Dane Petersen: Friend, Patriot, Philosopher

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.

What’s the most important goal in your life? To get laid. Ok really. Right now I cannot pinpoint just one goal like career goals. I want to be at a point where if I wife a girl up, that if she hates what she is doing, or just doesn't want to work, I can be like, quit. Be happy. Personally, I'm creeping up on thirty. One big goal is to have a family. I'm one of two left in the Petersen Family to carry on the family name. Yikes. .... Ladies?

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oA5pV4tCH8