Father recalls son's sacrifice after Iraq death

LAS VEGAS - As memorial services for Army Pfc. Daniel Guastaferro came to a close Sunday, his father walked toward his casket, stood upright, and raised his right hand beside his temple in salute.

Then Frank Guastaferro bent over and kissed his son's casket.

"Son, the world is a better place for your sacrifice, and I am so proud of you," the Vietnam War veteran stated earlier in a tribute read to more than 150 mourners.

Family and friends gathered at Palm Mortuary to honor and say goodbye to the soldier who died in Iraq Jan. 7. They eulogized Daniel Guastaferro, 27, as a shy and compassionate man determined to make the world a better place.

"His goal was to make life safer ... not only for us, but our children for generations to come," said Jack Wang, a friend.

Guastaferro died Jan. 7 when the vehicle he was in ran off the road and plunged into a canal in Ramadi, 60 miles west of Baghdad. The former Cimarron-Memorial High School student was the first U.S. serviceman from Nevada to die in the Iraq war this year.

Daniel Guastaferro was passionate about customizing cars, and he enjoyed camping, bowling and fishing, family members said. He also had a soft spot for animals.

The 50-minute military service by members of the Nevada National Guard included the traditional playing of "Amazing Grace" on bagpipes and an honor guard firing three gunshots into the air.

Near the end of the service, military personnel handed Frank Guastaferro the folded U.S. flag that had been draped over his son's casket.

The Army has awarded Daniel Guastaferro several medals for his efforts in the war, including the Bronze Star and Good Conduct Medal.