US Soldier killed in Iraq Remembered

Cleveland, OH — Army Pfc. Daniel Agami was described as a fearless, patriotic soldier who never hesitated risking his life for his fellow soldiers.

Agami also had a love for Iraqi children. He gave them candy and toys, and helped build their schools. The children seemed to love him, too, his family said.

The 25-year-old Agami, who was born in Cleveland but grew up in Broward County, Fla., was killed with four other soldiers in Baghdad on June 21 when their Humvee was hit by an improvised explosive device.

Agami had been in Iraq for a year and was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

About 100 people attended a memorial service for Agami Sunday at the Waxman Chabad Center in Beachwood, even though he and his family moved to Florida 20 years ago.

Agami’s kindness, generosity, humor and selflessness made him everyone’s best friend. His mother, Beth Agami, would often wonder just how many friends – or girlfriends – did her son have.

“He loved everybody,” his mother said, struggling to fight back tears. “He had so many friends of every background and lifestyle. It didn’t matter where they came from or what they did. All these kids I met for the first time told me they were his best friend.”

More than 1,000 people attended Agami’s funeral in late June in Fort Lauderdale. His family was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support.

Agami left high school in the 11th grade and later earned his GED. He became a bodybuilder and a popular DJ, working everywhere from ritzy South Beach yacht parties to gigs in the Bahamas. He also did bar mitzvahs and birthday parties.

“He was the guy everyone hired,” said his mother, one of several people who spoke about Agami during the Sunday memorial.

Although he enjoyed his work, Agami sought a greater challenge and decided to join the U.S. Army.

“Daniel could have chosen any path and had opportunities to do so,” Beth Agami said. “But his calling was the U.S. Army.”

In the military, Agami was candid and open about his Jewish religion and heritage. The former disc jockey proudly displayed the Israeli flag above his bed and educated those who knew little about Judaism. He was dubbed, in good spirit, “GI Jew.”

During his two years in the Army, Agami received several honors and medals, including the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.

And his mother has letters from the military detailing her son’s acts of valor in saving the lives of fellow soldiers during insurgent attacks.

Not long before his death, Agami had re-enlisted for four more years in the Army. And his dream was to become a member of the Coast Guard or Miami SWAT, his mother said.

He had also become somewhat of a darling of the Army.

“He was proud to have been chosen to be the new U.S. poster boy or model for upcoming Army marketing material,” his mother said.

Agami is survived by his parents, Beth and Itzhak, sister Shaina and brother Ilan, all of Parkland, Fla.

Donations in Daniel Agami’s memory may be made to the Hebrew Academy Community School, 1500 N. State Road 7, Margate, Fla., 33963.