Remember the Fallen: Extortion 17
Remembering the Fallen
When we talk about Extortion 17, it's easy to focus on the numbers: 38 lives lost, the deadliest single incident for U.S. forces during Operation Enduring Freedom. But behind every number was a person: a son, a husband, a father, a teammate, a friend.
We'd like to introduce you to some of the men aboard Extortion 17. While no paragraph can capture the impact they had on those around them, we hope sharing a little about who they were helps honor their memory and reminds us why we continue to ruck in their name.
If you knew one of the men aboard Extortion 17, or have a personal story, memory, or photograph you'd be willing to share, we would be honored to hear from you. Our goal is to help this community know them not only for how they died, but for how they lived. By learning who they were, we can better honor their sacrifice and ensure their legacy continues to live on.
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CPO Aaron Vaughn
Hometown: Obion County, TN
Age: 30
Branch: U.S. Navy
Unit: Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU)
Decorations: Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device, Purple Heart
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CPO Brian Bill
Age: 31
Hometown: Stamford, Connecticut
Branch: U.S. Navy
Unit: Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU)
Specialty: Navy SEAL
Decorations: Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device, Purple Heart
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PO1 John Douangdara
Age: 26
Hometown: Sioux City, Iowa
Branch: U.S. Navy
Unit: Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU)
Specialty: Master-at-Arms / Military Working Dog Handler
Decorations: Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device (Second Award), Purple Heart
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CPO Jason Workman
Age: 32
Hometown: Montrose County, Colorado
Branch: U.S. Navy
Unit: Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU)
Specialty: Navy SEAL
Decorations: Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device (Second Award), Purple Heart
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PO1 Jared Day
Age: 28
Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
Branch: U.S. Navy
Unit: Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU)
Specialty: Information Systems Technician
Decorations: Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device, Purple Heart
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PO1 Darrik Benson
Age: 28
Hometown: Angwin, California
Branch: U.S. Navy
Unit: Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU)
Specialty: Navy SEAL
Decorations: Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device, Purple Heart
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CPO Christopher Campbell
Age: 36
Hometown: Oahu, Hawaii
Branch: U.S. Navy
Unit: Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU)
Specialty: Navy SEAL
Decorations: Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device (Third Award), Purple Heart