John Faas, a Navy SEAL, Was Killed in an Afghanistan Helicopter Crash

John Faas, a natural-born leader, always wanted to become a Navy SEAL. The 31-year-old from Minneapolis never wavered, becoming a chief petty officer and serving in the military’s elite fighting force.

He lost his life in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan. He was among 30 U.S. troops, including 22 SEALs, who were killed.

Early Life and Education

John Faas was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He graduated from Minnehaha Academy and was co-valedictorian of his class. He also earned his Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do at the age of 12.

As a member of the United States Navy, he served his country proudly and passionately, always working hard to better himself and the other members of his team. He was a man of many talents, including a strong passion for classical and religious literature and martial arts.

He was a highly motivated student and a talented artist, often illustrating his own work. He had a deep and abiding spiritual life, and was a popular figure in his hometown of Minneapolis, where he was known for his warm and friendly nature. He was also well-known for his thorough knowledge of the Bible.

Professional Career

John enlisted in the Navy after graduating high school in 1999 and attended Recruit Training Command at Great Lakes, Illinois. He then went on to attend Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in Coronado, CA in April 2000 before reporting to his East coast based SEAL Team in July 2001.

He served four years as a member of SEAL Team EIGHT, including deployments to EUCOM, Afghanistan and a hand selected assignment to the Horn of Africa. He was awarded multiple awards and honors for his military service.

John also authored many articles and technical papers on design engineering and introductory mechanical engineering topics. His research has been published in International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference. Moreover, he has presented at several conferences worldwide.

Achievements and Honors

As a young man, he never wavered from his ambition to become a Navy SEAL. He was a natural leader and had always been involved in athletics, earning a black belt in Tae Kwon Do at the age of 12.

As his senior year of high school drew to a close, John Faas enlisted in the Navy. He completed basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois and then attended Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in Coronado, CA.

He was awarded several awards including the Bronze Star Medal with ‘V’ device for valor (3), Joint Service Commendation Medal with ‘V’ device for valor, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon (2), Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (3), Iraq Campaign Medal (3), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (3) and the Pistol Marksmanship Medal. He will be missed by his family, friends and fellow sailors.

Personal Life

John Faas, the 31-year-old chief petty officer who was among 30 American service members killed in an Afghanistan helicopter crash Saturday, was a true warrior. His family described him as a man of unquestionable integrity and courage who was dedicated to serving his country.

He was also a redheaded sweetheart, a big kid who loved to play basketball and football, even though he never had a college scholarship. He was a valedictorian of his class at Minnehaha Academy and earned a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do at age 12.

After high school, he enlisted in the Navy. He attended Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, until November 1999 and then completed Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL training in Coronado, California. He then reported to his East Coast SEAL Team.

Net Worth

John Faas is a self-employed political data expert who has an estimated net worth of $402 thousand dollars. He has an extensive career in political data and campaign management that includes working at the DCCC, Blue Labs and as a Voter File Manager for the Vermont Democratic Party. He currently resides on Long Island with his wife and son. He is a lifelong learner and loves to find new technologies and programs that can help improve the world around him. In his spare time, John enjoys playing ice hockey, tennis and golf. He also volunteers with the Surfrider Foundation and is passionate about protecting the ocean and environmental concerns.