Attended the memorial for Chris Kyle today . For such a solemn occasion , it was an inspirational event . Thanks to the Kyle family for giving us the opprotunity to pay our respects .

 A cash gift for retirement might be a nice idea as well.  http://www.esquire.com/features/man-who-shot-osama-bin-laden-0313

RyeJim.  Sad for that SEAL.  But throwing money into an IRA is a great idea for a lot of reasons.

John Chalus, Nice present.  Now they get a Casio when they finish Phase II.

Money does sound like a good present.  

I am not sure how much info was reported on the News but there were 3 Guard riders in a accident on the way to Austin. Navy SEALs in the procession went to there aid and worked on them till first responders arrived.

HooYah SEALs.

RIP Chris Kyle.

Congrats two nine nine!  

Here are two new Navy SEAL titles that are coming out very soon:

Damn Few: Making the Modern SEAL Warrior

This book will take you inside the personal journey of Lieutenant Commander Rorke Denver and the fascinating, demanding SEAL training program he now oversees. Denver and Newsday columnist Ellis Henican write about what it takes to become one of the nation’s most elite warriors and how the Navy SEALs evolved into America’s best protectors in the post-9/11 world.

Denver, who has fourteen years of experience as SEAL officer, shares his story as a recruit, a platoon leader and a training officer for the U.S. Navy SEALs. He details how the SEALs’ creative operations became front and center in America’s War on Terror—and how they are altering warfare everywhere.

Damn Few: Making the Modern SEAL Warrior is set to hit Amazon and Barnes & Noble on Feb. 19.

Battle Ready: Memoir of a SEAL Warrior Medic

Navy Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart recipient SEAL Lieutenant Mark L. Donald  shares in this 352-page memoir his journey from the rigors of BUD/S training to the horrors of the battlefield. The book immerses the reader in the unique life of the elite warrior-medic who advances into combat with life-saving equipment in one hand and life-taking weapons in the other. It also touches on how he struggled and survived the demons caused by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that threatened to destroy him and his family.

According to his service record, Donald began his military career as a Reconnaissance Marine in 1985. In 1987, following his transfer to the U.S. Navy as a Hospital corpsman, he began service as a SEAL Corpsman. He served the nation for 24 years as a Navy SEAL, Corpsman and Medical Service Corps officer.

being written by SEALs I don't think they would reveal anything that may compromise those serving or in training....think what sets "us" apart from everyone else is the mind-set....that is not something learned by reading a book

Double edged sword.  While it seems appropriate that our elite troops get some recognition, does all the publicity reduce their effectiveness and safety??

The conflict of media exposure vs. Op Sec. is an issue being discussed and debated at the highest levels of command. Apparently there's no easy answer. http://www.emptywheel.net/2012/08/27/admiral-mcraven-taxpayers-shou...

in chapter 6 of Damn Few.....absolutely nothing there that I haven't seen on TV, AND in movies, AND in at a least a dozen other books I've read about BUDs.....

Is there any interest out there for starting a discussion forum for dads of guys who have recently gone on to the teams?

RyeJim, I'm interested. although I'm not the most talkative on this site. Thanks RJ

293 son - I'm interested, RyeJim.  Thanks

can I suggest to you guys you start it as a group...you can make it private that way and posts by accepted members only show up in the group and are not visible to the general membership.  If you need help, let one of the admin team know and we can help walk you through it. 

On another note, the National Geographic channel has a new series called, "Inside Combat Rescue".  The first segment was this week, showed some training, interviews and some intense rescues.  The series is about the Air Force PJ's.  They made it clear that they had a close SF working relationship.  Hopefully no ones son will need the PJ's.  It was comforting to see how dedicated and professional they were.  The segments are replayed several times.

RyeJim,  I am interested in the group for new guys to the Teams.

just remember that THIS particular group is not a private group and is open to the public.....

Pick up a copy of Damn Few and read it ASAP. Excellent read. The author is a retired SEAL officer. His insights and comments about the GWT and the future of SEAL TEAM and other Spec Ops units are interesting. As a former SEAL and the father of a former SEAL I agree with his assessments.

and don't forget that Rorke Denver is the same Rorke from Act of Valor......

Rorke Denver oversaw every aspect of SEAL training and made combat deployments. He writes from experience.

On February 2, 2012 a nationed mourned with the loss of
Navy Seal "American Sniper" Chris Kyle along with
his trusted and close friend Chad Littlefield.

http://www.chriskylememorialtrust.org/

Official trailer for MURPH: The Protector, premiering March 22nd, 2013 at Regal Entertainment Group Theaters.

Hey Paul, how can we make "After the Trident" private as per your suggestion?

in the Group options box is a Edit Group link...that should give you the option to make it private and some other options to limit membership....

Watch Rorke Denver on FOX news: http://video.foxnews.com/v/2186790007001/

Search in Hawaii for missing Navy SEAL called off

HONOLULU

Authorities have suspended the search for a Navy SEAL who went missing after he became separated from his unit during open ocean swim training off Oahu's Kaena Point.

The Coast Guard said Sunday that its crew, Honolulu lifeguards and firefighters along with Navy and Marine Corps crews have been searching for the sailor since Tuesday. They searched over 24,000 square miles using aircraft, cutters and small boats but found no signs of him.

The sailor's name was not released by the Coast Guard.

A call to a Navy spokesman was not immediately returned.

The Navy Seal Prayer
Dear FATHER IN HEAVEN, If I may respectfully say so sometimes you are a strange God. Though you love all mankind, It seems you have a special predilections too. You seem to love those men who can stand up alone who face impossible odds, Who challenge every bully and every tyrant ~ Those men who know the heat and loneliness of a calvary. Possibly you cherish men of this stamp because you recognize the mark of your only son in them. Since this unique group of men known as the SEALs know calvary and suffering, teach them now the mystery of the resurrection ~ that they are indestructible, that they will live forever because of their deep faith in you. And when they do come to heaven, may I respectfully warn you, Dear Father, they also know how to celebrate. So please be ready for them when they insert under your pearly gates. Bless them, their devoted Families and their Country on this glorious occasion. We ask this through the merits of your Son, Christ Jesus the Lord, Amen."
By Reverend E.J. McMalhon S.J. LCDR, CHC, USN

Finished listening to Damn Few today.....I highly recommend!  Excellent book............

Thanks guys for the book recommendation for "Damn Few".  That will be my next book to read -

this is part 7 of a 15 part interview with Rorke Denver:

for all the interview segments posted so far: https://soundcloud.com/rorke-denver

Talking about knives, etc.  I got a note from my Sailor the other day.  He said that when he got to his rack after work, he couldn't sit down because of all the weapons he had hanging on him or in pockets.  He had to shed them all before he could even sit.  Maybe gummy worms are a good gift:)

be sure to check out our Book Nook group for other recommendations to read: http://www.navydads.com/group/navydadsbooknook

You might like Red Circle as well.  VERY well-written and informative.  Written by a SEAL who ran their sniper training.

A retired Navy SEAL, Gary Welt has ALS. He put in 30 years in and now needs our help. Check the Red Circle Foundation to make a direct contribution to Gary and his family. You can find out more about him on that site.

To those anticipating attending 294 graduation, we have made reservation at the Navy Lodge North.  If you are planning to attend and would like to arrange a get-together on Thursday before graduation, please send me an email through Navy Dads. 

Hopeful to expand our Navy family of friends and "after the trident" relationships.

Jim

Stephen - I was out there visiting last week too.  Maybe we saw each other - the proud parents trying to be inconspicuous :)

Amazing story: read FEARLESS about Adam Brown

part 1: http://www.lifeofduty.tv/#!/patriotprofiles/video/398

part 2: http://nralifeofduty.tv/#!/home/video/399

pretty awesome book so far:

Battle Ready: Memoir of a SEAL Warrior Medic

Navy Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart recipient SEAL Lieutenant Mark L. Donald  shares in this 352-page memoir his journey from the rigors of BUD/S training to the horrors of the battlefield. The book immerses the reader in the unique life of the elite warrior-medic who advances into combat with life-saving equipment in one hand and life-taking weapons in the other. It also touches on how he struggled and survived the demons caused by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that threatened to destroy him and his family.

According to his service record, Donald began his military career as a Reconnaissance Marine in 1985. In 1987, following his transfer to the U.S. Navy as a Hospital corpsman, he began service as a SEAL Corpsman. He served the nation for 24 years as a Navy SEAL, Corpsman and Medical Service Corps officer.

Saw the "Graduation Dress" post, so sounds like "business casual" for civilians would be OK for the Trident ceremony?  Our guy hasn't told us any details - including restrictions on cameras/videos.  Guessing with OPSEC, no pictures on base?  Any info would be appreciated.