SOC Collin T. Thomas

[DropKick]

It is with great sadness that the UDT-SEAL Association informs its
membership about the passing of SOC Collin T. Thomas, USN, SEAL - Class 219
on August 18, 2010

SOC Collin T. Thomas, USN, SEAL- Class 219

Chief Special Warfare Operator Collin Trent Thomas, 33, a distinguished and
highly decorated combat veteran, was fatally shot during combat operations
in eastern Afghanistan. Thomas was forward deployed to Afghanistan as part
of an East Coast based Navy SEAL Team.

"Collin Thomas was a brave American patriot and an incredibly gifted Navy
SEAL. His tireless professionalism, inspiring passion for life, and humble
demeanor made him a role model for all who knew him. We are deeply saddened
by this tremendous loss of a brother in arms," said a senior officer in his
command. "Our hearts and prayers go out to the Thomas family during this
very difficult time, and we will never forget the ultimate sacrifice that
Collin made while protecting our nation and his teammates."

Thomas, a native of Morehead, Kentucky, graduated from Rowan County High
School in 1995. Following high school, Thomas attended Morehead State
University. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on February 20, 1997.

Thomas' military career began when he reported to Recruit Training Command
at Great Lakes, Illinois. After completing basic training, Thomas remained
at the Great Lakes training center for technical instruction before
reporting to Coronado, California to participate in Basic Underwater
Demolition/SEAL training. BUD/S is the first step in becoming a Navy SEAL
and is six months of some of the most demanding training in the U.S.
military.

Upon graduation from BUD/S, Thomas was assigned to his first SEAL team where
he participated in numerous joint exercises and developed his skills as a
Special Warfare Operator.

Thomas was a highly-decorated combat veteran and received numerous awards
and citations during his 13-year Navy career, including two Bronze Star
Medals with combat "V" distinguishing device; a Purple Heart; a Joint
Service Commendation Medal with combat "V" distinguishing device; a Navy and
Marine Corps Commendation Medal; Six Navy and Marine Corps Achievement
Medals; Two Combat Action Ribbons (Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation
Iraqi Freedom); Four Good Conduct Medals; the National Defense Service
Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two campaign stars; Iraq Campaign
Medal; Marksmanship medals with "expert" service device for both rifle and
pistol, and a multitude of personal, unit, and campaign decorations.

Thomas is survived by his loving parents Clayton and Paula, who live in
Hertford, North Carolina, his sister Meghan of Morehead, Kentucky, and his
fiancée Sarah Saunders of Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Services in Virginia are as follows:

Visitation for family and friends will be held On Wednesday, 25 August
4pm-9pm at:
Holloman and Brown Funeral Home
3600 Virginia Beach Blvd
583-0177

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, 26 August at:
JEB Little Creek Base Theatre

Services in Kentucky are as follows:
Saturday, 28 August from 1pm-4pm:
Visitation
Morehead State University
Athletic Center
150 University BLVD
Morehead, KY 40351

Funeral: At the completion of the visitation at Morehead State University
Internment Service: Immediately following funeral service.
Forest Lawn Memorial Garden
2835 Flemingsburg Rd.
Morehead, KY 40351

[PV74RU78]

RIP Warrior. God Bless you and your loved ones.

[gator28]

RIP