Warrior Games Profile - Daniel Neild

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(Editor's Note: From September 28 to October 4, more than 40 athletes representing the Air Force will be in Colorado Springs competing in the 2014 Warrior Games. This is a profile of one of those athletes, providing a behind-the-scenes look at who they are and the sport they represent. Note: Some profile information in the graphics may be outdated due to recent birthdays or events. The most current player information is below.)

WARRIOR GAMES: PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Staff Sgt. Daniel Neild (Ret.)

Team: Warrior Games
Sports: Archery, Track & Field
DOB: 2 Aug 1987
Birthplace: Houston, TX
Hometown: Houston, TX
Current Residence: Gilbert, AZ
Injury: Traumatic Brain Injury & Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Personal Profile:

Retired SSgt Daniel Neild enlisted in the Air Force in June 2006 after graduating from Gilbert High School in Gilbert, Arizona. After graduating from the Security Forces Academy in November of 2006, his first assignment was to Moody AFB, Valdosta, Georgia as a fire team member for the 822nd Security Forces Squadron. In May 2007, Sergeant Neild was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was assigned to the 16th Military Police Brigade, as a tactical vehicle driver for area security operations. During this time, Sergeant Neild conducted more than 110 combat missions and 11 combat sorties in support of Joint Task Force 134. On 17 October 2007, while conducting a route sweep on main supply route Sioux Falls, an improvised explosive device struck the lead vehicle, which Sgt Neild was driving. After recuperating, in 2008, Sergeant Neild was deployed again in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He worked under the 2nd of the 113th Infantry Battalion as a fire team leader and an emergency medical technician. During this time, Sergeant Neild led more than 150 combat patrols as a part of Task Force Bucca. In 2009, Sergeant Neild was deployed in direct support of Operation New Dawn. He worked under the 2nd of the 127th Infantry Battalion as a fire team leader. Sergeant Neild led more than 122 combat patrols in support of Joint Task Force 134. Upon return from his last deployment, Neild was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury from the IED blast as well as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He retired from the Air Force in December 2013 and is now attending Arizona State University, working towards his bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation.

Personal/Professional Achievements:

Purple Heart (Iraq)
Army Commendation Medal (Iraq)
Army Achievement Medal (Iraq)
Army Commendation Medal Oak Leaf Cluster (Iraq) Air Force Combat Action Medal (Iraq)
Air Force Commendation Medal (Fairchild)