"We would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Derek was one of the kindest people you could ever know. He lived life with honor, served selflessly and lived life to the fullest. Derek has always remained strong in his faith.

"He has achieved so much in his young life both academically and athletically. As parents we will always think of him as our little boy but he was a man, a man of honor, courage, pride, duty, faith and a man of quiet strength.

"Derek graduated fifth in his class from Winnebago Lutheran Academy. Derek said, 'What I have learned at WLA is that God is the one who is in charge of everything. All I need to do is trust in Him, and He will lead me where I need to go.'

"Derek graduated Magna Cum Laude from Western Illinois University, and was the 14th ranked ROTC cadet in the nation. He was commissioned as an active duty officer upon graduation. Derek graduated from Airborne School and Army Ranger School, and received immediate deployment to Afghanistan where he served his first tour of duty. While based at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, he was selected the 25th Infantry Division Lieutenant of the Year. After receiving this great honor he said, 'I didn't want to let the soldiers in my unit down.' While in Iraq, during his second tour of duty, he was promoted to captain and selected to serve in the U.S. Army's elite Special Forces.

"Words cannot express our sadness or convey how much he will be missed. It was Derek's dream to serve America and his life ended during this service. He deserves to have his accomplishments proclaimed to the world but would not have wanted it that way. Derek would never be one to boast. Therefore, we will honor him with quiet strength."

David, Lisa, David Jr. and Daniel Dobogai