[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Pages 17265-17266]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                  Chief Petty Officer Daniel R. Healy

  Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, I rise today to remember and honor Senior 
Chief Petty Officer Daniel Healy of Exeter, NH for his service and 
supreme sacrifice for his country.
  Daniel exhibited a willingness and enthusiasm to serve and defend his 
country by joining the United States Navy. He was dedicated to a cause 
much greater than himself, demonstrated by his decision to join the 
U.S. Navy SEALs, one of the most challenging, rigorous, and elite 
fighting organizations in the history of the world. Navy SEALs are 
named after the environment in which they operate, the Sea, Air, and 
Land, and are the foundation of Naval Special Warfare combat forces. 
They are organized, trained and equipped to conduct a variety of 
Special Operations missions in all operational environments. SEAL 
training is extremely demanding, both mentally and physically, and 
produces the world's best maritime warriors that live by the motto of 
``the only easy day was yesterday.'' Daniel knew that he would be 
continually challenged and surely would face dangerous assignments when 
he signed up for this premier fighting organization. He was a stellar 
example of today's elite warriors that are upholding the values of 
freedom and democracy around the world.
  Daniel graduated from Exeter High School in 1986, and answered the 
call to serve our great Nation when he enlisted in the Navy on June 5, 
1990. He attended Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL School and Basic 
Airborne School from 1991-1992, and then was assigned to SEAL Delivery 
Vehicle Team ONE for four years. After attending a year of extensive 
language training in California, Daniel was assigned to SEAL Delivery 
Team TWO in 1998 and was most recently stationed in Pearl Harbor, HI, 
again with SEAL Delivery Team ONE. Daniel dutifully and confidently led 
a training platoon in submerged delivery vehicles. He was deployed to 
the Middle East in March of 2005, for what should have been a six-month 
tour. Tragically, on June 28, 2005, Daniel made the ultimate sacrifice 
for this great Nation. Daniel and 16 other service members were killed 
while conducting combat operations when the MH-47 helicopter that they 
were aboard crashed in the vicinity of Asadabad, Afghanistan in Kumar 
Province.
  Throughout his career, Daniel earned a series of awards which testify 
to the dedication and devotion he held for his fellow SEALS, the Navy, 
and his country. Daniel's hard work and perseverance contributed 
greatly to his unit's successes and placed him among many of the great 
heroes and citizens that have paid the ultimate price for their 
country. Daniel was recognized throughout his distinguished career by 
receiving the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious 
Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, three Good Conduct Medals, 
and three National Defense Service Medals. He also attended the Basic 
Airborne School and was a graduate of language training at the Defense 
Language Institute, Monterey, CA.
  Daniel was truly an exceptional special operations warrior with more 
than 15 years of service and an unparalleled dedication to serve his 
county and fellow Navy SEALs. Daniel was also a noble and selfless 
family man, being a compassionate husband and father of four. He leaves 
behind a family proud of all that he had accomplished throughout his 
distinguished life and career in the military. His valor and service 
cost him his life, but his sacrifice will live on forever among the 
many dedicated heroes this Nation has sent abroad to defend freedom.
  My condolences and prayers go out to Daniel's family, and I offer 
them my deepest sympathies and most heartfelt thanks for the service, 
sacrifice, and example of their Navy SEAL, Senior Chief Petty Officer 
Daniel Healy. He was respected and admired by all those around him, and 
continually performed above and beyond all expectations while in U.S. 
Navy. Because of his efforts, the liberty of this country is made more 
secure.

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