“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
Three 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.
To Do Today: Honor Charlie and all our fallen heroes by living a life worth defending.
Interested in other ways to honor Charlie’s legacy?
- Consider supporting The C4 Foundation – The cornerstone of the C4 Foundation’s mission is an improved, 560-acre ranch property located in East San Diego County that serves as a refuge for Navy SEAL families and helps encourage family bonding pre-deployment, during deployment and in post-combat periods. Husbands, wives and children participate in activities designed from research on high performance to build closer relationships across the whole family unit. The C4 Foundation’s approach focuses on using the science of high-performance mindset to complement what works for families. The foundation strives to give families the tools to enhance social connections, provides mindful approaches for rejuvenating, and teaches novel tactics for communication.
- Check out the C4 Foundation collection by URT. All proceeds from the sales of C4 Foundation gear go directly to the C4 Foundation.