I've never met Dane.
Not yet anyway. Somehow, in the hazy mazes of Facebook, we collided. He’s from,
and went to school, in the small town I was born in: Loup City, Nebraska. Ironically,
if I would have gone to public school, we would have seen each other when we were both still in Nebraska.
Dane is the most
patriotic person I know. He exudes American patriotism from his very core. He
makes it a priority to spend time with those he loves and cares about. He’s there
for his family and friends, he knows what is truly important in life. His focus
is on people, not things. He knows and understands the true meaning of life. People.
I am challenged daily by him to live my own life more intentionally. I hope you are
entertained and inspired by his words.
Don't Stop Believing
Where were you born? Central
Nebraska. I think Grand Island. Probably on a riding lawn mower. Something
weird probably. Something has to explain the way I am.
What does patriotism
mean to you? It is extreme pride and devotion to one's country. To my
country. People always joke about how I'm so patriotic. I mean why wouldn't I
be? We are so freaking blessed to be in this country. I have lived an extremely
cool life. I don't think I'd have that same opportunity anywhere else.
What do you stand
for? Your life motto? Wow. That is a good question. I stand for the pursuit
of happiness. Life is too short to be miserable. Everyone deserves to be happy.
Everyone has the choice to be happy. I work to push people to be happy. I
really don't have a life motto. I have words tattooed on me that are lyrics
from a rapper that I was a big fan of who passed away. From Eyedea's song Smile,
“I’m falling, but no matter how hard I hit the ground, I'll still smile."
Those words really hit me hard. No matter what challenge, obstacle, or
curveball that life throws at you, you need to keep smiling, keep positive, and
push forward. Also, I always say "live loud." Make an impression. Live
intensely. No point of living in the shadows. I am Dane Petersen and I want to
be remembered.
Sometimes, patriotism
and politics have a tendency to be confused and melded with each other. Do you
think it’s important for Americans to remember and appreciate the good things
in America? And to learn that we are more than our politics? People get so
caught up in their beliefs and instead of fighting for what they stand for,
they slander what they don't believe in. I like to joke around and say that
every political post I have seen on social media influences my belief. Because
it never has. I am not a political person. I have my views. I have enough
struggles in my own life that I need to focus on, instead of wasting time and
energy complaining about Hoppy Lobby, Obamacare, welfare reform, or fear they
are going to take our guns. People get so headstrong on hating the people that
believe the opposite view and make no efforts in working together to find a
best possible solution. People do forget how fortunate we are to be in a
country that allows us to argue about these issues. A country that gives us a
chance to lobby, campaign, hold debates, question what’s going on, and vote for
what we believe. Then, after all that is over, we can go out and get rip shit
drunk together and forget about that for a minute... until we get enough in our
systems and then we get in drunken political arguments that always end well.
Tell me about your
tattoos, and what they symbolize. Every tattoo has pretty significant
meaning to me. I just don't get random crap tattooed on me. My first tattoo,
which is my favorite is a stencil of the state of Nebraska, with a star over
the capital Lincoln, and a heart on my home town, Loup City. Under that is the
state slogan "The Good Life," written in some ghetto fab lettering.
Because Nebraska is hood... I think... In conjunction with that, I have my high
school mascot tattooed on my calf. It is an extremely offensive Native American
called the "Red Raider." I am very proud of being from Loup City and I've
been able to compete for them in athletics and other competitions growing up.
The name changed to the rebels because they consolidated with another school
for sports, and for other obvious reasons. It was the first tattoo that this
artist did under his apprenticeship. The guy is a friend of mine. I figured no
matter how bad he screwed up, it would still be offensive. In my grandparents’
home town, the Danish capital of Nebraska there is a painting of a Danish
Viking ship on the side of a building. I had that tattooed on me. On my right
arm, I have the letters G.A.T.A. tattooed down along side of a scar. I will get
into that one later. I don't feel like explaining myself twice. On the other
side, I have Jaster's Feather, which is on the chest plate of Star Wars character
Boba Fett. It is the sign of his adopted grandfather Jaster Mereel. Mereel fought
for what was right and was known for his strong morals. I am a huge Star Wars
fan. The original movies got me through a very tough time in my life when I was
young. I already spoke of my lyrics tattooed on me. Oh, I have Jesus playing a Stratocaster
on my left tricep.... because my God is a rock star.
Is there a specific
childhood experience that had a large impact in shaping who you are today? Ok,
get ready for a short novel. Readers: stop right here and move to the next if
you would like. January 29, 1994, I was playing dodge ball in PE. I threw a
ball. On the extension of my throw, there was a loud popping noise. I was
crying like a baby. The teacher and my parents thought I had just pulled a
muscle or something... I was in third grade, is that even possible? My dad said
to walk it off, I would be ok. It was my arm. What the hell. I stayed in school
the rest of the day. The next day I could only made it a half day. Finally, my
parents took me to the doctor. When the X-rays came back, there was a big lump
my humerus... and a break that was clean all the way across. Kearney was my
next stop, to the bone specialist. After looking at the X-rays, the bone
specialist gave us two options: a steroid injection, which would take care of
my arm if it were a cyst, or a bone graft, which was a much more extensive
surgery and would be a much longer road to recovery. My parents chose the
steroid injection. Guess what. The lump wasn't a cyst. It was a benign tumor
called Fibrous Dysplasia. Several months later, I had the bone graft. During
that surgery, a nerve was stretched. I couldn't move anything below my shoulder
for a few months... it was weird. Eventually, after 2.5 years of for the most
part having some sort of sling or brace on my arm, I was able to fully
participate in sports. I never thought that I would have an issue with this
again. My senior year of high school, I chose to join the Military. My scores
were very solid on the ASVAB. I wanted to fly Apache helicopters. That dream
was short lived. At MEPS, they had to take X-rays to make sure it had healed
fine. Just before I was to leave for basic, shortly after graduation, I received
a letter that Washington decided that there was a slightly increased chance of
breaking during basic training. I had been permanently denied from all branches
of the armed forces. My arm eventually developed the nickname "Good Ass
Tumor Arm." It is weird to think that if this had never happened to me, I
would not be in Virginia, I would probably not have been in Lincoln much. I
would more than likely only know my Loup City family. At the end of the day, I
am thankful for my GATA. So, I got GATA tattooed down the side of the scar from
the surgeries. I am thankful for the path my life has taken. . I am sure that
this has been painful to read... seriously... why you are still reading. Oh,
also I once wrecked my bicycle and my head almost got ran over by a Dodge Dakota...
thank God for anti-lock brakes.
I know you are an
open book already, but tell me something about you that most people would never
guess. I am really shy around new people. I have to force myself to mingle.
I really am. Just like everyone else, I am really comfortable with this
keyboard and computer screen talking for days. But really, it takes me a few
minutes to warm up to people... or a half dozen Busch Lights.
The perfect meal is… fish
that my old man and I caught, fried up and eating with my family.
Who is your hero, and
why are they your hero? I don't have "a" hero. I have so many heroes.
Everyone in my life has heroic moments that go unrecognized. I have my buddy
Peck who has been sober for like 10-15 years because he recognized there was a
problem and took action. I wish I was a strong as him. One girl I know is
raising two awesome boys on her on and is taking actions right now that she
isn't super thrilled about but they are to really push her life forward. She is
Wonder Woman. Weaver, my best friend was on a complete life crash course. I
didn't even think he was going to make it. The guy is doing better than almost
anyone I know. The asshole doesn't quit. I have a ton of friends that served or
are currently serving in the armed forces. More heroes than any of us will be.
Tell me about the
course of events that led you from Loup City, Nebraska to Charlotte, North
Carolina. When I was 22. I was just going through the motions. School part
time, and just a job. I didn't want to be stuck in the same routine. My old
boss from the automotive industry reached out to me and asked if I would be
general manager of a store for him in a franchise he just took over in Central
Virginia. I packed up everything I had and left. Turned wrenches for about four
years, until my body started breaking down. I left and went to the wireless
industry. The wireless industry has treated me too well. I got promoted fast a
few times but was commuting all over Central Virginia. In my last position, it
was at a very low-ranking store and I was essentially sent to hopefully turn
things around. I took a huge hit financially and felt life crashing around me.
I needed to get somewhere with the company not so spread out. My best friend's
family had recently moved to Charlotte, and they offered to help me get back on
my feet. I applied for everything they had, and was in Florida on vacation and
got a call from a store and did a Skype interview while down there. The nice thing
about Skype interviews: you can do them without pants on. Which is what I did.
Was offered a position as a sales rep. So I stepped out of management and moved
down. The Gillan family has been such a huge blessing in my life. I have been
doing very well here and on my feet, sprinting ahead in life. It is pretty
cool.
Tell me about your
favorite adventure you've had, and one you haven’t had yet… My life is an
adventure. I really never know what is going to happen. I really don't have a
favorite one. Every single one has had so much beauty in it. I guess my current
favorite - two weeks ago I drove back from Nebraska to the East Coast and at
the last second decided to veer off the beaten path and do part of the bourbon
tour in Kentucky. I made a point to drive through a lot of the countryside. I
drive almost everywhere I travel to. It gives you a chance to actually see this
country. Appreciate things more. I am really looking forwards to venturing out
to the West coast. I haven’t done that part of the States yet. This may sound
weird, but I have no real desire to see much overseas until I see all of the
United States. There is so much beauty and different personalities in our
country in the different regions. I want to see it all.
What are your three
favorite beers? Busch Light. Old Style. Yuengling. Go ahead and judge me. I
am not fancy. I am not cheap either. Those are my go too beers. I generally
prefer Ambers or Brown Ales. I am actually on a big whiskey kick.
How did you get
involved in rugby? A friend of mine that I hired when I was running my shop
played. I was driving down the road after doing a Crossfit workout with my old
trainer Jeff Rhoden (RIP) and he drove up in the lane next to me and was on his
way to practice. He hollered at me to come and so I did. I was hooked. I have
met so many cool people along the way. I want to start playing again, but it is
difficult to have time in the industry I am in.
Did you break a bone while
playing? I have broken a lot of bones from rugby. I have broken my foot
twice. One of the times I ran a half marathon a month later after it. Terrible
Idea. I dislocated my collar bone. I broke my finger wrestling a teammate in
the snow before practice once. My right index finger now is super crooked
because it. I broke my nose, it is crooked now too.
What are your future
plans? Do you make plans, or do you live each day as it shows up on your
doorstep? I honestly do not know what my future holds. I tried to plan my
life out when I was 19. I had that stripped from me when denied from the
military. Since then, I don't really plan life. I need to try it again, make a
career path. Until I somewhat figure things out, I will continue to work as
hard as I can and spread as much good as possible. Not planning and just doing
is not as bad as it sounds. I love my life being so unexpected. Creates some
absurd experiences. Short term - more tattoos, hot wings, concerts, bad
decisions, more charity work, and loads of travelling.
How big is your
television? First of all, I would like to point out to everyone that I was
told to erase this question. However, this is one of my favorite questions. I
have a 42" TV, and haven't turned it on in over a month. I just don't
watch TV or play video games like I used to. I think for the most part TV is
trash. The only things I want to watch are sports. I got to people's houses or
bars to watch sports though.
Besides being
awesome, what are your other hobbies? First of all, I am not that awesome.
But thank you. Right now, I find myself turning into a creature of habit. My
favorite things to do right now in life are going to this bar by my house on
Sundays for Karaoke, and Mondays for breakdancing and rap battles. I really
enjoy doing that. I lift weights a lot too. I'm trying to become a monster. I
find myself slipping off of my routine and drinking a lot. Which is bad. Kids,
don't do that. It sets me back. One of my ongoing personal battles.
How often do you get
to go home to Nebraska? I am such a crappy son. Last year was my first time
back in two years. I used to go back about 2-3 times a year. I need to go see
my mother more often. I just say my mother, because my dad always makes me work
on vacations. They still live happily together in Loup City. I am going to
start making a point to go back to Polish Days, my home town festival, every
year if at all possible.
How many pieces of
American flag clothing do you own? How many American flags? I own two
flags. The sexiest American flag running shorts you will ever see. They even have
built in underwear, for improved speed, agility, and sexuality. One custom made
tank top, and one sleeveless UnderArmour-style shirt, a few bandanas, and a
headband.
Who or what has been
the greatest positive influence in your life? The most negative? The answer
for both is my best friend. Jon Weaver. He is there for me no matter what.
Absolutely. He keeps me grounded. The only partier person than me that I know.
The dude is such a positive influence on me. He lives life how it should be
lived. Calls things how he sees it. Works his ass off. Lives it super
intensely. Why is he a negative influence? Whenever there is a moment when we seek
advice from each other about a decision we are about to make that we know is
bad, we push each other to make that bad decision, because we know it will lead
to a great story.
If given the
opportunity, what message or wisdom would you give to the world? If you
work to leave the world in a better place when you leave it than when you
entered it, then we all win.
Authors note: the
following is a video of Dane being Dane. No bad, but maybe not for children.
