About Dana Catoe

As a retired United States Marine and author of Inshallah (God Willing) about my time as the head of security for the Iraqi interim government, I bring a unique perspective and a wealth of knowledge and insight to the beginnings of the Iraq War in 2003. As a retired Law Enforcement Officer and School Resource Officer, I advocate for the security of our children by showing how to foster relationships with students and school staff. Working within a school district's safety department, I understand the challenges teachers and staff face in the 21st century and the importance of teachers being present for their students.

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Dana Catoe joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1983, serving in Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Somalia, and he became the first Marine unit on the ground during the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan. 

 

After leaving the military, he became Head of Security for the Interim Iraqi Government, gaining insight into a world that few are able to see or understand.

 

Returning to the U.S., Catoe served in law enforcement with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office.

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Now part of the Safety Department for Lexington and Richland County Schools,
Catoe draws from his extraordinary experience to share stories of resilience, leadership, and service.