Fallen Soldier: John W. Faas

Navy Chief Petty Officer John W. Faas, 31, of Minneapolis was assigned to an East Coast-based SEAL team He died August 6, 2011 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter in which he was riding was shot down. He was one of 30 servicemen killed that day.

John was born on October 31, 1979 in Minneapolis, MN. As a boy, he was active in sports and martial arts, earning a black belt in Tae Kwon Do at the age of 12. He attended Minnehaha Academy, where he was captain and quarterback of the football team. He also loved academics and graduated valedictorian in 1998.

John had wanted to become a SEAL since the age of 11. He enlisted in the Navy in 1999, entered Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL (BUD/S) training in 2000, successfully graduated as a SEAL in 2001 and ultimately served with SEAL TEAM SIX.

CPO Faas had a passion for classical and religious literature and for martial arts. He will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family and friends, to his country, for his love of learning and adventure, and for his utter dedication and love of being a Navy SEAL.