Saluting SEALs, Soldiers and Airmen

We pay tribute to the 30 brave U.S. servicemen who died August 6 when their helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan.

On August 6, 2011, an American CH-47 Chinook helicopter was shot down by insurgents in Afghanistan. The crash killed 30 U.S. servicemen, making August 6 the deadliest day for the U.S. military in the history of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Eight Afghans were in the helicopter and also died in the crash.

The helicopter carried 22 Navy SEALs, most of whom were a part of the mission that killed Osama bin Laden on May 2, 2011. Also killed were five U.S. Army soldiers and three U.S. Air Force airmen.

Names and photos of the 30 U.S. servicemen who died have now been released, allowing a saddened nation to properly thank and mourn these brave soldiers who gave their lives.

Special Warfare Operator CPO (SEAL) Robert J. Reeves, 32, was from Shreveport, Louisiana. A 13-year U.S. Navy veteran, he served all over the world and earned four Bronze Star medals. A lover of adventure, Reeves enjoyed mountain climbing, BASE jumping, and flying, among other hobbies.

Guest Book were remembered as a hero and a friend:"For everything you did and stood for I thank you. To have known you and laughed with you, I am grateful. Thank you for your sacrifices and for that you will forever be a hero to everyone."

"Thank you for your service to our country, you will be missed by all. Thankfully I was able to know you through high school and college and was able to share some memorable moments in sports (lacrosse) and as friends."

"I'm so glad God gave us those last visits with you. Your love for KendraGrace and your complete selfless nature were a comfort and inspiration to us and will always continue to be. We will miss your jokes, laughter, voice."

His obituary notes his great sense of humor and loyalty to family and friends, as well as his drive to succeed (and his humility about his many successes).