METZE, DANIEL

Daniel “Danny” W. Metze was born July 13, 1973 in Germany to Charlene Hawley and Garry Metze and was proud of having two birth certificates, Germany and the United States. After moving to northern California as a young child, they landed in Spokane where he called the last 28 years of his life home. After attending Deer Park High School, Danny enlisted in the United States Army in his early twenties.  

SFC Metze deployed prior to September 11, 2001, on a United Nations Peacekeeping Mission to Macedonia, which involved several other countries including Kosovo and Serbia. SFC Metze also had a deployment post September 11th in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After his active-duty service ended in the Army, he joined the Army National Guard, where he served as a Recruiter in Spokane until his passing in 2011.  

Danny was very family oriented and was a husband, and father of 6, including two sets of twins. He enjoyed listening to country music, he was passionate about Jeeps and loved going four-wheeling and bringing it back caked in mud, and especially loved camping with his girls.   

SFC Metze made a huge, and lasting impact on the lives of his friends, family, and Soldiers he served with. Virginia Taylor wrote “thank you for everything you have ever taught me. To be a good soldier, to be a good person, and to be a good parent. With our year working together I learned so much. Thank you for caring enough to crack a joke in my expense just to make me laugh even on my hardest days.” 

The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project proudly remembers SFC Daniel “Danny” W. Metze for his service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation. Our hope is that his life continues to inspire all who learn his story.