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Comment by Captain Shea on October 19, 2008 at 9:37pm

Hey Doug,
I really enjoyed flying with you last week~~What a splash given the beautiful fall colors and warm waters on the lake. Maybe, when you take more flying friends, I can bring the boat and the grill for a cookout~~Thanks tons for a $50.00 bucks well spent!!!!!!!!!! Still smiling~~~~~~~~~~

Comment by Doug Boyle on October 15, 2008 at 10:32am

The local news has reported an ultraligtht landed off-field due to an engine problem. This was not me or anyone I know; however, I'm trying to find out who it was in case any advice can be offered to help prevent another occurence.

Comment by Harry G. Butler III on September 3, 2008 at 1:56am

Capt.,
Very nice, well said.
I can tell you this about Josh and this goes out to all of our military. They really love this country and believe in what they are doing.
I remember my aunt was talking about my father being in WWII. We were talking about Normandy or some invasion. She asked, Do you know how your dad felt about the war? He loved every minute of it.
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Comment by Captain Shea on September 2, 2008 at 11:14pm

014,
Words can not express my deep expression of hope for this country. When this country losses someone of that caliber, or any one that believes in the red, white and blue; we should all take a moment to think of what we have and why. It fosters sadness in my heart that every American would not stop and think for at least a minute. What our soldiers deal with on a day to day basis is something most Americans turn a blind eye too. I am truly appreciative of the sacrafice this SEAL made for freedon in America. I think that all American's should realize that a human life has been lost in their protection. I wish I could be in the fight with him. Local TV news aired his picture and a 15 second comment on his life. Heaven needs warriors. I pray they have winds. One day we may all be in the fight again. Once again in the fight of good and evil. We will win. I just thought I had to say this. I don't like loosing good people who have families and the rest of their life ahead of them. This country owes them a great debt. Take care and God's Speed.
Captain Shea

Comment by Harry G. Butler III on September 2, 2008 at 10:09pm

DKB,
Thought I would send this to you since this Warrior was from Tar Heel country. Every time we loose a Frogman I get pissed off and think every M----- F------ Rag Head on this earth is not worth the loss of one of Americas finest Sons. We also know that when we sign up for the SEAL Team that you will always be doing something that could be the last thing you do. When we loose a Frogman around H2O I have to think something or someone got the best of him. The reason for this is this bunch as a whole are such strong swimmers, the water is our home.
Lastly I don't know if I told you we have four SEAL's in our family. My cousin Frank Butler, Pat Butler(Brother) and Frank's son Jeff Butler. No other family in the Good Old USA, that I know of, has four Frogmen in their immediately family. That's a real tough act to follow. As in the Flying World with the Smoking Hole, I sure wish I could have been there.
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UDT-SEAL ASSOCIATION - Joshua T. Harris
Class 236
PRESS RELEASE
Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command
COMNAVSPECWARCOM 2000 Trident Way San Diego, CA 92155
September 1, 2008

U.S. Navy SEAL killed in Afghanistan
- SEAL community mourns the loss of their teammate -
A U.S. Navy SEAL was killed in Afghanistan on Saturday during combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Special Warfare Operator First Class (SEAL) Joshua Thomas Harris, 36, a highly decorated combat veteran, drowned after being swept away by turbulent waters while conducting a river crossing during combat operations in Afghanistan. SO1 Harris was temporarily forward deployed to Afghanistan from his assignment at Naval Special Warfare Development Group in Virginia Beach, VA.

"Petty Officer Harris was an exemplary SEAL. He served his country valorously during multiple combat tours to Afghanistan and Iraq. He was a brave warrior, SEAL role model, mature and reliable teammate and an absolute great American. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Petty Officer Harris' family. His loss is deeply felt by the entire Naval Special Warfare community," said Capt. Scott Moore, commanding officer of NSWDG.

"The entire Naval Special Warfare community is deeply saddened by the passing of our teammate, Petty Officer Josh Harris. He will always be remembered as a warrior, a leader and a patriot. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends during this extremely difficult time," said Rear Admiral Garry Bonelli, commanding officer of Naval Special Warfare Command.

Harris, a Lexington, North Carolina native, was a graduate of Lexington High School where he was an "All County" and "All Conference" football player. He graduated from Davidson College, Davidson, N.C. with a degree in Studio Art. He then went on to architectural graduate school at the University of North Carolina - Charlotte pursuing a Masters Degree in architecture. His art has been on display at several showings on the east coast including the prestigious Lincoln Center in New York City.

Harris enlisted in the Navy on August 23, 2000 and reported to Boot Camp at Naval Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois on September 7, 2000. After completing Boot Camp he graduated from Quartermaster "A" School before reporting to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training at Coronado, California. BUD/S is the first step to becoming a U.S.
Navy SEAL and is six months of the most demanding training in the military. Upon graduating from BUD/S Harris completed an additional five months of SEAL Qualification Training before reporting to his first permanent duty station at SEAL Team Ten at Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek, Va.

While onboard SEAL Team Ten, Petty Officer Harris completed many rigorous qualifications preparing him for combat including Static Line Parachutist, Naval Special Warfare Special Reconnaissance Scout, Naval Special Warfare Sniper, SEAL Diving Supervisor, Advanced Tactical Driving course and others. Harris distinguished himself during multiple combat deployments to Iraq with SEAL Team Ten while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

On May 26, 2006, Harris transferred from SEAL Team Ten and began the demanding selection and training program at Naval Special Warfare Development Group. His training included Military Free-Fall, Naval Special Warfare Tactical First Response Medical Training, Survive Escape Resist Evade (SERE) 215 and 250 courses, Combat Pistol and Rifle Course and several other courses. Harris completed the arduous training during the selection program and
received orders to Naval Special Warfare Development Group as a member of Naval Special Warfare Tactical Development and Evaluation Squadron (NSWTACDEVRON) Two.

Harris is a highly decorated combat veteran and received numerous awards during his career as a U.S. Navy SEAL including the Bronze Star Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Combat "V" (Valor) Distinguishing Device, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat "V" (Valor) Distinguishing Device, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon (Operation Iraqi
Freedom), Combat Action Ribbon (Operation Enduring Freedom), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (4), Good Conduct Medal (2).

SO1 Harris is survived by his loving family, Dr. Sam and Evelyn Harris of Lexington, North Carolina; his twin sister, Kiki Harris, his brother, S. Ranchor Harris, III and his wife Serina and Nephews Dylan and Chase, and three loving aunts and uncles Thomas Veach and Sveta Long; Penny and Randy Overby; Tom and Maria Harris.

Services have not been announced at this time.

All media queries regarding this incident should be directed to:
Naval Special Warfare Command Public Affairs Office
Cmdr. Greg Geisen, at (619)-522-2824 or Cell (619) 398-6499
Lt. Nathan Potter, at (619)-522-2823 or Cell (619) 398-6498
Ms. Trish O'Connor, at (619)-522-2832 or Cell (619) 271-6061

Comment by Harry G. Butler III on August 30, 2008 at 11:19pm

Dougie,
In keeping the momentum of the comments going the following is one that seemed to really put things into perspective.
The three best things in life are a good landing, a good orgasm, and a good bowel movement. The night carrier landing is one of the few opportunities in life to experience all three at the same time.
014

Comment by Harry G. Butler III on August 30, 2008 at 1:08am

DKB,
While going over the video's and such a famous Aviation quote surfaced.
The Piper Cub is the safest airplane in the world; it can just barely kill you. — Max Stanley, Northrop test pilot
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Comment by Doug Boyle on August 29, 2008 at 7:28am

Comment by Doug Boyle on August 29, 2008 at 7:26am

Comment by Doug Boyle on August 29, 2008 at 7:25am

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