“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
Two years ago today, our beloved cousin Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer Charlie H. Keating IV was killed in action in Iraq.
On the morning of May 3, 2016, Charlie’s quick reaction force (QRF) team received reports, that over 300 ISIS enemy fighters, reinforced by armored and explosive-laden vehicles were advancing on the host nation defense forces and surrounding civilian population. If not for the actions of Charlie’s team, this attack would have been catastrophic. Responding without hesitation, Charlie’s team valiantly held the advancing enemy at bay for more than four hours, enabling a successful Peshmerga partner force to counter attack. On May 3, 2016, Charles Keating fought fearlessly and made the ultimate sacrifice defending his brothers. Charlie died in action the true courageous warrior that he was; with a loaded gun in his hands and boots on his feet. He will never be forgotten.
Charlie posthumously advanced to Chief Petty Officer and his personal awards include the Navy Cross, Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal with valor, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Operation Inherent Resolve Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, NATO Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Rifle Expert, and Pistol Expert.
Help us honor Charlie’s legacy by doing a Chuck Sweaty Hero Workout today. Perspiration through Inspiration: dedicate your workout to Charlie and post a picture with #ChuckSweaty. If you’re really tough, try out the official Chuck Sweaty Hero Workout linked here.
Interested in other ways to honor Charlie’s legacy?
- Check out the Charles Humphrey Keating, IV Foundation which provides support and resources to the U.S. Navy SEALs and their families. One can only imagine the stress of being an active duty Navy SEAL. The distance and pressure of deployments, the buildup, and workups prior to leaving, the time apart from your loved ones, the theater of war, and the ambiguity of the return home can be, at times, emotionally insurmountable. The CHK IV Foundation’s goal is to prepare for and minimize the consequences of those stresses in order to keep the focus of the warrior on the things that keep him focused on his job and a peaceful family life.
- Check out the Chuck Heavy collection by URT. All proceeds from the sales of Chuck Heavy gear goes directly to the Charles Humphrey Keating, IV Foundation.