The July 14 event was presented by the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association.

Brown died in an accident on August 29, 2023, when a truck pulled out in front of him while riding his Indian motorcycle on U.S. Highway 20 just southwest of Fort Dodge.

He had set out to see all 99 Freedom Rocks in Iowa and was returning from seeing one on the day of the accident.

“Brownie,” as he was called by his friends, proudly served in the United States Navy from 1968 until being honorably discharged in 1970, according to Rachel Austin, an auxiliary member of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association.

During the Vietnam War, he served as a postmaster on board an aircraft carrier, according to Rich Stroner, commander of the American Legion Post 191 in Webster City and close friend to Brown. Brown played an active role with Post 191 over the years, Stroner said, serving as adjutant, taking care of memberships, and taking notes from Post 191’s meetings.

In addition to his membership with the American Legion, Brown also was an active member of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association with the “Northwest Central Crew,” where he served as the group’s chaplain.

He was also a board member of the Boone Valley Ikes and a hunter safety instructor with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. He also was a scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 17, as well as having coached midget baseball for several years.

On the very warm Sunday, July 14, The Combat Veterans motorcycle group stopped in Stratford, Fort Dodge, Humboldt, Livermore and Whittemore.

Post 191 member Marty Duffy, of Webster City, made a shadow box to frame “Brownie’s” Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association vest. He presented it to Brown’s children, Troy Brown, of Estherville, Jamie Brown, of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Jody Draeger, of Kamrar, in Humboldt at Miller’s Landing.

An Alpha Omega chapter plaque from the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association was also presented to the family during the ceremony.

Austin said, “Dan was an amazing guy. Even if you spoke to him once, he left a huge impression. We loved him and miss Dan dearly.”