Thursday, June 28, 2007

Divinitus Inspiratus - by navyblue

The SEAL Community remembers with pride the eleven Navy SEAL patriots killed in Afghanistan, June 28, 2005, while conducting counter-terrorist and rescue operations.


On the second anniversary of those losses I want to gratefully acknowledge the sacrifice of the following warriors of the Naval Special Warfare Community:

The five SEALs from SEAL Team TEN who were lost are:

Chief Petty Officer Jacques J. Fontan, 36, Class 219
LCDR Erik S. Kristensen, 33, Class 233
Petty Officer 1st Class Jeffery A. Lucas, 33, Class 191
LT Michael M. McGreevy, Jr., 30, Class 230
Petty Officer 1st Class Jeffrey S. Taylor, 30, Class 229


The SEAL from SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team TWO who was lost is:

Petty Officer 2nd Class Danny P. Dietz, 25, Class 232


The five SEALs from SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE who were lost are:

Senior Chief Petty Officer Daniel R. Healy, 36, Class 176
LT Michael P. Murphy, 29, Class 236
Petty Officer 2nd Class Shane E. Patton, 22, Class 239
Petty Officer 2nd Class James Suh, 28, Class 237
Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Axelson, 29, Class 237

~ I also gratefully acknowledge the sacrifice of the following brave members of the US Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, Night Stalkers, who died in the helicopter crash on June 28, 2005 with eight Navy SEALs, in the joint rescue effort to save four SEALs under fire on the ground in Kunar Province:

Maj. Stephen C. Reich, 34, of Washington Depot, Connecticut
Chief Warrant Officer Chris J. Scherkenbach, 40, of Jacksonville, Florida
Chief Warrant Officer Corey J. Goodnature, 35, of Clarks Grove, Minnesota
MSgt James W. Ponder III, 36, of Franklin, Tennessee
Sgt. 1st Class Marcus V. Muralles, 33, of Shelbyville, Indiana
Sgt. 1st Class Michael L. Russell, 31, of Stafford, Virginia
SSgt. Shamus O. Goare, 29, of Danville, Ohio
Sgt. Kip A. Jacoby, 21, of Pompano Beach, Florida


beati qui lugent quoniam ipsi consolabuntur


* On July 14, 2005, it was my privilege to attend the final services for GM2 (SEAL) Danny P. Dietz, and to be with his wife and Teammates as we said goodbye to a consummate naval special warfare professional and a man of exceptional valor. Patriot Dietz has since received the Navy Cross posthumously along with fallen Teammate SGT2 (SEAL) Matthew Axelson for courage under fire where both men “continued to fight the enemy with undiminished zeal, covering the extraction of the rest of their team while they stayed and fought…Putting the safety of their teammates ahead of their own, they displayed extraordinary heroism in combat.”

Today, on the anniversary of those warrior deaths in Kunar Province, my heart is with the families that still still grieve this profound loss.

I have these additional acknowledgements ~

Danny – The Starry Night is brighter because you shine
Patsy – I remain faithful to the Forever Blue mission
B. – Infinite BZ’s for your presence and strength on 7/14/05 and 4/29/06
ADM R. – I’m forever in service to the Kids
C. – You know how it is
Sweet J. – You will always have my best Prussian Blue Farkles wherever you go – Hail Mary!

And, Warriors of Redwing – Rest well Brave Souls. You have my Forever Gratitude