Obituary

1LT Daren M Hidalgo, 24, was Killed in Action February 20, 2011 while serving his country in Afghanistan. Daren attended Kettle Moraine Middle School and High School and was a member of the school band and wrestled there. He graduated from Pennsylvania’s Dallastown Area High School in 2005 where he was a championship wrestler, National Honor Society member, and a trumpeter in the school marching band. Daren was accepted to the prestigious United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, NY. He excelled at the Academy, serving as G-4 Company Commander during his senior year. Daren graduated near the top of the Class of 2009 with a Bachelor of Science degree. In the Army he completed numerous courses to include the extremely challenging Ranger School. Earning the coveted Ranger Tab was one of the many proud moments of his short career. Daren was assigned to 3rd Platoon, Ghostrider Company, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.

Deployed to the Maiwand District of Afghanistan in October 2010, Daren executed his duties and responsibilities to perfection. Daren was assigned as Platoon Leader replacing one of his West Point classmates who had been wounded in action. Throughout numerous combat engagements he gained a reputation in the Squadron that was second to none. His ability to assess any situation and fix any problem was awe-inspiring to those who knew him. Daren’s greatest talent was his ability to maintain a positive attitude and inspire each of his Soldiers to be great.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Ranger Tab, Airborne Badge and Combat Infantryman’s Badge.

Daren was known for his winning smile and engaging personality. A jokester and prankster always looking to cheer up people around him. His strength of character and empathy endeared him to all who met him. Daren’s life and legacy will never be forgotten.

Daren requested that in case of his death a scholarship be created and funds be provided to support wounded soldier causes. We established the Daren M. Hidalgo Memorial Fund to accomplish Daren’s wishes. We’ve created the Daren M. Hidalgo Memorial Scholarship which provides an annual $5,000 scholarship to a graduating senior from Dallastown Area High School in York, PA. We have presented the scholarship to a deserving high school senior since 2012. Family and friends have also held numerous charity events which have generated over $100,000 in funds to support the following charities:

• Fisher House
• Disabled American Vets
• Homes for Our Troops

Daren was the embodiment of an American spirit of service to a higher calling than self. The Hidalgo family and friends sustain his legacy through the support of the Daren M. Hidalgo Memorial Fund. Further information can be viewed at www.rememberdaren.com

In Memoriam

There are numerous events throughout the year conducted to honor Daren’s legacy.

The Fallen Heroes Ride in Dallastown, PA was started in 2011 to honor Daren and other Fallen Heroes. Daren’s first motorcycle was a Buell Blast and he enjoyed riding it to high school. The Dallastown ride has raised funds for the Daren M. Hidalgo Memorial Scholarship which is awarded to a deserving Dallastown Area High School senior every year.

The Hidalgo/Warner Memorial Golf Outing in Pewaukee, WI was started in 2013 to honor Daren and LCPL Richard Warner. It continues to grow and has raised over $50,000 for Fisher House of Wisconsin

The Trail of the Fallen on the Timp-Torne Mountain near West Point, NY was formalized in 2014 by Eagle Scout Grant Nawoichyk. The trail originates at the top of Mine Road and is the place where the large mound of stones have been carried up and placed in memory of soldiers who have died in recent military conflicts. Two beautiful marble benches have been placed at the site of the current memorial. The benches honor two fallen West Point Graduates and service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. One of the benches honors Major Thomas Kennedy and the other honors 1LT Daren M. Hidalgo.

Daren was a member of Black and Gold CrossFit at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Daren was training for triathlons before his deployment to Afghanistan. Daren has been honored by the CrossFit Organization through the establishment of a HERO Workout of the Day (WOD) called the 'Hidalgo'. We are proud that Daren is inspiring so many people as they tackle the 'Hidalgo' workout. The following is the description:

• Run 2 Miles
• Rest 2 Minutes
• 20 Squat Cleans 135/95
• 20 Box Jumps 24/20
• 20 Walking Lunge Steps with 45lb Plate Held Overhead
• 20 Box Jumps 24/20
• 20 Squat Cleans 135/95
• Rest 2 Minutes
• Run 2 Miles
• If you've got a 20 lb vest or body armor, Wear It.


Daren played racquetball on the West Point team. The Eastern Collegiate Racquetball Conference initiated a Sportsmanship Award in honor of Daren in 2012. It has been presented every year since to an individual who most exemplifies the high level of sportsmanship that Daren demonstrated on and off the court. The inscription on the trophy reads:

DAREN HIDALGO’S NAME WILL ALWAYS BE SYNONYMOUS OF WHAT THE ECRC CAN BE IN ITS GREATEST FORM. DAREN WAS A GIFTED ATHLETE, A FIERCE COMPETITOR, AN HONORABLE SPORTSMAN, AND WIN OR LOSE, A CHAMPION IN VERY SENSE OF THE WORD. THE RECIPIENT OF THIS AWARD SHOWS THEIR WILLINGESS TO LAY IT ALL ON THE LINE EVERY POINT, COMPETE WITH EVERY INCH OF THEIR HEART AND SOUL, ALWAYS MAINTAINING HIGH STANDARDS OF ETHICS AND SPORTSMANSHIP, AND FINISHING EVERY BATTLE WITH A FRIENDSHIP AND A SMILE THAT WILL CONTINUE TO CARRY DAREN’S LEGACY ON IN THE ECRC FOR YEARS TO COME.

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1LT Daren M Hidalgo, 24, was Killed in Action on February 20, 2011 while serving his country in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Daren was leading a dismounted patrol returning from a meeting with local leaders in Mama Kiritz when he was struck by a major IED blast. Daren was medevac’d but died of his wounds on the operating table.

Daren returned to the United States at Dover, Air Force Base on February 22, 2011. He was met there by his best friend, Phil Bayliss. His brother, CPT Miles Hidalgo, was the official military escort and brought Daren home to Waukesha, Wisconsin.

There were a total of five memorial services for Daren. His forward deployed unit held a Memorial Service on February 24th at Combat Operating Post Terminator. Dallastown Area High School In Pennsylvania conducted a Memorial Service on February 27. In Waukesha we held a visitation Wednesday March 2, 2011 from 11AM to 3:15 PM at St. Anthony on the Lake Catholic Church W280 N2101 Hwy SS Pewaukee, WI 53072. A remembrance presentation started at 3:45 PM. The Funeral Mass was conducted at 4:00 PM. His duty station of Vilseck Germany which is the Second Stryker Cavalry Regiment home also held a Memorial Service on March 2nd. There was a Funeral Mass held at Most Holy Trinity Chapel at West Point on March 4th at 10:00AM. Daren was cremated and buried with full military honors at the West Point Cemetery on March 7th.

Daren will be sadly missed by his parents: Jorge & Andrea, Siblings: Jared (Jenny) Hidalgo, Miles (Caroline) Hidalgo, Carmen Hidalgo, nephews: Wade, Carson, Finley, Maddox, Brody, and Wyatt and his nieces: Lexie and Mary. He was preceded in death by his nephew, Cale Harrison Hidalgo. His extended family and many friends will miss him also. All of us fortunate enough to have known him will cherish his memory, love and friendship.

In lieu of flowers, we asked that all memorials may be directed to the Daren M. Hidalgo Memorial Fund. It is used to provide an annual $5000 scholarship to a deserving Dallastown Area High School senior. The Memorial Fund also supports wounded soldier causes. Donations can be mailed to US Bank at 2311 Windsor Street, Sun Prairie, WI 53590. We have established a website in honor of Daren, rememberdaren.com, where electronic donations can be made.