Maj. Dana Lafarier ended his tour of duty in Iraq on June 30 serving as the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division fire support officer.
Lafarier ended his tour in Iraq at six months in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
He also served with the brigade stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky for two years.
“Dana is one of the most hardest working officers I have ever met,” said U.S. Army Col. Derek Thomson, deputy commander of Task Force Iraq and 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division commander.
Lafarier hails from Rindge, and says that he learned his work ethic, ability to build relationship and sense of humor from the man who has inspired him the most; his father.
“I used to travel with my father as he would make sales and notice how he would interact with people. I realized that building relationships with people is very important and that you can learn from anyone,” says Lafarier.
It was common for Lafarier to lift the morale and mood within a somber room or be seen smiling and talking to soldiers. He truly loves being around soldiers and is always interested in their overall well-being.
“Maj. Lafarier is the first officer I have worked with that truly cared about me and mentored me professionally,” said U.S. Army Capt. Mary Keller, brigade fire support officer.
Lafarier was in charge of a Fires and Effects Coordination Cell, or FECC, within Task Force Iraq’s Joint Operation Center.
He worked with service members from 80 nations making up the Coalition within the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve in its mission to defeat ISIS.
“As a leader in the FECC he was very knowledgeable, friendly and always willing to take the advice that I gave him. Most importantly to his character, he valued being a friend just as much as he was a leader,” said U.S. Army CW3 Roger McLauchlan.
Lafarier is a professional and very caring member of the organization. His next duty assignment will be in Norfolk, Virginia.