ALBANY, NY, USA U.S. Army SGT, COMPANY A, 1ST BATTALION, 13TH ARMOR, (TF BAGHDAD), FORT RILEY, KS TAJI, IRAQ 11/20/2005
Like many Soldiers, Sergeant Dominic Joseph Sacco, age 32, was loved and admired by many people, probably more than he realized. Certainly his family loved him. His wife, Brandy Starin; his son, Anthony William Sacco; his stepdaughter, Elyssa Armstrong, all of Fort Riley. And of course his parents, William and Diane Sacco, of Leesburg, Florida, and his sister, Lisa Livingston, Scotia, New York.
But Soldiers rarely talk about how much they respect, bond with, and, as a band of brothers, truly love each other for who they are as men and Warriors. It often only shows when that Soldier is taken from them in combat, as happened to Sergeant Sacco when was killed on Sunday, November 20, 2005 in Taji while serving his second tour of duty in Iraq, when his M1A1 Abrams tank was attacked by enemy forces. He was assigned to the Army’s 1st Battalion, 13th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Riley, Kansas.
Here is what his fellow Soldiers said about him at the Fallen Heroes Memorial website:
I love you man; you were the first person that I met when I got to FT. Riley… But the best thing is you took me under wing and showed me the ways on becoming a good soldier… I still remember the day when you called DOC!!!!! Specialist Parker of Fort Gordon, GA
I served with Dominic in Fort Riley, Kansas in 1-13th Armor. He was a dear and close friend. We often teased each other about him being from New York and me being from North Carolina. He will be dearly missed and never forgotten. Brother, I know you loved life to the fullest. I miss you man. My deepest sympathy goes out to your family and friends. Ray Cropps of Grafenwoehr, Germany
Sacco was one of the best Tank Commanders I have served with. I think about him every day. I know he’s up there watching over all of us Soldiers. I just hope I can be as good as he was. My prayers are with the Sacco Family.” SGT Lipiec, Michael E. of Fort Shafter, Hawaii
I served with SGT Sacco in Iraq during OIF 3. I had dinner with him a couple of days before he was killed. I was a Platoon Sergeant in B 1-13 Armor. SGT Sacco was a good man who always enjoyed himself and loved life. I am proud to have served with him and will never forget him and the others I had served with who are no longer with us. God bless you all.” Daren Shepherd of Fort Riley, KS.
Your son was one of the greatest people I met in my seven years of service and will always hold a special place in my heart. I don’t have the words to say as I fight back the tears…just know that your son was a great soldier, brother to his fellow servicemembers and friend. It is an honor to have served with him and he will be greatly missed.” Sergeant Dustin Allen of Salt Lake City, Utah
It has truly been a while, Sacco. We had good and bad times, but either way I truly cherish them. I miss you brother. You were great. My blessings are with the Sacco family. Efrain “Chico” Martinez of Chicago, IL.
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