SGT Daniel Casara

Ramona, CA

Mission Accomplished on May 16, 2020

Daniel Casara first enlisted in the military while in college in 1994. His career started, as he spent a few years serving in the Illinois National Guard while simultaneously working for the Department of Corrections in Illinois, and as a loan officer for a private mortgage company. He went on his first deployment to Iraq to support California’s National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment in 2005.

On Sept. 23, 2005, Army Sergeant Casara was severely injured when his vehicle flipped over after rolling over an anti-tank mine in South Baghdad, Iraq. SGT Casara sustained bilateral fractures to his right tibia and fibula, a shattered left tibia, shattered heel and ankle bones to both feet, and a dislocated right hip.

Daniel has undergone 24 surgeries and countless hours of physical therapy. Now medically retired, he lives with his wife, Basia, and his mother Elaine in San Diego. His son Denali has relocated back to Illinois and is thriving. An advocate for fellow Veterans and his community, Daniel ran for U.S. Representative in the 52nd Congressional District in California during the 2018 election. He hopes to educate and inspire others by staying involved. “I have a passion for people,” he says.

Though Daniel spends much of his time supporting others, he still experienced challenges in his previous home. He says his single-level specially adapted custom home from Homes For Our Troops is extremely beneficial, as it is difficult for him to climb stairs. He is also happy to have a roll-in shower with a bench.

Most importantly, the new home is a place for Daniel and Basia to grow old together. The couple has moved several times throughout their relationship. “We are finally home,” he says.

Originally from Illinois, Daniel chose to build his home in Southern California for the area’s warm weather and strong Veteran community.

Daniel says he and his family are extremely appreciative and grateful to HFOT’s donors and supporters. “This home is life-changing and enables us to affect so many more lives,” he says.

related articles:

  • Sprinkler Age, Aug. 11, 2020 Army Sergeant (SGT) Daniel Casara was severely injured when his vehicle flipped after rolling over an anti-tank mine in South Baghdad, Iraq, in September of 2005.
    Read more.
  • Ramona Sentinel, May 20, 2020 Retired U.S. Army SGT Daniel and his wife, Basia Casara, entered their new Ramona home provided by Homes For Our Troops last weekend with excited exclamations of “Wow, this is super!”
    Read more.