Since the President and the White House in true and typical cowardly fashion REFUSE TO CALL THIS A COMBAT DEATH I wanted to post this really nice memorial Mr. Keating’s former alma matter, Indiana University put up for him.
Please re-post this and send it to everybody you know. Let’s all do the right thing for this brave and honorable soldier since his Country obviously refuses too. -SF
IU mourns passing of U.S. Navy SEAL Charles Keating, a former student-athlete
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Indiana University is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of former student-athlete Charles Keating, a U.S. Navy SEAL who was killed Tuesday morning on a mission in Iraq.
Keating, who came to IU from Paradise Valley, Ariz., was a student and a track and field and cross country runner at IU from 2004 to 2006. He was a member of the 2004-05 track team that finished as a Big Ten runner-up in both the indoor and outdoor seasons. Keating competed in the mile run.
“When Charlie left IU to enlist and try to become a SEAL, I don’t think it really surprised any of us,” said Robert Chapman, professor of kinesiology at IU Bloomington, who served as IU’s men’s cross country coach from 1998 until 2007. “You could tell he was a guy who wanted to be the best and find out what he was made of, and serving as special operations forces for his country embodied that.”
Head track and field coach Ron Helmer issued the following statement on Keating.
“From all accounts, Charles Keating was a great kid and a privilege to coach. On behalf of Indiana Track and Field, my condolences go out to the entire Keating family. He paid the ultimate sacrifice defending his country, and for that we are eternally grateful.”
Keating is the son of former swimming great and IU alumnus Charles H. Keating III (’74-’77), who was a three-time All-American for the Hoosiers in the breaststroke and a four-time Big Ten Champion. Keating III finished fifth in the breaststroke at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal.
Indiana head swimming and diving coach Ray Looze remembers the Keating family and offered his condolences.
“Charlie Keating was a valuable member of the Indiana Athletics community. His father was a decorated All-American and Olympian for the Hoosiers, and their family gave me one of my first coaching jobs in Phoenix. On behalf of the IU Swimming community, we express our deepest condolences.”
Former teammate of Keating, Stephen Haas provided the following statement regarding the loss of Keating.
“I’m sure you are going to hear a lot about what a bad ass Navy SEAL Charlie was, and I’m sure he was the baddest. I think me and my teammates at IU will always remember him for being the most likable guy in the room with the biggest smile. Charlie was such a nice guy and everyone loved being around him. He was such a goof with no worries in the world. I don’t think I ever saw him upset. He loved having a good time and his attitude was contagious. I’ve been in touch with most of my teammates at IU and some of Charlie’s best friends. Everyone is devastated. He was really loved and will be greatly missed. I know we all feel so lucky to have spent so much time with him while in such a great time of our lives at IU.”
The entire IU community extends its heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the family, friends and loved ones of this heroic fallen Hoosier and brave American.
Are you kidding me? Not a combat death? I read he was surrounded and overpowered by by an ISIS raid – isn’t that right?
That is correct. The Sec of Defense has stated it was a Combat Death, but the White House, in true cowardly fashion, refuses too.
http://taskandpurpose.com/navy-seal-killed-christian-village-near-mosul/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=tp-today
Okay – now I’m pissed. I have an early appt. with a surgeon this morning, but when I finally get back in gear – I have a ton of letters to write!!!
Let em’ have it GP!
Have you seen the latest speech out from the Australian PM? Whoa – does she ever give it to the Muslims in her country!! Finally – a leader who sticks up for her own people!!
Will have to check that out.
If you can’t find it, I’ll try to send it to you.
I found it. Thanks GP.