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Subscribe to RSSA 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.
Updated at 12:01 p.m. ET: The Pentagon on Monday identified the U.S. Navy SEAL who was killed in the rescue of an American doctor in Afghanistan as a highly-decorated 10-year veteran from Pennsylvania.
U.S. Navy
Navy Seal Nicolas D. Checque
Twenty-eight-year-old Petty Officer 1st Class Nicolas D. Checque, of Monroeville, died Sunday of combat-related injuries sustained while supporting operations in Afghanistan, the Pentagon said in a release.
Checque was assigned to an East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare command, the statement said. Checque had been awarded the Bronze Star, among many other commendations, the release said.
The rescue operation was launched when coalition forces reported that Dr. Dilip Joseph was in imminent danger.
Joseph, who worked with the non-profit Morning Star Development of Colorado Springs, was kidnapped Wednesday along with two Afghan staff members -- one is part of the medical team, the other part of the support team. Joseph has been the non-profit’s medical adviser for three years.
Morning Star said the team of three had been returning from a visit to one of its rural medical clinics when the kidnappers stopped their vehicle. The three were then taken to a mountainous area about 50 miles from the Pakistan border, Morning Star said.
Related: Kidnapped American rescued from Taliban, coalition says
Contact between the hostages, their captors and the non-profit's crisis management team started immediately, according to a statement on Morning Star's website. On Saturday evening, two of the hostages were released. The two men then made their way out of the area and were taken to a police station.
At least six people were reported killed in the operation to rescue Joseph, the third hostage. It is unclear whether that number includes the American soldier. Morning Star said the two staff members were released earlier.
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.”
Two Taliban leaders were reportedly taken into custody.
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta issued a statement Sunday evening commending the U.S. Special Operations that carried out the raid. He said he was deeply saddened by the SEAL’s death.
“I also want to extend my condolences to his family, teammates and friends,” Panetta said
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More than ten years after the beginning of the war, Afghanistan faces external pressure to reform as well as ongoing internal conflicts.
Jim Miklaszewski is the chief Pentagon correspondent for NBC News.
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Leave a Comment:
God Bless the Seal and his family.
Islamic trash kidnapped a Dr. who was helping people. What a sick society. Stop letting these backward people in our country.
And stop writing about SEALS. Exposing their whereabouts puts them in harms way.
shhh don't tell anyone, but there are SEALs in afghanistan...
Let's see - here in the US if you do something that is directly related to someone loosing their life - then you get your ass strung up for murder...or at least manslaughter. And this is absolute bullsh1t that our sons, husbands, uncles, and fathers are loosing their lives to save these completely selfish, arrogant, idiots who want to parade and proselytize around in war zones. Daniel Batchelder needs his butt kicked up over his shoulders - and his sleazy little 'non-profit' needs their veil lifted to expose them for what they are: preachers disguised as doctors and 'business' leaders and so forth.
And now we have ANOTHER dead SEAL - all to save some arrogant boob.
Why do we still have our young people involved in the never-ending morass?
well said JS IN SD #1.2!!!!!
Navy seals ROCK !
It bothers me when civilians think they can go into an insecure country to help an think they do not pose a risk of getting kidnapped or killed. That place is still hostile while our troops are there and is still going to be hostile towards us when we leave. They do not like us. Why bother to help. When we leave they are going to return to their lawless ways.
I believe the Dr knew he risked being killed. He went there to help people who had nothing else. Those are the kind of people that help with American relations with the locals, thus helping our troops in their daily outings with the civilians in the area - softens the image, open up information, etc... If the US did not want these citizens in that area they would NOT be there.
The Navy Seal's mission is not always just going in and killing the crap out of everything... sometimes they get to save. That has to be a wonderful change for them, but hey... I don't know. All of them know the risk of their priceless service.
God bless him and his gift.
the US does nothing to prevent citizens from going into these areas, besides some state department travel advisory or warning. people go where they choose.
BD - I see you focused on anything but the meat of my comments. Like I'm sure you are against anyone actually helping our troops...
We are at war in Afghanistan and it's great to hear of the doctor being rescued but his being there resulted in the death of one of our servicemen. It's time for a policy of telling any American going into a war zone that they are on their own if kidnapped. In fact the time is long past due for a policy of no help if you climb mountains or sail alone around the world on a kayak. It's just plain wrong for others to pay for and risk their lives for those engaging in irresponsible behavior.
"Engaging in irresponsible behavior"? Seriously?!!! That doctor went into the area to save lives for very selfless reasons. It's not as if he was just hiking for the scenery. He's done more for the sake of humanity than your judgemental ass will ever do.
DSP - CAPT/USNR
what a crock. if it were selfless, he would have stayed home and just gone about saving lives. he did it because it makes him feel good about himself, that he's helping humanity and those poor people over there.
OK BD,
During this Dr.'s self-righteous rub that you are accusing him of, knowing full well he risked death daily, I bet accidentally a lot of children were helped, stitched, fed, healed... and their mother's, too... their families given hope and when they thought of that hope, they knew it came from the U.S.A.
sure he helped a lot of people. just don't give the BS that he went over there for totally selfless reasons. not buying it. he didn't accidentally help anyone, he went over there on purpose to do so. he chose that area specifically, as opposed to central africa, south america, villages in alaska, or thousands of other places around the planet because it WAS afghanistan, a big deal to help those in need in the war zone. ego definitely played into the picture.
I was going to go into a lot of stuff, but basically you just have a lot of bitter hate about people in service. I don't think I ever mentioned about anyone's selfless reasons... or you buying anything. I will say you know nothing about anyone's motives here or overseas. Are you a mind reader or God? Unless of course you and the Dr are good friends and he confides in your daily. He's not mine so I don't have that privilege. Nor is it important. I don't think I know anyone with pure motives. Did the Dr say he's an angel of light? Nope. This article isn't about that. Why are you so absorbed in that? Are you just jealous that someone might like spending their life NOT in front of the TV or at work trying to get money to by the latest electronic device or game tickets? I think their program helps in many areas in If everyone went to help the sick, starving or underprivileged in Alaska what would Sarah do? You have no idea what Morning Star Development does. Why don't you read up. They teach the people of the area they are in to care for them selves. They bring supplies, education and equality. It's obvious that's something you are against, and you would reject for your family if you ever needed it, even if it came from another area. America dumped on Afghanistan years ago and left, that led to a lot of our trouble leading up to this war. Maybe we shouldn't do that again. Maybe these people are thinking more about that than you or what you think.
http://www.msdev.org/morningstar/index.php
This from the White Paper portion of Morning Star website:
"Morning Star Development (MSDEV) has demonstrated itself to be a highly effective, cutting edge NGO building institutional, governmental and economic and leadership capacity in post-Taliban Afghanistan...."
Post-Taliban Afghanistan does not exist, at least not yet, and may never. This is a misleading statement at best. Post-Taliban Afghanistan will exist much slower if our military is expected to be "on call" for folks like this doctor. As stated earlier somewhere in all these posts, the doctor probably contributed to the harm of more Afghans than he ever helped because the Taliban will retaliate against all who are even suspected of receiving any gain from these efforts. When there is actually a Post-Taliban Afghanistan, and Morning Star cannot find anyone in their own country to help, by all means help till it hurts. Until then, maybe Morning Star should consider providing protection for their people on the ground.
This NGO should be charged for all of the costs in the rescue of their doctor, who shouldn't have been there in the first place.
NBC,
If these Seals are willing to fight and die for their country, can't y'all do some basic homework in your article and call them either Sailors, or Seals? Soldiers are in the Army. Marines, always capitalized, are in the Marine Corp. Sailors and Seals are in the United States Navy. To call them soldiers shows a lack of professionalism, and is quite honestly a dishounor of what they have gone through to get to be the type of man they send into this situation. Lay off the pot and hit the books.
Is there a shortage of physicians in Afghanistan? I think we could influence Afghan physicians through US training and let them take back their enlightened skills to their home! I would think that is much safer... That is probably another discussion! I do think these volunteers need to realize and be prepared for the reality that they may be martyred in their missions. Even so, we must not allow people to be bullied like this and the US traditionally and proudly has led the world in promoting human rights and freedom...may God bless the family of this SEAL and all the families who are affected by military service and the stress of the ever present danger. I hope the physician fully realizes and never forgets that a man gave his precious life to save him. Perhaps he will continue in a life of service...and hopefully the community he served in Afghanistan will stand one day on their own and defeat these thugs...I am mindful of other Americans who are selfless in their efforts to improve the human condition across the globe, including Christian missionaries who are arrested, mistreated and martyred. I would like to think our president is as mindful of them.
Tennesseetwister, I'm with you, god bless the seal and his family. While we are at it, maybe god can damn the doctor and his family. Since he doesn't seem to care about the danger his actions put the rescue troops in. Maybe he should just go back to col and sit down and smoke some legal pot.
There isn't a greater sacrifice than what this American patriot just displayed. He gave his life for this country and what we represent. Woe unto any and all enemies that try to hurt us Americans anywhere in this world and beyond. "God Bless this Man and the United States of America"... Amen
One of our best died here people. The reason why isn't important. He was doing his job. A job he loved and He died proud. We should all be proud of him. That should be the end of it. God Bless you sir. And Thank you.
Why do these volunteer doctors feel they're special enough to put our troops in danger.
If you won't take care of yourself, stay home.
STFU...that doctor contributed more to humanity than you ever will.
Yea, he contributed another grave in Arlington.
Good man down. God Bless him & condolences to his family.
RIP Shipmate.
DSP - CAPT/USNR
I have a nephew who is a ranger and is sent by the government all around the world on confidential missions, much like this rescue might have been. Doctors, humanintarians, whatever must realize that they are in a war zone and that they face risks. Those risks include being captured and killed. If this is my nephew or someone else's family member, no matter this is a tragedy. Keep these doctors for peace etc out of the war zone unless they are willing to die for their work. I don't want my nephew killed protecting them. i want him home and safe with his family......
Tiredofitall...that doctor went into that area for completely selfless reasons...much like your nephew. As a former combat veteran, I can assure you that the doctor took all the dangers into consideration. His contributions are just as heroic and deserved as the soldier or sailor who puts himself/herself in harms way.
DSP - CAPT/USNR, Bronze Start (V) recipient
bullschitt. he went into that area to help those people over there because it made him feel good about himself. that he was doing humanity some big service by making the personal sacrifice to go over there and help those poor people. who the hell are you trying to kid? let me guess, he's done more than my ass or something? and continuing to flaunt your "Capt/USNR" credentials just shows that you are a pompous ass. there's many of us who have also served and don't buy that crap, nor need to post our medals to a blog.
DB
This leave the gun, take the cannoli,I believe, is a BSer. I don't think he is what he says he is and I know he wasn't standing there when this foolish doctor made the decision to go over there and what his motives were. AS for being in combat, the old leave the gun, take the cannoli, is pushing it pretty hard. Let me guess, he was on an aircraft carrier and they stopped and fought it out with a canoe.
but didn't you notice the "Bronze Star (V) recipient" after his Captain rank, US Naval Reserve status, and wht I would guess are his initials? He signed it and made sure we know he got a "valor" device on his medal, so he must be the real thing. he posted for all of us to see so that we know it, too...
The sad part of this story is the fact that they sent the seals to rescue this DR. , but they didn't do the same for our Ambassador and the security personnel (ex SEALS) in Benghazi. This Dr. owes the seals family big time.
Don,
SEALs are great sailors - but only sailors and not Marines
David-475776,
I have seen you on a lot of these comment boards spouting off your alleged "Asymmetric Warfare experience", aka BS over and over. You sir are a poser. And son't start playing the "my unit and mission was so secret that no one knows about it" nonsense either. Unlike most of the posters here I spent many years in Special Operations and in the AOR and know a true operator from a fraud. You obviously have no shame and will likely continue to do what you do - but I sincerely wish you would post comments as whoever and whatever you actually are and not this fantasy persona.
a SEAL is just a sailor, and not a marine? why, is being some marine harder and more prestigious than being elite special forces?
BD, why are you so seemingly down on the Navy and the Marines? Did you get turned down for service with either? Navy SEAL's represent the BEST OF THE BEST the Navy has and Marine's equivalent being Marine FORCE RECON represent their best. Either are in fact considered elite special forces. I spent 20 years as a U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman who honorably served from Vietnam to the 1st Gulf War. Many of it with and around the Marines. Please regale us with your background that makes you qualified to judge. Sounds like you need to do some research!
Old Soldier, in my time I had many freinds that were Navy SEALS or Marine RECON and almost never did they discuss and aspect of their jobs except maybe some elements of their training. I learned early on never to ask as I would always invariably get a blank stare or a abrupt change of subject. Anyone who bragged about being in the Teams and said they did this or that were immediately shunned. On more than occasion, I let my friends that were in fact SEALS or RECON know when someone was doing that and they were paid unofficial visits by these folks. They usually never bragged again or were sometimes immediately transferred to other areas or places.
EHH HM1/FMF USN/RET
Yes! Yes he did - and a Dr looked at him funny once. Basically all I can tell is BD is a bitter d*ck.
What a joke. These wannabes just want to be close to the action for some cachet at home. There are people starving and doing without medical care right here in the USA. If these idiots get captured they should just take their lumps. Now, there's a dead Navy SEAL because a much less valuable human being got his stupid self in a stupid bind doing stupid things. Screw you Dr. Dilip Joseph.
STFU...what have YOU done for the sake of humanity a$$hole?!!
you forgot to sign it, must be slipping
DSP - CAPT/USNR, Bronze Start (V) recipient
USN Capt: Into Harm's Way is both an oath and a way of life.
Not all comprehend. Some never do.
Doubtful they'll ever STFU. Exercising their constitutional protected right to be fools.
Thank you USN Cpt and Medic - you have restored my faith tonight.
Sometimes these threads get full of such horrible nasty clueless comments that I despair of American intelligence. Your comments are encouraging.
JoMan, agree with you 100%!
BD, thanks for continuing to prove you really do have no clue and no class.
A tragic reminder that, regardless of what our fearless leaders like to say, Afghanistan is still a dangerous place and likely will be for a long time to come. I don't really understand why nonmilitary personnel would even want to go over there
id of not rescued the dr, a seal is worth 5000 dr's he shouldnt of been there in the 1st place, and yet the dr goes home and a seal doesnt,, idiot dr, what was he doing in a war zone anyway? id o f let the taliban behead him,
Don,
SEALs are great sailors and only sailors. They are not Marines
David-475776,
I have seen your comments many times in reference to similar stories. In every case you find a way to mention your alleged "Asymmetric Warfare experience". But it is all BS. You sir are a poser. And don't give me that "my unit and mission is so secret that no one knows about it" nonsense. Unlike most of the people posting here, I actually spent a great deal of time in Special Operations and in the AOR and can tell a real operator from a fraud like you a mile away. I know that you have no shame or you wouldn't have to hide behind this high-speed combat fantasy persona you have created. But I wish you would stop. How about you just comment as whoever or whatever you actually are?
Old Soldier 55
Thank you, and thank you for your service. A poser like David will never know the honor and sacrifice of these individuals. The first time I read one of his bogus posts I smelled a rat. Come to find out it was a rat.
just out of curiosity, you do know that there are Marines who have earned the title of SEAL by completing SEAL training, right? Serve in SEAL units. And members of the Coast Guard, too. A SEAL is not necessarily a sailor.
"Two Taliban leaders were reportedly taken into custody."
LOL, for how long? If our Afghan allies haven't let them go by now they soon will.
All,
I apologize for double posting my comment. I'm just learning the comment posting ropes.
Dear MSNBC: A Navy SEAL is not a soldier, they are a Navy SEAL.