AWESOME WASSOM Published Oct. 16, 2014 By Letters to Editor Via e-mail -- I read with great sadness your cover story titled "Missing Dan" (Summer 2014 issue, page 10). But my heart was also filled with pride. Master Sgt. Dan Wassom II epitomizes the type of people I've come to know over my 30-plus-year affiliation with the Air Force. The fact that he used his body as a human shield to protect a loved one already says a lot, but the fact that he did it with a peaceful calm, with no worries for his own safety, tells the rest of the story. He is truly a hero. Our service is filled with people who are willing to lay down their lives, be it in combat or in everyday life. They will do it for their country, for their spouses, for their sons, for their daughters and even for total strangers without a moment's hesitation. I know Pam and Dan Sr. are very proud of their son ... and so is his Air Force Family. The "Awesome Wassom 5K Run" was appropriately named. Emmitt Engleton Via e-mail ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. I read your story about Dan Wassom today at lunch. How sad. Great job with the article. Thomas Gates Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. Master Sgt. Dan Wassom is an inspiration. It is ironic that he survived combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, but ended up sacrificing his life in the "safety" of his own home. This just goes to show how most service members are ready to lay down their lives in the blink of an eye -- without hesitation, without regret. I can't stop the tears from flowing when I think about his daughters growing up without him in their lives. I am saddened for his wife and parents as well. But he will have a very special place in heaven. Myra Bonner Via e-mail