[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 139 (Monday, September 9, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E871-E872]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE LEADERSHIP AND LEGACY OF SENIOR CHIEF PETTY OFFICER ERIC 
                                DONAHUE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LORI TRAHAN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 9, 2024

  Mrs. TRAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Senior Chief Petty 
Officer Eric Donahue for his tremendous contributions and 20-year 
legacy in the United States Navy, including his service in the Joint 
Special Operations Command. Senior Chief Donahue has dedicated his life 
to our country for the past two decades, all while building a family 
with his wife, Katie, and raising their three children: Meredith, Ivy, 
and Tyler.
  Eric Donahue was born and raised in Andover, Massachusetts, and is a 
proud graduate of Austin Preparatory School in Reading, Massachusetts. 
A dedicated student, he furthered his education at the University of 
New Hampshire, obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Business 
Administration, Management, and Operations. It was at the University of 
New Hampshire that Eric met Katie, who has been a pillar of strength 
for him throughout his Navy career.
  Moved by the September 11th terrorist attacks, Eric embarked on a 
mission to become a Navy SEAL to protect the United States, its 
freedoms, and its ideals. After graduating from the University of New 
Hampshire in 2004, he had the opportunity to join the Navy as an 
officer. Instead of waiting to become an officer, he immediately 
enlisted to begin training without officer status.
  In March 2005, Eric commenced Underwater Demolition/SEAL training and 
successfully completed the program by August 2006, displaying 
exceptional dedication. He was subsequently assigned to SEAL Team 8 in 
Virginia Beach, Virginia. Throughout eight overseas deployments, 
including to Afghanistan and Iraq, his dedication, leadership, and 
outstanding service led to his appointment to the prestigious SEAL Team 
Six, the Naval Special Warfare Development Group. Within SEAL Team Six, 
Senior Chief Donahue has continued to lead in various capacities, 
overseeing numerous training events worldwide and being entrusted with 
dignitary protection.
  Senior Chief Donahue has received numerous accolades and awards 
throughout his career in recognition of his service. These include five 
Sea Service Deployment ribbons, three Presidential Unit Citations, two 
Navy and

[[Page E872]]

Marine Corps Commendation Medals, three Navy and Marine Corps 
Achievement Medals, one Navy Unit Commendation Medal, a NATO Medal, a 
Joint Service Achievement Medal, three Joint Service Commendation 
Medals, a Joint Meritorious Unit Award, an Iraq Campaign Medal, six 
Good Conduct Medals, an Expeditionary Medal, three Combat Action 
Ribbons, a Bronze Star with Valor, an Army Commendation Medal, and an 
Afghan Campaign Medal.
  Senior Chief Eric Donahue has demonstrated remarkable bravery, 
selflessness, and dedication as a Navy SEAL. He exemplifies the values 
of courage, resilience, and sacrifice that we hold dear as Americans. 
His leadership will leave a lasting impact on the United States Navy 
and our Nation. I would like to formally recognize and extend my 
deepest gratitude to Senior Chief Donahue and his family for their 
twenty years of service to our country.

                          ____________________