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Updated: 5:40 PM Aug 20, 2010
Navy SEAL from Morehead Dies in Combat
The Department of Defense announced Friday the death of a sailor from Morehead, Ky.
Posted: 12:54 PM Aug 20, 2010Reporter: WSAZ News Staff Email Address: news@wsaz.com |
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UPDATE 8/20/10 @ 5:30 p.m.
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- The Naval Special Warfare Group TWO has released the following statement in regards to the death of Chief Petty Officer Collin Thomas:
The Naval Special Warfare community is grieving the loss of Chief Petty Officer Collin Thomas. Our thoughts are with the entire Thomas family during this very difficult time.
Despite this incredible loss, Collin's teammates will remain resolved in
their fight against terrorist elements in Afghanistan, because they know that's what Collin would have wanted.
Chief Special Warfare Operator Collin Trent Thomas, 33, a distinguished and highly decorated combat veteran, was fatally shot during combat operations in eastern Afghanistan. Thomas was forward deployed to Afghanistan as part of an East Coast based Navy SEAL Team.
“Collin Thomas was a brave American patriot and an incredibly gifted Navy SEAL. His tireless professionalism, inspiring passion for life, and humble demeanor made him a role model for all who knew him. We are deeply saddened by this tremendous loss of a brother in arms,” said a senior officer in his command. “Our hearts and prayers go out to the Thomas family during this very difficult time, and we will never forget the ultimate sacrifice that Collin made while protecting our nation and his teammates.”
Thomas, a native of Morehead, Kentucky, graduated from Rowan County High School in 1995. Following high school, Thomas attended Morehead State University. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on February 20, 1997.
Thomas’ military career began when he reported to Recruit Training Command at Great Lakes, Illinois. After completing basic training, Thomas remained at the Great Lakes training center for technical instruction before reporting to Coronado, California to participate in Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training. BUD/S is the first step in becoming a Navy SEAL and is six months of some of the most demanding training in the U.S. military.
Upon graduation from BUD/S, Thomas was assigned to his first SEAL team where he participated in numerous joint exercises and developed his skills as a Special Warfare Operator. Since February of 2000, Thomas has been assigned to various East Coast based SEAL teams where he made several deployments in support of Overseas Contingency Operations, distinguishing himself during numerous combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Thomas was a highly-decorated combat veteran and received numerous awards and citations during his 13-year Navy career, including two Bronze Star Medals with combat “V” distinguishing device; a Purple Heart; a Joint Service Commendation Medal with combat “V” distinguishing device; a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal; Six Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals; Two Combat Action Ribbons (Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom); Four Good Conduct Medals; the National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two campaign stars; Iraq Campaign Medal; Marksmanship medals with “expert” service device for both rifle and pistol, and a multitude of personal, unit, and campaign decorations.
Thomas is survived by his loving parents Clayton and Paula, who live in Hertford, North Carolina, his sister Meghan of Morehead, Kentucky, and his fiancée Sarah Saunders of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
ORIGINAL STORY 8/20/10
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- The Department of Defense announced Friday the death of a sailor from Morehead, Ky.
According to a release on the DOD website, Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Collin Thomas died August 18 during a combat operation in eastern Afghanistan.
Thomas was 33 years old and assigned to an east coast-based SEAL team.
Gov. Steve Beshear said Friday that flags at state office buildings will be lowered to half-staff on the day that Thomas is interred.
Latest Comments
Our heart goes out to the family and Sarah! He will be truely missed. It was a pleasure to take care of "Hagen" their awesome dog. We are all proud to have gotten to know him. Beach Pet family........
Praying for those mourning the loss of this true American Hero who has paid the ultimate price!!! May God comfort you all during this difficult time! Just over a month ago, a friend lost her brother, Sgt. Justin Allen. As these soldiers are fighting & dying for our country, we are sadly reminded that Freedom is not Free! Thank you dear Sailor for your service and dedication to your country and for my freedom! You will forever be a true Hero!!!
I pray for peace for Collin's family. I am always saddened when the U.S. loses one of its Warriors. I pray God will shield the rest of our Brave Warriors serving at home and abroad.
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