Staff Sergeant Daniel L. Kisling, Jr. was born on 20 February 1971 in Neosho, Missouri. He was one of four crewmembers who died on 30 January 2003 when their MH-60L Black Hawk helicopter, #185, crashed near Bagram, Afghanistan, while conducting aerial gunnery training in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

SSG Kisling volunteered for service in the U.S. Army Reserve in June 1992. He completed Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and received training as a Power Generator Equipment Mechanic (MOS 52D). In June 1993, SSG Kisling volunteered for Active Duty and attended Advanced Individual Training as a Tactical Transport Helicopter Mechanic (MOS 67T) at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

In October 1993, SSG Kisling was assigned as a UH-60L Black Hawk Crew Chief to Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 82nd Aviation Regiment at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In December 1998, he assessed and was selected for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. After graduation from Enlisted Green Platoon, SSG Kisling was assigned to Foxtrot Company, 1st Battalion at Fort Campbell. On 1 September 1999, SSG Kisling was reassigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, where he served as an MH-60L Black Hawk DAP and Assault Fully Mission Qualified Crew Chief, flying over 1,450 total flight hours.

While assigned to D Company, SSG Kisling deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and on numerous training exercises in support of Special Operations Forces.

SSG Kisling was a graduate of Airborne School, the Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape (SERE) Course, Department of Defense High Risk Survival Course, Close Quarters Combat Instructor Course, Basic Non- Commissioned Officer Course, and Primary Leadership Development Course.

SSG Kisling's awards and decorations include the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal (w/3 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (w/4 OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal (5th Award), Joint Meritorious Unit Award (w/1 OLC), NCO Professional Development Ribbon (w/Numeral 2), National Defense Service Medal (w/ 1 Bronze Service Star), Air Crewman Badge, and Parachutist Badge. He was posthumously awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, and the Air Medal.

SSG Kisling is survived by his wife, Georgie; daughters, Jessica and JoHanna; sons, Nathan and Riley; and his parents, Velinda and Daniel, Sr. He is laid to rest in Neosho, Missouri, at Oakwood Cemetery. The Special Operations Aviation Green Platoon Training Area is dedicated in honor of the fallen crewmembers of Aircraft Tail #185.