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Subscribe to RSSPetty Officer Nicolas Cheque was a member of the Navy's elite special operations force, SEAL Team 6. He was killed Sunday during a hostage rescue mission in Afghanistan. NBC's Jim Miklaszewski reports.
The U.S. Navy SEAL killed on Sunday during a hostage rescue operation in Afghanistan is Petty Officer 1st Class Nicolas D. Checque, 28, a decorated combat veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Department of Defense announced Monday.
Checque was a member of SEAL Team Six, the special operations unit that killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan last year, though it was not immediately clear if he took part in that raid.
Checque, who was from Monroeville, Pa., and stationed in Virginia Beach, Va., joined the military in 2002, and has been part of Naval Special Warfare Command since 2008, according to the DoD.
He was awarded a Bronze Star and two other awards for combat valor.
In a statement Sunday evening, President Barack Obama said: "Yesterday, our special operators in Afghanistan rescued an American citizen in a mission that was characteristic of the extraordinary courage, skill and patriotism that our troops show every day."
"Tragically, we lost one of our special operators in this effort," he said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, just as we must always honor our troops and military families."
Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta issues a statement on Sunday, prior to the release of Checque's identity, commending the team for rescuing Joseph and extending condolences to the family, teammates and friends of the soldier who died in the mission.
"(The team) put the safety of another American ahead of their own, as so many of our brave warriors do every day and every night," Panetta said. "In this fallen hero, and all of our special operators, Americans see the highest ideals of citizenship, sacrifice and service upheld. The torch of freedom burns brighter because of them."
The rescue operation was launched when coalition forces reported that American doctor Dilip Joseph, who had been abducted by the Taliban on Wednesday, was in imminent danger.
A U.S .Navy SEAL is being praised as a fallen hero after he died during the rescue of an American doctor kidnapped by the Taliban in Afghanistan. NBC's Atia Abawi reports.
Joseph, who worked with the non-profit Morning Star Development of Colorado Springs, Colo., as a medical adviser, was kidnapped along with two Afghan staff members — one working on the medical team, the other a member of the support team. On Saturday evening, the other two men were released. They made their way out of the area and were taken to a police station.
Contact between the hostages, their captors and the non-profit's crisis management team started immediately, Morning Star said.
"Our relief in the safe rescue of Mr. Joseph is now tempered by our deep grief over the loss of this true hero," the organization said in an additional statement on Monday. "We offer our deepest condolences to his family and to his fellow team members. We want them to know that we will always be grateful for this sacrifice and that we will honor that sacrifice in any way we can."
Morning Star did not release the names of the Afghan nationals because "these two men live and work in the general region of the event," the organization said in a statement on Saturday.
At least six people were reported killed in the operation to rescue Joseph.
The abducted men were returning from a visit to one of Morning Star's rural medical clinics when the kidnappers stopped their vehicle in Kabul province, and were then taken to a mountainous area about 50 miles from the Pakistan border, the group said.
NBC News' Kari Huus and Reuters contributed to this report
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RIP soldier, thank you for serving your country
The deceased SEAL is NOT a soldier. He's a sailer. SEAL's are members of the Navy and Marine Corps.
Don,
Do you mean sailor?
Right, since soldier vs sailOR is what's really important here and not the thought behind the posters comment.
zorloc,
I agree. I only made the comment about the spelling to point out the irrelevancy of either at this point.
.
RIP Sailor!!!
Hooah!!!!
U.S. Army, Infantry
Retired
so women can't be scumbags too? its discrimantion i tell you
To the U.S. Government
Please bury our fallen hero in Arlington National Cemetery . It is an honor he truly deserves. Rest in peace my little brother.
BOB 1/28
Time to get our young folks out.
There is nothing in Afghanistan that is worth an American's life.
A typical stupid Charity doctror wandering around without any security inside a war zone surrounded by the Taliban who love Westerners and then wondering why he is a kidnapped. This idiot or another like like him will be doing it again next week - right after his 5 minutes of fame on Oprah and we'll lose another Warrior in a senseless mission. American combat troops should rescue real victims not fools looking for glory.
Was he a McCain, Graham, Bush, Romney family member?
typical liberal dooche bag......would have let the "do gooder" rot with the towel heads and sand wiggers. not worth the navy seals life. bet this moron left wing nut doc drives a prius.
1st Cav, if you are or were a soldier, you should know better. You do not judge people for why they are where they are, you only do the job or mission you are assigned. The doctor was an American and this soldier gave his life for his country, mission, and this American. Please do not disgrace the thousands of American's that are in harm's way every day with your political BS! And yes, I served in the military!
As usual you missthe point, when an overseas charity deliberately puts their members in harms way without protection (which it can easily arrange) and, as expected, they get hosed and, as usual, they demand the military save them, men in unioform die and these idiots get their five minutes of fame on the talk show circuit and go out and do it again. As soldiers we have few saving graces, except for our willingness to die for what we believe. We should not sacrifice our men to save idiots. I bet the doctor doesn't attend the funeral or thanks the unit or offers apologies to the family for his stupidity.
Charities don't have armies to commit. Thousands work safely every day. This was the fault of the evil men that captured him. Trying to help desperate villagers in need is not some kind of crime.
i couldnt have said it better,,,these 'do gooders' are freaking dangerous!!!
Go in with unmanned planes and blow these scumbags to pieces.....sickens me when this $hit happens. Or better yet, just level the whole country.....these people are like roaches.
That'd be the equivalent of nuking America because of inane comments. We're not all that dense.
So just how many unmanned planes and bombs do you think we have?
I just love to laugh at people that think we should bomb every inch of a country and kill everyone, including women and children, while calling them murdering cock roaches. Pot kettle black?
not the whole country dck-whad....pretty sure we got a pretty good idea where these pests are.....take everything so literally
I don't agree with nuking the whole country @S-480203 but they are not like us. If Jesus came back and walked down the street he would recognize everything he sees. They have not progressed in thousands of years. Back then people were bad and they are just like they used to be...bad. Remember how they were released from bondage by seven plagues from heaven and when no one was watching they built a golden calf? These people are just like they were back then.
"How dare them for not liking our American presence in a country with different beliefs, mindsets, and government. We should demolish their infrastructure and kill the whole lot of them."
Sincerely,
Ignorance is bliss
You would rather have the taliban and al q. over here giving you the choice of converting or having your head rapidly removed??????
why not ?
i got an idea...get your white asses OUT of THEIR COUNTRY!!!!!!!!
Keith: No, I wouldn't like that... Good thing we're aren't in jeopardy of having them invade the USA, right?
What do I know though. I mean, with their extremely superb infrastructure, massive military, unlimited equipment, various allies, and the ability to strategically collaborate a takeover of this magnitude; every American should be worried about their lives right now.
If only we had the largest, strongest Air Force and Navy in the world to defend our country from an Al-Qaeda/Taliban invasion.
My dollar says we cannot identify with his loss of life. By this I mean his family, Lindsey Graham, John McCain, republican x-presidential candidate Romney and other war mongers cannot understand that this man wrote a check, gave up his life, by joining the military, yet alone the SEALS.
Gosh, it seems that two major wars, I & II were orchestrated by democrats, not to mention Viet Nam, Korea. Get your head out and think..war mongers indeed...have you heard of the destruction of the twin towers....now some are saying the us gov. was complicit in this attack, but it remains that saudis made it....as a former Navy man (honorable discharge) I resent your attitude regarding going into the service...We do not plan to give up our life, but sometimes when the bad guys are dealt with there is a risk, and we take that risk so fools like you can spout their bull@!$%# on blogs like this. This sailor gave his life doing what he loved to do willing to take the risks involved. You should be thankful for the youngsters willing to dfo this for even you. Allwars are made by man in one way or the other whether by aggression or by manipulation: the goal is the same: to enslave people and wealth....your blog name says it all notsosmart!
I would like to know more about Morningstar the charity this doctor works for. The charity is headquartered in Colorado Springs - where many churches and Christian ministries are located. Its charity's director is listed on Amazon as a contributor to a book about converting people in the third world through Christian ministries that help the locals start businesses. Was the doctor rescued a Christian Missionary in a Muslim country and war zone? If so, is it appropriate that US soldiers should be in effect providing military support for Christian missionaries? NYT - more investigative journalism please.
Totally agree, stay out of these Countries. no life is worth losing in these areas. If you go, you are left to your own devices. Condolences to the family of the navy seal.
So . . . . it would have been fine if he was an atheist, but if an American citizen in peril is Christian he should be left to die?
I thought exactly the same thing.....and found the same references to the book on Amazon. They are a 501c - but their site makes zero mention of any of their donors/supporters. The Col Springs Gazette Telegraph notes:
Another interesting piece from the Gazette:
But....initially the report was that the doc had the crap beat out of him.
So, a SEAL's life is only worth $100,000......and the 2012 "operating budget" for MorningStar was $1.7 million. Tell that to this kid's family.
David - the docs personal religion has nothing to do with it. The difference is when a religion-based organization sends their folks over to war torn countries - and get in trouble.
These people put their religious endeavors ahead of all else - and a young man died for it. And I cannot believe for one second the good doc and never heard of the wars and deaths and Taliban in Afghanistan....
THAT is the problem.
. . . . The wars and the deaths and deplorable living conditions are the very reason he was there. Did you bother to actually make sure you knew which organization he worked for? Here's their site: [] His entire organization is devoted to trying to help stabilize the living conditions in Afghanistan. Do you know what they do there? They fund and provide education and health care facilities for civilians who otherwise would not have them. If you bothered to do a cursory amount of research, rather than just speculating based on geographic stereotypes, you'd discover that this "Christian missionary" doesn't go around preaching and passing out Bibles, they go around providing health care, education, and food to try to help those in need as they believe Christ taught them to.
His "religious endeavors" were to try to save lives and assist towards building a future for people in a war torn land. Do you honestly believe that if this charity group was not run as a Christian group there would not be the same risk to the people they send to help?
If it was a non-religious charity trying to provide food or water, or medical supplies, or education to Afghan civilians, would you be calling for the military to leave them to die when some of their members get kidnapped?
I don't know why the link to their site keeps failing to show in my last post, but it is msdev.org
RIP!How many more deaths is it going to take to make the bosses understand this is a no win situation?
Vevang, 30 second google search:
"Our Mission
Morning Star Development brings hope and opportunity to people in need in the developing world using sustainable economic and community development initiatives designed to empower individuals and transform communities.
Morning Star Development is a non-profit community and economic development organization committed to helping the people of Afghanistan rebuild their country and their lives by offering practical hope and resources. We focus on bringing transformational change to the people of Afghanistan through sustainable economic and community development initiatives.
Morning Star Development is a US registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and your donations to our work are tax deductible. Our financial records are audited annually by an independent CPA firm. As a member of ECFA (www.ecfa.org), Morning Star is committed to the highest standards of fiscal accountability and transparency. Our IRS 990 tax filing is available for public inspection."
http://www.msdev.org/morningstar/morningstar.php?page=about_us
You have a mouse for a reason.
These do-gooders have been told to stay out of these countries. We do not need to put our good men and women in harms way to get these people. Dr. Joseph should have kept his butt in Colorado, where it belonged. I have no sympathy for him only for the young man that lost his wonderful life for some one who was somewhere he should not have been. TAKE CARE OF OUR OWN FIRST -
To; notsosmart: Quit blaming good men for something Pres. Obama continues to pay for. All he has to do: say come home..
How very sad we have lost a outstanding soldier who was willing to serve our country and help another American who was in need.
Some will say it was part of his job. Yet it took great courage because at anytime, on one of his missions, he could have faced death. Each time, like on this one, it wasn't just some pseudo experience, but the real deal.
Finally, during a coordinated attempt, to rescue this doctor being held hostage, Petty Officer 1st Class Nicolas D. Checque laid down his life.
At ease soldier. Rest in peace. You have done your country proud.Greater love hath no man then this, that he lay down his life for another.
notsosmart really? leave your political bull@!$%# out of it. This story is about honor and sacrifice. Something you know nothing about.
And the two Afgans that were released, released quickly, were they part of the set up to kidnap this doctor? I understand the doctor may have been doing something he believed was important, but when he took the risk upon himself to go into a dangerous area, he should not have expected others to die for his safety. God Bless this brave young man and may someone with the power to do so, make this death make a difference. It is time to let this country manage it's own problems and every American citizen should leave and allow them to do just that. Bring every dollar possible home and destroy any thing of material value that cannot be moved. It is called cutting our loss and waking up to reality.
A Navy Seal for a money hungry medical advisor working for a non-profit operating in Afghanistan (anyone besides me suspect a corrupt contract?).... with a bit of a side note.. The doc is from a very pro Obama area... not a trade I am happy with.
This whole thing smells of political favoritism.. and one damn fine young soldier paid the price for a political statement.
There comes a time when self responsibility becomes a factor.. like many.. I question this entire scenario.
Are you freaking stupid? Do you not see the irony in how offensive your comment is to the death of this young man? He was serving his country - and did his duty and you rain on that duty? You come in here with your disgusting political rants and minimize this young man?
Are you an imbecile? Can you NOT comprehend how your comment offends the death of this young man? Idiot.
exodus,
How do you know this was a "money hungry medical advisor?"
If he is money hungry, then why is he working in a third world country for a non-profit organization that operates free health clinics for the poor? Never heard of anybody getting rich that way.
On the other hand, I agree with those that say missionaries or doctors that volunteer to risk their lives in these parts of the world should not expect American military to risk their own to rescue them. And maybe this doctor did not expect to be rescued. Who knows ...
But, God bless this young SEAL for his bravery and ultimate sacrifice to save another.
unlv..
My comment was meant to be very offensive.. in order to convey my disgust with a government so willing to waste the lives of our soldiers .. especially as a political favor.
As for your penchant for making things personal with a bit of name calling.. and I did check your profile.. it would seem that your inability to express yourself without belittling other members is a bit of a question within itself.
I would suggest you enjoy a documentary entitled "Why We Fight" a remake of the propaganda films of WW2.
Enjoy your day.
Exodus - Colorado Springs is EXTREMELY right leaning. It is home to over 65 national or international faith based orgs including Focus on the Family. The state went blue in the last election due to the population of Denver.
FWIW - I have lived in both cities - and I would rather stick my finger in an electric socket than ever live in Colorado Springs again.
You sir are an idiot
"money hungry, then why is he working in a third world country for a non-profit organization"
Yeah lots of money to be made working for non profit Organations?
"The doc is from a very pro Obama area.."
seriously? Are you drunk?
"My comment was meant to be very offensive.. in order to convey my disgust with a government so willing to waste the lives of our soldiers .. especially as a political favor."
Where did you get the idea it was a politcal favor? The little voice in your head?
Please feel free to post up some real proof of this "favor".
You're just a sore loser. Have fun making up BS rants for the next 4 years loser.
wow i cant stand obama but this is a bit of a stretch sir
Thank you.... Thank you....
This stupid doctor should not have been there in the first place. He is responsible for the death of an American military man. The NGO should be charged for the cost of the rescue operation. When these idiots go into a war zone they should not expect the US military to have to go in and get them out.
The Doctor didn't order the rescue mission and ptobably didn't expect one either
Six people died to save the life of one person who should not have been there in the first place....appalling.
psssst I think 5 of them were the bad guys.
Do you always miss the point? 6 people are dead who do not need to be
Actually, Chris, five of them really, really needed to be dead.
Maybe Chris values all human life, not just those he deems worthy of life. If your country was invaded wouldn't you do what you could to get them out? Sure, we think we're there for an altruistic purpose, but what about the people who live there? They've been tired of us being in their country and most Americans are tired that we're still in their country.
Well, I sure wouldn't go after a doctor trying to save lives in remote villages. Try going after a soldier.
RIP.
rip soldier.we will forever remember you!
As a veteran of a earlier war I want to first say a prayer for the soul of Petty Officer 1st Class Nicolas D. Checque and his family. Then I want to remind all those posters that just had to rant on behalf of their individual political agenda, that members of OUR military serve to protect all citizens of this country. During my term of service I was never asked to go or pass on any assignment based on the perceived political correctness of the mission. Finally I want to reassert that this is a loss to all military members regardless of whether they call themselves soldiers, airmen or sailors. Thank you to ALL who serve and have served in the past.
While I agree with you - this was an completely unnecessary loss. If faith-based orgs want to go into these war-torn countries - ok. But, our young men should not be subject to saving them when things go wrong.
@Dave.....Hoorah! Thank you for your service and even more for a kind and cogent post!
RIP PO 1st Class Checque!
This man was doing what he wanted to do. He is above nost men, just by making to be a SEAL. But what I don't think is right, an American over there know the dangers, and he put our elite in harms way, he should have kept his but at home. I don't see our guys having to go in after people who are so stupid as to be in a country that does not appreciate what has been done for them.
His family now has the loss of brother, son, uncle and more. Hopoefully they will know he is a HERO and that he gave his all.
Hmmm. . .we will go after a charity Doctor but we Sgt. Bowe Bergdaul who has been a P.O.W. since 2009? He also was taken prisoner in Afghanistan and is being held by the Taliban. Now, why can we send in a SEAL Team for this man but not one in for a Army Sargent?
Lack of actionable intelligence. Can't send in the team unless we know exactly where he is.
Oh geee maybe because they knew where one guy was and not the other? Just a thought.
R.I.P . My condolences to his family.
We should find the service member and bring him home alive. The Doctor, should have been left. Sorry, I don't think civilians from our Country need to be in a foreign Country we are at war with. Why have we not found Sgt Berdaul? He deserves more than the Doctor. I hope the military ships this idiot dR back to US. If gets in harm way again, leave him. Not worth one service members life.
On the "Today Show", Matt Lauer interviewed one of the wives of one of
the Navy Seals killed along with the US ambassador in Libya.
He asked, "What she would say to her children about their dad and how she
would want them to remember him."
Her answer, and I quote, "His love for Christ" and then continued on
with a few other things.
Throughout the day and on MSN homepage, replaying the story they have
edited the "Love of Christ" part out. Why? Because using the word
Christ might offend someone!
Well, I am a Christian and I am offended! I'm offended that they would
edit it out. Offended that we as Christians are asked to tread lightly
so as not to offend someone of another religion.
I think anyone who missed the original broadcast that morning should
know what NBC has done. This man loved his country and loved his God
and gave his life for both, just as Christ gave His life for him.
I am not ashamed of God but I am becoming more ashamed of my country.
It is time to take a stand.
GOD Bless America! God Bless us one and all...
nbc is a left wing shill for the worst of america, i'm not surprised at all,,,and I am not even Christian,,nbc like the Ny times makes me puke
The needs of the many out weigh the needs of the few. Spock.
RIP Sir. You're service to our great country well always be appreciated. God Bless you and your family.
Is it worth it to trade one American life for another in this case?
Mr. Nicolas Checque was an intelligent, good looking, and brave youngman and he had a very bright future ahead of him. We need more citizens like him.
We need more doctors to work in this country period and why this idiot works in a third- world country?
I feel sorry for the youngman's family and my condolences to Mr. Checque's family.
Mr. Checque. you are a hero!
I know a lot of my fellow veterans are hardwired to consider it disloyal to question the purpose of servicemembers serving in harms way, but this has been pointless for years. Al Qaeda moved to Pakistan and East Africa. The Taliban probably have more people in Pakistan than Afghanistan (depending on fighting season). Time to bring them home. Bryan USNA'88
And trust me. Mr Karzai has his visa to wherever in order. He won't be on the last plane out. One of my older colleagues is a Vietnam vet. He told me of this elaborate ceremony turning over command of this remote firebase to the South Vietnamese Army. They swapped the flags and followed the American trucks back to Saigon.
BGM, if you haven't heard of Smeadly Butler and his pamphlet "War is a Racket" you may want to check it out.