A city, a congressman, local businesses and folks from across the country are rallying to honor a Navy SEAL who died fighting al-Qaeda guerrillas in Afghanistan.
A benefit reception to raise funds for a memorial to Petty Officer 2nd Class Danny Dietz, who was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, will be held Dec. 8 from 5:30 to 8 p.m., at the Littleton Historical Museum, 6028 S. Gallup St.
On June 28, 2005, Dietz was part of a team ambushed by more than 30 al-Qaeda guerrillas. Dietz, 25, helped stave off a three-sided attack for more than 45 minutes before a Chinook helicopter tried to rescue the crew.
The helicopter was shot down, killing all 16 aboard, including eight SEALs and eight Army special forces members. One member of the four-man team on the ground survived. It was the worst single-day loss of life for Navy SEALs since World War II.
“To me this is the least we can do as a community to honor a young man who has given his life,” said Rebecca Kast, mayor pro tem of Littleton, Dietz’s hometown.
In 2007, Littleton will incorporate a vacant lot into Berry Park, 3400 W. Berry Ave., where the memorial will be built.
The city is working with the Dietz family to raise $30,000 for the project. Dietz attended nearby public schools, and his parents still live in the area.
Reservations for the reception can be made by sending a $50 check to the City Manager’s Office, 2255 W. Berry Ave., Littleton, CO 80165. Separate donations may be sent to the Danny Dietz Memorial Fund, c/o Littleton Finance Dept. at the same address.
Food and drinks will be served, and museum art galleries will be open during the fundraiser, which was organized with the help of U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Littleton. Tancredo couldn’t be reached for comment earlier this week.
The Denver Broncos cheerleaders presented a $6,600 check to the city earlier this month, and contributions have been pouring in from local businesses and people around the country, city manager Jim Woods said.
The artist and memorial design will be selected by year’s end.
“Danny was one of ours,” Woods said. “Our big dream is to have a permanent memorial to Danny.”
Staff writer Kieran Nicholson can be reached at 303-954-1822 or knicholson@denverpost.com.
