Today, I salute Veteran Dale R. Steele. Dale was raised on a ranch during the Great Depression, was drafted, and served across Europe during World War II. He later witnessed history firsthand as a guard during the Nuremberg War Crimes Trials. After returning home, he built a life rooted in agriculture, family, and community, including a 72-year marriage and generations of loved ones.

After a century defined by service to his country, his family, and his community, Dale R. Steele’s final act of generosity is now helping others live on. On February 11th, Dale passed away at the age of 100. He was a registered organ donor, and his liver was recovered in Omaha at Nebraska Medicine – Nebraska Medical Center and successfully transplanted the following day, ensuring that his legacy of service would continue. With that one last, selfless act, Dale is now considered the oldest confirmed organ donor in the United States. Thank you for being an organ donor, Dale, and THANK YOU for your service.