Sgt. Dale R. Griffin

SGT Dale Griffin was born on August 16th, 1980, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was an adventurous child, and everyone enjoyed his company. He graduated from Terre Haute South High School in 1999. While at South, he served as a captain of the wrestling team, the football team, and was a member of the THS Show Choir.  He was the State runner up his senior year in the 189 lbs. weight class at the State Wrestling finals. For those who were there… Everyone knew who really won that final match. As a result, a motto was born. “A Trophy does not a Champion make”! 

Dale received a full scholarship in wrestling and attended VMI. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 2005, where he later served in the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, out of Ft. Lewis, Washington. 

He was the Mixed Marshal Arts heavy weight Combative Champion for the Battalion in 2008 and 2009. He was a man of commitment, full of determination and compassion for his family, friends, and his Country. He was a glad giver of service and a brave patriot in his service to this great country. On October 27th, 2009, while on a mission in the Arghandab Valley, in Afghanistan, his Stryker Unit was hit by a 2000 lb. IED and he was killed instantly along with eight other comrades in his vehicle.

Dale wanted to “Make a Difference” with his life. He fulfilled that mission while he was here and he continues, even now to do the same. Griffin Bike Park was founded in his honor along with several hundred other Indiana military service men and women that have died in service to their country since 9-11. Go Buffaloes!!