Dan "The Wardog" DaSilva (Manu Tribe)Age: 38
Hometown: Ossining, New York
Current residence: Los Angeles
Occupation: Law student/former military
Hobbies: Gym, basketball, and Netflix binging.
Pet peeves: Weakness for sure, but most of all negative energy, that person who just complains constantly that the world never breaks their way.
Three words to describe you: Confident, self-amused, and passionate.
What is your personal claim to fame?Bronze Star Medal in Afghanistan, close second was being the youngest in my Basic Training company and making it through in a time when 20 percent or so were sent home. It was 1997 pre-war standards.
Who or what is your inspiration in life? The young men and women who joined the Army after the war began, I fought alongside these 19, 20, and 21-year-olds, and they certainly were my heroes.
If you could have three things on the island, what would they be and why? Nail clippers: I don't know why, dirty long nails just strike a chord.
Football: it would be nice to have something to toss around.
Chess Board or deck of cards: sometimes it would be nice to remove your brain from the game but I don't know if that's even possible
Which Survivor contestant are you the most like? The Wardog is his own blend—I’m not Tony, I'm not the Specialist, I'm not Boston Rob. Whose game did I respect the most? That's a better question. I thought Yul played great, I thought Mike was a great winner, I loved Parvati's game, Earl dominated, the third version of Tyson, the first version of Country Bumpkin (J.T).
What's your reason for being on Survivor? Win the game of games! Also, to go on an adventure that few will ever partake in, and to challenge myself physically, mentally, and emotionally.
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Why do you think you'll "survive" Survivor? I bring a certain sex appeal that men my age haven't had for over a decade or most have never had. But I digress; I also bring a sharp mind, likeable, joyful personality, one that can be both subservient when I need to be and a leader when there is a vacuum of leadership. I bring a strong set of physical skills, and I won't be the one whining and complaining. In the end, I'll make them laugh when we are all having a miserable moment.