellow soldiers during a suicide bombing in Tal Afar, Iraq. Just nine days after his death, Don Griffith Jr. would have celebrated his eighth wedding anniversary.

Sgt. Griffith’s funeral procession was led by an escort of Harley Davidson motorcycles. Soon to follow was his own Harley, driven by a friend of his family. It was estimated that almost 500 people had come to pay their respects to the revered fallen soldier. Rev. Linda Stransky, the pastor who officiated the service, said that, “Donnie’s life was full of living and friends. He died the way he would have chosen, saving others and making a difference. That’s how he would want you to leave here today, trying to make the world a better place.” American Legion members from several local posts, volunteer firefighters, local police officers, and sheriff’s deputies were among those who attended to pay their respects. Eight Army sergeants served as pallbearers. At the service, Griffith’s wife and family were presented with two posthumous medals. Volunteer firefighters had lined an avenue at Rose Hill Cemetery where he was buried with more than 100 American Flags.