By Laura Stabbert
LIBERTY — February 2, 2010 — Daniel Stabak, a 1999 Liberty High School graduate, was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” Device for his valorous acts as a Platoon Sergeant for the 569th Engineer Company on September 21, 2009.
Stabak, who enlisted in the military in 2002, has been stationed in Afghanistan since last February and is currently stationed in the Kandahar province.
Kandahar is one of the most dangerous areas for allied troops, with a 30 percent-35 percent casualty rate.
Sgt. Stabak,performed in exemplary manner during a 12-hour fire fight on August 24.
According to his citation narrative, Stabak was the acting platoon sergeant and maintained command of his force spread out over a square-kilometer while under fire from an enemy force that outnumbered his platoon 2 to 1.
“SSG Stabak distinguished himself during the firefight through his decisive leadership, willingness to engage the enemy, and selfless service,” the narrative stated.
This is the second time Stabak has been recognized for his exemplary performance; he also received a medal with valor in 2003.
Stabak’s father Ron, a Delaware Valley Central School graduate, currently resides in Liberty, while his mother Patricia resides in Florida. Daniel Stabak’s younger sister Andrea still lives in Liberty and works for the Tri-Valley Central School District and his grand- parents, Bob and Beverly Flynn, reside in White Sulphur Springs.
Currently, Sgt. Stabak’s wife, Julie, is in Colorado with their 1-year-old twin daughters, Eden and Ava. Sgt. Stabak’s home base is Fort Carson, CO.
“He is definitely a leader,” said Ron Stabak of his son. “After the exposure to what he’s seen, he has gained a level of maturity, he’s matured quite nicely.”