There is a saying in the SEAL teams; “Fight as you train, train as you fight.” That is what Senior Chief Petty Officer Brett Shadle was doing when he fell victim during a free-fall training last week. Although authorities are still investigating what caused the accident, one fact remains – Navy SEAL skydiving is the safest in the world. When these types of accidents occur, they are during the “perfect storm.” When one small thing goes wrong it can have a devastating outcome. Shadle leaves behind a wife and two small children and whether his death happened on the battle field or training field he is no more or less of a hero to his family and the rest of us. He was engaged in something that very few people have the capability and/or opportunity to do. Shadle served his family and his country faithfully. Being a Navy SEAL was a childhood dream and a year after enlisting became his reality. Shadle was a very highly decorated member of the Navy’s SEAL Team 6. We would encourage everyone to keep his wife and children in your thoughts and prayers.
They’re Our Kids Too…
The children of our fallen NAVY SEALs located here in Hampton Roads are our kids too. We understand their sacrifices in waiting for their dads to come home from distant lands. Many of us know firsthand what that feels like.
We also know how comforting it can be to have the support of a community and nation behind us.
We know that we are all one community and that we support each other in good times and bad. We all want these special children to remember the heroes that their fathers are, and the love of an entire country who mourns the loss of these great men.
We want them to have the opportunities that we would want for our own children. We want them to enjoy a childhood with a secure financial footing. We want them to go to college. We want them to enjoy the freedoms that their fathers died to preserve for us.
We are grateful for their sacrifice and just as no fallen warrior is left behind and is not forgotten. We will not leave these children behind or forget them. They are our children too.
Pay Your Respects
We have set up on this site two opportunities for our community to send our condolences to these kids who have lost their dads, and to say “thank you”. The first way is to donate to the Navy SEAL Foundation, an organization set up specifically to assist families of fallen Navy SEALs. (details are on the right hand side of the page)
The second way is to fill out a Thank you and Condolence card to these children. It will be sent to the Navy SEAL Foundation for them to distribute to these kids.
To the children of these heroes:
We wish to express our deepest condolences at your loss and wish to thank your dads for their service to our country. There is no way to repay the debt that we owe them as Americans.
We want each of you to know how much we love and care about you, even though we may not know you personally. In your honor, we have made a contribution to the Navy Seal Foundation to help take care of you and your family in the years to come.
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Thanks so much for your service. While we do not know you personally our hearts break at your loss. While our small donation is not much, we want to do a little to help make your future a little brighter. God bless you.
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How do we say thank you to men that have giving it all? Words fail us in moments such as these. To all the men and women that serve our country ….thank You. To the families that love them…thank you. May God welcome these brave men into their final rest and surround their families with his comfort and grace.
JP Morgan,
Thank you for allowing you spouse and/or dad to ensure our freedom and safety remains in tact in America. God bless you!
beth johnson,
My heart and prayers go out to you in this time of great loss for your family. Thank you so much for giving your all to keep us free. May God be with you always
Sincerly
The Johnson Family
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To the families : There are no words to describe my sadness for your tragic loss. I can only say that the seals who gave there lives for this country will always be cherished and remembered in our hearts. My families prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Barbara Geistwhite,
Though nothing can bring back your dads we know that your family and friends who love you will always help you remember what special father's you had.
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We are praying for each of you.
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While I do not know you personally I would like to thank you for the service that you and your family do. I am sorry for your loss as it is heartbreaking to lose family members. Remember that you father was doing what he loved to do! Best wishes to your familys.
Rob,
I don't know any of you. I wish I did. God's mercy and grace on you and your family and friends.
Jim T,
God Bless these heroes and their families. It is heartrending to see families suffering because these fine men paid the ultimate price protecting our freedom
Beth,
There is no sacrifice like the one that your parent made for our country. God Bless you.
Jaclyn,
You will always make your dad and this country proud. You have the strongest guardian angel in Heaven looking down on you, showering you with love in every raindrop, and protecting you. God bless you, your family, and may God continue to bless America.
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In no way can our country ever repay you for your family's sacrifice. May God bless you and keep you. Thank you.
The King Family,
May God bless you and guide you all the days of your life. We can never repay you for the ultimate sacrifice your Dads gave, but you will forever hold a special place in our hearts. From one Navy family to another - HOOYAH!
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As an old warrior it hurt my soul to hear the news reports of what happened. I am so very sorry for your loss. I can not even imagine the pain you are in but remember this...your fathers were American Heroes. Never forget that and be proud of the work they did. As time passes and your hurt begins to heal I pray that you will come to fully understand the vital and important role that they played in the security of our nation and in your security. God Bless you and keep you always.
Semper Fidelis,
Steve Flynn
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