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Two Navy SEALs Killed in Helicopter Crash
CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- Two SEALs died in a helicopter crash northeast of Kandahar, Afghanistan, Aug. 16.
Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Patrick D. Feeks, 28, of Edgewater, Md., and Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class David J. Warsen, 27, of Kentwood, Mich., were among seven U.S. servicemembers killed in the crash.
Feeks and Warsen were assigned to a West Coast-based Naval Special Warfare unit located in Coronado, Calif.
"Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and teammates of Petty Officer Feeks and Petty Officer Warsen during this extremely difficult time. They were great warriors, teammates and friends to many of us in the Naval Special Warfare community," said Capt. Collin P. Green, Naval Special Warfare Group One's commander. "Although they are no longer with us, they will not be forgotten."
Feeks enlisted in the Navy March 21, 2006, and graduated from boot camp at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Ill. in January 2007. In October 2007, Feeks completed Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training in Coronado, Calif., and then went on to advanced training. He has served with a West Coast-based SEAL unit since May 2008.
His awards and decorations include the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2), Good Conduct Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal (2), Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon(3).
Feeks is survived by his parents, Thomas and Virginia, and his wife, Emily.
Warsen enlisted in the Navy March 10, 2009 and graduated from boot camp at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Ill. in May 2009. In March 2010, Warsen completed Basic Underwater Demolition/ SEAL School in Coronado, Calif. and then went on to advanced training. He has served with a West Coast Based SEAL unit since October 2010.
His awards and decorations include the Navy Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
Warsen is survived by his parents, David Warsen and Patricia Frank, and his fiancée Karlyn Deveau.
"We are all truly blessed that men like Feeks and Warsen answer the call to serve their nation at the highest levels of professionalism and capability," said Green. "We are deeply saddened by their loss, and so I would ask for your thoughts, prayers and support for NSW, our families, the special operations community and all of our Armed Forces."
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God Bless Special Warfare Operator First Class Patrick D. Feeks, and Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class David J. Warsen for their ultimate sacrafices. Condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to all that knew them. Two more seagulls take flight. God Rest their Souls.
Would seek, and would like to send my condolences to the families of these two brave sailors, which extends to families of the soldiers who were aboard two helicopters. Were serving the country in one of the most dangerous places on the planet, if not the most dangerous. You must be a special kind of person to be there doing the riskiest missions that front. Who defends democracy will not forget them. By Command of the U.S. Navy and the Department of Defense USA, wish you luck in continuing these war operations. Professor Ivan Freddi, LL.M, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Bless you all for your service and for allowing my family and I our Freedom. You