Ty Carter is a retired American military sergeant who provided his services to the US Armed Forces from 1998 until 2014. He was honored with the Medal of Honor (MOH), the most prestigious military decoration awarded by the United States Armed Forces, in August 2013.

Wiki/Biography

Ty Michael Carter ^[1]US Army was born on Friday, 25 January 1980 (age 43 years; as of 2023) in Spokane, Washington, United States. In 1981, a year after his birth, the family relocated from Spokane to California’s Bay Area, and in 1991, they moved back to Spokane. Ty Carter, along with his brother Seth and sister Amber, was brought up by his single mother in Spokane, as his parents separated shortly after his birth.

A collage of Ty Carter’s childhood photos

During his upbringing in Spokane, Ty Carter completed his schooling at North Central High School in 1998.

A picture of Ty Carter from his high school days

Later, he established his residence in Antioch, California, a place he regards as his home of record. ^[2]White House Office of the Press Secretary While living a civilian life, Carter studied biology at Los Medanos Community College in California. ^[3]The Spokesman-Review

Physical Appearance

Height (approx.): 5′ 10″

Weight (approx.): 75 Kg

Eye Colour: Gunmetal Blue

Hair Colour: Bald

Family

Parents & Siblings

His father’s name is Mark Carter, and his mother’s name is Paula Carter. He has a sister named Amber Carter.

Ty Carter (centre) with his mother (right) and sister (left)

He had an elder brother named Seth Allen Carter who, at the age of 22, was fatally shot in the chest by a friend named Richard R. Sheppard, who was under the influence of alcohol, while they were playing with a shotgun at a gathering in Spokane on 13 July 2000. ^[4]The Spokesman-Review

Ty Carter (centre) with his siblings

Wife & Children

Ty Carter married twice. He first got married to his college mate April Ait in 2004; the couple went on to have a daughter named Madison who was born in 2005. In 2008, Carter and Ait divorced. In 2009, he got married to Shannon Derby; it was his second marriage, and the couple went on to have a daughter named Sehara who was born in January 2013.

Ty Carter with Shannon and their daughter Sehara

In 2015, Carter and Shannon divorced. Carter has a daughter named Eve with his girlfriend Jennifer “Jenn” Aedo; Eve was born in April 2017.

Ty Carter with his second wife, Shannon Derby, and daughters

Relationships/Affairs

In early 2004, while studying biology at Los Medanos Community College in California, he met a girl named April Ait, who was his college mate. Soon, they started dating each other, and they eventually got married in the same year. After getting divorced from his second wife, Shannon Derby, Carter started dating Jennifer “Jenn” Aedo in 2016.

Ty Carter with Jennifer Jenn Aedo and their daughter Eve

Career

United States Marine Corps

Ty Carter served the United States Marine Corps from 1998 to 2002. Shortly after completing his studies at North Central High School, Carter enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on 13 October 1998. He underwent training at the Marine Corps Combat Engineer School following which he was sent to Okinawa, Japan, where he served as an intelligence clerk. Due to his exceptional proficiency in handling weapons, he was enrolled in the Primary Marksmanship Instructor School in 1999.

Ty Carter shared a photo on Instagram from the 1999 Court House Bay, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Combat Engineer School USMC. Training with Dynamite

Following two brief training missions – a deployment to San Clemente Island, California, and another to Egypt for Operation Bright Star – Ty Carter was relieved from his service in the Marine Corps on 12 October 2002.

United States Army

Ty Carter served the United States Army from 2008 to 2014. After living a civilian life for nearly six years, Carter decided to return to military life to find a new purpose, and in January 2008, he enlisted in the United States Army as a cavalry scout and received training at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

First Deployment to Afghanistan

After Carter finished his training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, he was placed in the 3-61 Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. He was later deployed to Afghanistan, where he served from May 2009 to May 2010.

Ty M. Carter pauses during a patrol outside Combat Outpost Keating, Afghanistan, where he was deployed with the 61st Cavalry Regiment in 2009

Battle of Kamdesh

During his first deployment to Afghanistan, he was stationed at Combat Outpost (COP) Keating in Kamdesh District, Nuristan Province. On the morning of 3 October 2009, over 300 enemy fighters launched an attack, resulting in what became known as the Battle of Kamdesh. As detailed in a United States Army report, Specialist Ty Carter engaged and eliminated enemy combatants, provided ammunition to fellow American soldiers, administered initial medical aid, and bravely risked his life to rescue an injured comrade who was under intense enemy gunfire. The battle led to the loss of eight American soldiers, with more than twenty-five sustaining injuries. In an interview, Carter described the attacks and said,

It was as if somebody kicked an ant hill. The bullets, the rockets, the mortars, everything, a wall of spikes — they’re pointing at you.”

COP Keating was located at the bottom of a valley, conceding the high ground to attackers

Stryker gunner

In October 2010, Ty Carter served at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, where he held the position of a Stryker gunner within the 8th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, part of the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

Second Deployment to Afghanistan and Retirement

In October 2012, he was sent to Afghanistan for the second time. Following the conclusion of his second tour in Afghanistan, Carter was based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, serving with the 7th Infantry Division. In September 2014, Ty Carter ended his active military service and retired from the armed forces.

Ty Carter during his second deployment to Afghanistan

Lost a comrade – Stephan Mace

In an interview, Ty Carter recalled the struggle he faced while revisiting the Battle of Kamdesh and his desperate efforts to protect his comrades. He spoke of experiencing severe Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly regarding his feelings of guilt for being unable to save his fellow soldier Stephan Mace. Carter described a moment during the chaos on the morning of 3 October 2009, when he and four others found themselves trapped in a Humvee amid heavy gunfire and grenade explosions. Determined to provide cover for the others to seek safety, Carter made the courageous decision to leave the vehicle along with Specialist Stephan Mace and two others. Tragically, during their attempt to escape, two of the three men were fatally wounded, while Mace was left injured on the ground. Despite the dangers and his sergeant’s initial refusal, citing the ongoing threat, Carter insisted on returning to aid Mace, amid the heavy gunfire and explosions. Evading rocket-propelled grenades and flying rounds, Carter reached Mace, administered initial aid, and carried him approximately 300 feet to a safer location. Mace was later airlifted for medical care, but unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries, leaving Carter with grief and guilt over the loss of his fellow soldier. While talking about this trauma, Carter says,

Stephan Mace and I were not friends. But just because I don’t get along great with somebody doesn’t mean I don’t care about them or value their life. So I wasn’t going out there to save my loved one or my best friend. He was wearing the uniform so was part of my family, so I will do what I need to do. When you see someone you know can help out there, suffering, it turns your brain to lava and your stomach into acid, and then your limbs turn numb but are full of negative energy. You feel so angry you can hardly breathe. But as I was running out there I wasn’t thinking about the bullets that were hitting all around or the explosions. All I was thinking was that I need to help this person. And that’s one of the reasons I had severe post-traumatic stress — because I survived but Mace didn’t.”

Stephan Mace succumbed to his injuries during the Battle of Kamdesh in October 2009

Awards & Honours

Medal of Honor

During a White House ceremony on 16 August 2013, U.S. President Barack Obama presented Ty Carter with the Medal of Honor, the most prestigious military decoration awarded by the United States Armed Forces, for his actions during the 2009 Battle of Kamdesh in Afghanistan, placing the medal around Carter’s neck. In an interview, Carter talked about this honour and said,

Even though this award is an awesome honor and a great privilege, in order to get such a prestigious award, you have to be in a situation where your soldiers, your family, your brothers, are suffering and dying around you. And then, you just did everything you could to save lives or prevent further loss.”

President Barack Obama placed the Medal of Honor around Carter’s neck during a White House ceremony in August 2013

Other Military Decorations

Right Breast

• Valorous Unit Award

• Meritorious Unit Commendation

Left Breast

• Combat Action Badge

• Medal of Honor

• Purple Heart

• Meritorious Service Medal with four bronze Oak Leaf Clusters

• Army Commendation Medal

• Army Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters

• Army Good Conduct Medal with 2 bronze loops

• Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal

• National Defense Service Medal

• Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 2 service stars

• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

• NCO Professional Development Ribbon with award numeral 2

• Army Service Ribbon

• Army Overseas Service Ribbon with bronze award numeral 3

• NATO Medal for service with ISAF

• Air Assault Badge

• Expert marksmanship badge with one weapon clasp

Other Honours

He was honoured and inducted into the Pentagon Hall of Heroes on 27 August 2013.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Campaigns

According to Carter, when Pvt. Ed Faulkner Jr. passed away due to a drug overdose in September 2010, which was an attempt to cope with his trauma, he pledged to advocate for removing the stigma around seeking assistance for post-traumatic stress. Carter refers to Faulkner as the ninth casualty from the Battle of Kamdesh. Carter says,

We need to just call it what it is: it’s just stress from the past. It’s not a disorder, it is something that’s supposed to happen.” ^[5]Daily Mail

In an event, President Obama praised Carter for his willingness to openly discuss the disorder and said,

Let me say it as clearly as I can to any of our troops or veterans who are watching and struggling. Look at this man. Look at this soldier. Look at this warrior. He’s as tough as they come, and if he can find the courage and the strength to not only seek help but also to speak out about it, to take care of himself and to stay strong, then so can you.”

In Popular Media

The 2020 American war film titled “The Outpost” is an adaptation of Jake Tapper’s book titled “The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor.” The movie portrays the Battle of Kamdesh, featuring American actor Caleb Landry Jones portraying Ty Carter. Carter also made a brief cameo appearance in the film.

Ty Carter made a brief appearance as a sergeant in the film The Outpost

Netflix released an anthology documentary series, “Medal of Honor,” in November 2018. Ty Carter featured in episode 8 of the series, with American actor Jonny Weston portraying Carter’s character.

Ty Carter featured in the Netflix series Medal of Honor

Facts/Trivia

• In an interview, Carter described himself as a loner while he was studying in high school. He said that he struggled to connect with others and did not have many close friendships or companions.

• Following his college graduation, he moved from one location to another in search of employment. Carter initially worked with a yacht maintenance service. Later, he held diverse roles in different industries, including positions at a motorcycle apparel store, spa, dairy mill, sawmill, security firm, and as an assistant manager/projectionist at a theater. During this time, he also gained experience working with a chainsaw. ^[6]CNN – YouTube

• During an interview, Carter discussed his civilian life, expressing a sense of aimlessness, and comparing himself to a drone due to the lack of purpose while working at various jobs. ^[7]CNN – YouTube Simultaneously, he was undergoing a divorce from his first wife, April Ait, shortly after the birth of their daughter, Madison. Amid these circumstances, Carter decided to re-enter military life.

• Numerous magazines have highlighted the accounts of his courageous actions during the Battle of Kamdesh.
  

  Ty Carter featured on the cover of an American magazine

• Carter enjoys cooking and gardening, and he frequently posts images of these pastimes on various social media platforms.

• He enjoys smoking cigars and drinking alcoholic beverages. He has a strong passion for brewing beverages at home.
  

  Ty Carter smoking a cigar while holding a glass of alcoholic beverage

• He follows a non-vegetarian diet and often hunts wild hogs.

• He often shares pictures of his pet dog, Nala, on social media.
  

  Ty Carter with his pet dog

Shukla Sundeep

Joyce Caprio is the wife of former Chief Judge of the Municipal Court of Providence Frank Caprio who is known for the TV show Caught in Providence.

Wiki/Biography

Joyce Caprio was born on Joyce E. Tibaldi ^[1]The University of Rhode Island on 15 October, and she hails from Federal Hill, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. Her zodiac sign is Libra.

Family

Parents & Siblings

Not much is known about her parents and siblings.

Husband & Children

Joyce Caprio got married to Frank Caprio, a lawyer and politician who served as the Chief Judge of the Municipal Court of Providence from 1985 to 2023. Frank Caprio is known for the nationally syndicated television show ‘Caught in Providence,’ which features his judicial work. His mother’s name is Joyce Caprio.

Frank and Joyce Caprio’s wedding picture

Together, they have five children, four sons, Frank T. Caprio, David Caprio, Paul Caprio, and John Caprio, and a daughter, Marissa Caprio Pesce. Their eldest son, Frank T. Caprio, is a banker, lawyer, and politician. He is a member of the Democratic party. He served as the 29th General Treasurer of Rhode Island from 2007 to 2011. Frank T. Caprio was the Democratic nominee in the 2010 Rhode Island gubernatorial elections, but he lost to the Independent candidate Lincoln Chafee.

Frank Caprio and Frank T. Caprio

David Caprio is a businessman, investor, lawyer, and politician, who served as a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives from District 34 from 2003 to 2011.

Judge Frank Caprio with his daughter, Marissa Caprio Pesce, and son David Caprio

Marissa Caprio Pesce was married to John R. Pesce, who died in February 2018.

Frank Caprio with his wife, Joyce Caprio, and daughter, Marissa Caprio Pesce

Standing from left to right are Frank T. Caprio, Gabriella and Ashley Caprio (Frank T.’s wife and daughter), John Caprio, Marissa Caprio Pesce, Paul Caprio, and David Caprio. Sitting Joyce Caprio and Frank Caprio

Tamanpreet

James Suh (1977-2005) was a Korean American United States Navy SEAL. He is known for his participation in Operation Red Wings, which took place in Afghanistan in 2005. He was killed on 28 June 2005 as his helicopter crashed after getting shot by Taliban forces.

Wiki/Biography

James Erik Suh was born as Sung Gap Suh on Wednesday, 2 March 1977 (age 28 years; at the time of death) in Chicago, Illinois. ^[1]The Gainesville Sun His zodiac sign is Pisces. He was brought up in a poor family. Suh completed his schooling with distinction at Deerfield Beach High School in Florida. At school, he was part of the swimming and tennis teams. He was also chosen to take classes for advanced and gifted students as he showed academic brilliance. Thereafter, he enrolled at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in statistics in 1999. ^[2]The Gainesville Sun In college, he was a member of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). According to his classmates, James Suh excelled in math and science and wanted to become a veterinarian. However, he chose to pursue a career in the special forces of the United States military.

James’ photo taken during his college days

Physical Appearance

Height (approx.): 5′ 9″

Weight (approx.): 65 kg

Hair Colour: Black

Eye Colour: Dark Brown

Family

James Suh belongs to a Christian family in the US. His family migrated from South Korea before his birth.

Parents & Siblings

His father, Solomon Suh, worked as a daily wage labourer in a warehouse in Deerfield.

A photo of James Suh’s father

He has a sister named Claudia Suh Brown. James’ father raised him and his sister alone after their mother left when they were infants.

Wife & Children

James Suh was unmarried and had no kids.

Relationships/Affairs

He was in a relationship with a girl named Anna Chung. After James was deployed in Afghanistan, they used to communicate with each other via phone calls as well as emails. According to sources, James had planned on asking Anna for marriage after returning from Afghanistan in 2005. He, however, passed away.

Religion

James Suh followed Christianity.

Career

Training

On 15 September 2000, James Suh enlisted in the US Navy. He reported at the US Navy’s boot camp at Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Chicago, Illinois, in January 2001; he underwent training there till March 2001. After that, he received additional training at the Quartermaster School till May 2001.

James Suh (in the centre) after completing his training at the Naval Boot Camp

Later, he attended class 237 of the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) to become a US Navy SEAL. He then reported at the United States Army Airborne School, also known as Jump School, in Fort Moore, Georgia, where he underwent basic paratrooper (military parachutist) training. Suh completed the 26-week-long SEAL Qualification Training (SQT) in August 2002 and earned the Insignia for Naval Special Warfare, also known as the SEAL team trident badge. He was then sent to Panama, where he received Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (SDV) training till November 2002. Later, he went to the SEAL Sniper School in Indiana, where he was trained as a marksman.

James sitting with his sniper rifle

Deployments

James Suh was posted in Pearl Harbour, Hawaii, in December 2002. There, he became a member of the SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One (SDVT-1). He remained in Hawaii till February 2005. James was sent to Afghanistan as part of the SEAL Team Ten to assist the NATO forces in conducting anti-terrorist operations against the Taliban under the banner of Operation Enduring Freedom. In Afghanistan, James participated in numerous reconnaissance missions and patrols.

James Suh’s photo taken in Afghanistan

Operation Red Wings

Operation Red Wings was a specialised military operation launched by the US in the Kunar Province of Afghanistan in 2005 to capture/kill Ahmad Shah, a prominent Taliban commander.

A photo of Ahmad Shah

To complete the mission, a team of four US Navy SEALs, comprising Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, Petty Officer Second Class Danny Dietz, Petty Officer Second Class Matthew Axelson, and Petty Officer Second Class Marcus Luttrell, was deployed on the mountains in Kunar Province.

From left to right – Matthew Axelson, James Suh, and Marcus Luttrell

The mission was compromised when a larger Taliban force ambushed the four SEALs. After the team requested immediate evacuation and reinforcements, the US commanders dispatched a CH-47 Chinook helicopter with sixteen special forces operatives, including James Suh.

From left to right – Matthew Axelson, Daniel R. Healy, James Suh, Marcus Luttrell, Eric S. Patton, and Michael P. Murphy

However, the helicopter came under intense fire from the enemy while closing in on the landing ground as a result of which it crashed, leading to the death of all the military personnel onboard. James’ body was recovered from the crash site by a team of US soldiers sent to Kunar Province to conduct a Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) operation. Giving a detail of the crash, Suh’s Navy citation read,

As part of a Quick Reaction Force, Petty Officer Suh was sent to reinforce a Navy SEAL Special Reconnaissance element engaged in a fierce firefight against a numerically superior Anti-Coalition Militia near Asadabad, Konar Province, Afghanistan. The Special Reconnaissance element was under siege from enemy fire in extremely rugged and unforgiving terrain. Demonstrating exceptional resolve and fully comprehending the ramifications of the mission, Petty Officer Suh’s element launched aboard a helicopter for direct insertion onto an active battlefield, ready to engage and destroy the enemy in order to protect the lives of their fellow SEALs. While airborne Petty Officer Suh continued working with members of his team to develop the plan of attack to support both a Quick Reaction Force and an urgent execution of the intended deliberate assault. As the helicopter hovered in preparation for a daring fast-rope insertion of the SEALs, the aircraft was struck by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade fired by Anti-Coalition Militia. The resulting explosion and impact caused the tragic and untimely loss of life of all onboard.”

A collage of the soldiers of the US Armed Forces who took part in Operation Red Wings

Following his death, the Government of the United States of America bestowed a Purple Heart medal and a Bronze Star medal for valour and service in Afghanistan on him. At the time of his death, he held the rank of Petty Officer Second Class (QM2).

Military Decorations

• Bronze Star with Combat “V” for Valour

• Purple Heart

• Combat Distinguishing Device

• Meritorious Service Medal

• Combat Action Badge

• Good Conduct Medal

• Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
  

  Ranks, ribbons, medals, and other military insignias of James Suh

Death

James Suh died on 28 June 2005 in the Kunar Province of Afghanistan while participating in Operation Red Wings. He died after his helicopter was shot down by enemy forces with a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG). He was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles, California, with full military honours. ^[3]Pritzker Military Museum & Library

A photo of James Suh’s tombstone

Facts/Trivia

• According to sources, Suh changed his name from Sung Gap to James Erik in high school after his best friend, Erik, was killed in a gun accident at the of fifteen. After Erik’s death, he began referring to Erik’s mother as “mom” and even sent greeting cards to her on Mother’s Day.

• After joining the US Navy SEALs, Suh penned a heartfelt letter to his father on Father’s Day. In the letter, he wrote,
  

  When we were growing up we were poor. But we never felt poor because you took us to the beach every day, taught us how to play tennis and took us to the library.”

• According to James’ sister, he was very shy and reserved as a kid.

• He used to play with G.I. Joe action figures as a kid.

• He liked to do skateboarding.

• In an interview, Suh’s friend said that he once entered into a fight with another student from his school while playing basketball. He further said that James, despite being of comparatively small stature, was able to make the student submit by choking his neck.

• He was a good friend of Navy SEAL Matthew Axelson, Marcus Luttrell, and Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy.
  

  James enjoying food with his teammates who took part in Operation Red Wings

• After James was posted to Hawaii, his father left Deerfield and shifted to Hawaii to live close to him.

• After he passed away, the University of Florida erected a memorial outside the ROTC office on the university campus in his honour.
  

  A photo of the memorial erected at the University of Florida following his death

• The US government installed his statue in Cupertino, California, in his honour.
  

  James Suh’s statue in California

• In 2013, a Hollywood film titled Lone Survivor, starring Mark Wahlberg, was released. In the film, actor Rich Ting portrayed James Erik Suh’s character.
  

  Actor Rich Ting on the sets of Lone Survivor (2013)

• In 2014, a memorial was constructed in his honour near the Deerfield Beach High School in Florida, where he studied.

• After James Suh was killed in Afghanistan, a merchandise in the form of challenge coins began being sold on various online shopping platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, and eBay.
  

  A photo of the James Suh challenge coin

Rohan Nautiyal

A content writer, editor, and proofreader with over three years of experience in producing well-researched, user-friendly content that simplifies complex information for readers, helping brands to enhance their online presence.

Dan Crenshaw is an American Congressman, member of the Republican Party, social activist, businessman, author, and a retired lieutenant commander of the United States Navy SEALs. Crenshaw is known for wearing a patch on his right eye that he lost while he was deployed in Afghanistan in 2012. He has served as a Congressman three times.

Wiki/Biography

Daniel Reed Crenshaw was born on Wednesday, 14 March 1984 (age 39 years; as of 2023) in Aberdeen, Scotland. His zodiac sign is Pisces. He spent his initial years growing up in Texas.

A childhood photo of Dan with his mother

Dan attended schools in different countries as his father was in a transferrable job. He completed his schooling in 2002 at Colegio Nueva Granada in Bogotá, Colombia. Since he spent a lot of time in South America while growing up, Dan became fluent in speaking Spanish. After completing his schooling, Dan came back to the US, where he enrolled at Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts. There, he earned a bachelor’s degree in arts in international relations in 2006. While studying at Tufts, Crenshaw joined the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program of the US Navy. After completing his studies at Tuft, he underwent officer’s training at the Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Naval Station Newport in Rhode Island. He earned a master’s degree in public administration at the Harvard Kennedy School, also known as the John F. Kennedy School of Government, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 2017. ^[1]Havard Kennedy School

Dan with Tara during his graduation ceremony at Harvard Kennedy School

Physical Appearance

Height (approx.): 5′ 10″

Weight (approx.): 65 kg

Hair Colour: Dark Brown

Eye Colour: Dark Brown

Family

Parents & Siblings

His father, Jim Crenshaw, is a petroleum engineer, who worked on numerous oil rigs in and outside of the US.

Dan posing for a photo with his father

His mother’s name is Susan Carol Crenshaw. She passed away due to breast cancer when Dan was ten years old. He has a younger brother. His stepmother’s name is Carmen.

A photo of Dan’s mother with Dan (right) and his younger brother

A photo of Carmen

Wife & Children

His wife, Tara Blake, is a social activist. He got married to her on 1 April 2013.

Dan Crenshaw with Tara Blake

Other Relatives

His grandfather, Bill Breckwoldt, served in the United States Army during the Second World War.

A photo of Bill Breckwoldt

Relationships/Affairs

Dan Crenshaw met Tara for the first time while he was undergoing training to become a US Navy SEAL in Conorado. Soon after, they entered into a relationship and dated each other for several years before exchanging vows in 2013.

Dan with Tara

Religion

Dan Crenshaw is a Methodist Christian. ^[2]Pew Research Center

Signature/Autograph

A signature of Dan Crenshaw

Career

US Navy SEAL

After completing his officer’s training at Rhode Island, Dan attended the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training (BUD/S) class 264 at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado to become a US Navy SEAL. Thereafter, he reported at the United States Army Airborne School, also known as Jump School, in Fort Moore, Georgia, where he underwent basic paratrooper (military parachutist) training. He later underwent SEAL Qualification Training (SQT) for 26 weeks. In June 2008, he successfully finished SEAL qualification training and was designated as a Naval Special Warfare Officer with the code 1130 and received the Special Warfare Insignia. In an interview, he talked about his training phase and said,

It was hard – some days really kicked us hard. We were basically their dummies. There was lots of hand-to-hand combat, it meant getting shot at, too. They also used real guns but replaced the lead with paint, which hurt. It’s kind of hard to explain why I wanted to do it – there’s a lot of reasons. I used to read books about it in middle school. I guess I really like the need to compete and be the best. There’s definitely a patriotic sense to it, too.”

Military Deployments

After completing his SEAL training, Dan Crenshaw was sent to Fallujah in Iraq, where he became a part of the SEAL Team Three. At Fallujah, he undertook counter-terrorist operations and assisted the coalition forces (consisting of the NATO forces and the Iraqi military).

A photo of Dan taken while he was serving in Iraq

Thereafter, he was sent to Afghanistan, where he took part in US-led Operation Enduring Freedom against the Taliban. In 2012, Dan was deployed to the Helmand Province in Afghanistan, where he was assisting the US Army in conducting anti-terrorism operations. During a patrol mission, Dan was severely injured after the enemy fighters detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), which sent Dan into a coma.

A photo of Dan taken while he was serving in the SEALs

The explosion left Dan with multiple body fractures and caused significant damage to his vision, resulting in the loss of his right eye and partial impairment in his left eye due to retinal damage. After spending months in hospital, Dan reported back to duty. According to sources, Dan, a right-handed person, had to learn to use a rifle from his left hand as he could not see from his right eye, making it difficult for him to aim his weapon. After making a recovery from the injuries he sustained, Crenshaw was sent to the Middle East in 2014. Two years later, he was sent to South Korea after which he took retirement from active service from the rank of lieutenant commander. In his ten years of service, Dan was awarded numerous medals by the US Navy including two Bronze Stars (one with valour), one Purple Heart (for the injuries he sustained in Afghanistan), and the Navy Commendation Medal with Valour. While giving an interview, Dan said that he did not want to leave the military but had to leave due to the injuries he sustained in Afghanistan. He also said that he struggled to stay in the SEALs after his injuries. Talking about it, he said,

I certainly miss [the military]. I never wanted to leave. I was injured in 2012 and fought the system to stay in for at least two [more] deployments, and that ended up being an impossible hill to climb. Just because of the medical waivers that you need from the top echelons of the Navy in order to continue to deploy without it being questioned every single time.”

Dan Crenshaw in his uniform

After Retirement

Social Service

After leaving military service, Dan got involved in social work and joined many NGOs to assist the mentally and physically disabled US Armed Forces veterans. In 2017, he volunteered to assist the people affected by Hurricane Harvey, which caused massive destruction in the US. He also assisted the people in rebuilding their homes that were destroyed by the hurricane.

Politics

After completing his post-graduate studies in 2017, Dan Crenshaw became a member of the Republican Party. In November 2017, he announced his intent to contest the 2018 United States House of Representatives elections. In 2018, he contested the Republican Party’s primary elections in Texas in which he secured the second position by receiving a total of 12,679 votes. Thereafter, he contested the Republican primary runoff elections in which he emerged victorious over his rival Kevin Roberts by a margin of 11,562 votes. In the same year, he contested the United States House of Representatives elections from Texas’ 2nd congressional district and emerged victorious by receiving 52.8% of total votes. During his election campaign, Dan focused on two primary concerns: managing immigration and implementing policy changes to decrease unlawful border crossings occurring at the Texas-Mexico border. In an interview, he talked about running for Congress and said,

I am running for Congress to continue fighting for the country I love. I am running because our country needs leaders, not politicians. I fought and bled for ten years as a Navy SEAL in Iraq, Afghanistan, and South Korea, because I know the importance of service before self.”

Dan Crenshaw’s 2018 Congress elections poster

He was re-elected as a Congressman from Texas’ 2nd congressional district in 2020 and 2022. Dan’s 2020 Congressional electoral campaign is considered the most expensive campaign ever, with an expenditure of around $11 million. ^[3]Houston Chronicle

A still from Dan Crenshaw’s Congress elections ad

As a Congressman, he has served on numerous committees and subcommittees including the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change, Subcommittee on Health, Committee on the Budget, Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Central Intelligence Agency Subcommittee, National Intelligence Enterprise Subcommittee, as well as Subcommittee on Oversight, Management and Accountability (ranking member). Dan is also a member of the Republican Study Committee.

Political Stand

Dan Crenshaw has gained significant attention for his viewpoint and stand concerning topics such as abortion and firearm regulations. In 2019, he opposed the legalization of abortion in the United States by criticizing the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, claiming that it contradicted American conservative principles and insisting that abortion rights should be determined at the state level. In the same year, Dan supported the existence of liberal gun laws in the US and gave a statement against the decision of the US government to ban the sale and purchase of semi-automatic firearms. In 2023, he opposed the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, which aimed to prohibit arms sales by manufacturers until a buyer’s background was thoroughly checked. Crenshaw has often opined against the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which is also known as Obamacare. On 24 May 2019, Crenshaw collaborated on a bill aimed at extending the deadlines for claims made under the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act. In June 2019, Wahajat Ali, a journalist, accused Dan of not backing the Victim Compensation Fund Act. However, Dan refuted these allegations on Twitter (now X), saying that he was a co-sponsor of the bill and advised the journalist to verify the facts. Thereafter, the journalist deleted his tweet and issued an apology to Dan. ^[4]Fox News Even though he is a member of the Republican Party, Dan has often criticised Donald Trump for his policies and statements.

A photo of Dan Crenshaw with President Donald Trump

In 2019, he voted against the two articles of impeachment brought against Trump in the House of Representatives. Dan is also known for his pro-Israel stand. He has often voiced his opinion on not only continuing but increasing the military and financial grants given to Israel by the US. He has often criticised the politicians in the US for not supporting Israel and speaking against it. In an interview, Dan talked about his support for Israel and said,

As a long-time supporter of Israel, I will ensure that our alliance does not waver, and that America continues to support Israeli security, advocate for her on the international stage, and contain the threat from Iran and terrorism across the region. If you’re criticizing Israel, but you’re doing it in a way that implies that the Jewish people in America have a dual loyalty, that’s anti-Semitism. It’s more than just criticizing Israeli policy.”

Following Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election and Donald Trump’s refusal to acknowledge the outcome, Crenshaw, along with 125 other Republican House of Representatives members, filed an amicus brief backing the lawsuit Texas v. Pennsylvania in the United States Supreme Court to challenge the election results.

Dan in the US Capitol during a discussion

Business

Before running for the United States House of Representatives elections in 2018, Crenshaw started an online store to sell different types of merchandise to support his electoral campaign. According to the information on the website, the donations collected are also used for assisting the poor and the needy as well as for the development of the community.

Logo of Dan Crenshaw for Congress

Books

Dan Crenshaw published his first book Safety Off: Life Lessons for an Unpredictable and Unsafe World in 2019. In 2021, Dan published his second book titled Fortitude: American Resilience in the Era of Outrage; the book went on to become the New York Times bestseller. He authored another book titled Fame, Blame, and the Raft of Shame, which was published in 2021.

Controversies

Accused of Dicredditing Sexual Assault Reports Filed By A US Navy Officer

In September 2019, a retired United States Navy officer and Democratic committee staffer Andrea Goldstein filed a complaint with the Veterans Affairs Police. In her complaint, she accused a male VA staffer of sexually assaulting her by groping her while she was visiting a VA hospital in Washington, D.C. Later, reports emerged in which VA Secretary Robert Wilkie was accused of running a “Smear Campaign” against Andrea. According to the reports, Wilkie was assisted in doing so many senior VA officials. Following the accusations, the VA Office of the Inspector General (OIG) began its investigation into the matter. During the investigation, it was revealed that Wilkie had told Former VA Deputy Secretary James Byrne that Andrea, while in service, had filed six “fake” sexual assault cases against service members. James also claimed that the information to the Secretary was “supposedly” given by Dan Crenshaw, who knew many high-ranking officials in the Department of Defence (DoD). However, Wilkie denied receiving any such input from Dan. When the OIG sought permission from Dan to interview him, he denied the request. Dan also refused to comment on the issue in the media. ^[5]VA Office of Inspector General In December 2020, hundreds of retired US Armed Forces personnel wrote a letter to Dan demanding his resignation. The letter accused him of abusing his powers as a representative. The letter read,

His abuse of power as an elected member of Congress to smear a fellow veteran who works as a staffer in the same halls is disgraceful and unethical. As an elected member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Dan Crenshaw has failed to act in a manner that reflects credibly on the House and has broken the public trust necessary to represent his constituents and fellow veterans.”

Dan, however, refuted the claims made in the letter and called it “partisan garbage.” He also said that he had no intentions of getting involved in the investigations and that he stood with Andrea. ^[6]Houston Chronicle

Dan Crenshaw vs. Eddie Gallagher

Eddie is a former US Navy SEAL who was accused of violating human rights during his deployment in Iraq. Later, Eddie was put in jail in the US and was tried for war crimes. However, he was acquitted in 2019. After Gallagher was released, he went on record revealing information against Dan. According to him, while he was in jail, over fifty representatives signed a petition requesting Eddie’s release from prison, allowing him to constitutionally defend himself. The only representative who abstained from signing was Crenshaw. Eddie also claimed that Crenshaw did not allow his brother to meet him to discuss the matter. He further claimed that after his release, he was told by many representatives that Crenshaw actively worked against him, seeking a life imprisonment sentence, which Eddie believed was done for political gain. ^[7]YouTube – Jamesons Tavels However, Eddie’s account was contradicted by reports suggesting that Dan was amongst seventeen other Congressmen who wrote a letter to the Secretary of the Navy, urging him to let Gallagher out on parole to allow him to fight for his innocence. ^[8]Fox News The letter read,

Chief Gallagher is a decorated warfighter who, like all service members, is entitled to the presumption of innocence while awaiting court-martial. We have received reports that Chief Gallagher’s access to counsel and access to food and medical care may have been restricted. As a result, we respectfully request that you review the Navy policies governing pretrial confinement for Chief Gallagher and other service members to ensure compliance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice.”

Military Decorations

• Two Bronze Star Medals (one with a “V” device for valour)

• Purple Heart

• Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valour

Salary

As a Congressman, Dan Crenshaw earns an annual salary of $174,000 + other allowances. ^[9]United States Senate

Facts/Trivia

• Dan is an avid dog lover, and he owns two pet Kokonis.
  

  A photo of Dan with Tara and his two pets

• He is a good friend of the retired US Navy SEAL lieutenant and Congressman Morgan Luttrell. Dan endorsed Morgan’s 2022 Congress elections.
  

  Dan Crenshaw posing for a photo with Morgan Luttrell during an event

• In 2018, comedian Pete Davidson of Saturday Night Live (SNL) faced backlash from viewers for mocking Dan’s eye patch, comparing his appearance to that of an adult film hitman. Pete, however, apologised for the jokes and said,
  

  I made a joke about Lieutenant Commander Dan Crenshaw, and on behalf of the show and myself, I apologize. I mean this from the bottom of my heart. It was a poor choice of words. The man is a war hero, and he deserves all the respect in the world.”

  During a comedy show, exclusively aired on Netflix, Pete asserted that he did not see anything wrong in his joke about Dan and claimed that he only apologized as people threatened to shoot him. ^[10]The Washington Post

  

  Dan Crenshaw with Pete in SNL

• After losing his right eye, Dan began using various coloured glass eyeballs. In 2019, he showed a unique glass eye with the Captain America logo.
  

  Dan Crenshaw showing his Captain America glass eyeball

• In 2020, Dan was featured in the Fortune Magazine’s 40 Under 40 in the “Government and Politics” category.

• In the same year, Dan began hosting Hold These Truths under which he has conducted podcasts with well-known people.

• In 2021, Dan Crenshaw was invited by the Homeland Security Investigations – Houston to take part in their training.
  

  A photo of Dan with Homeland Security Investigations members during the training

• In the same year, Dan had emergency surgery to repair a detached retina in his left eye, causing him to lose vision in that eye for a month.

• Dan, through an Instagram post, criticised the Joe Biden-led administration for pulling out American troops from Afghanistan in 2021. He accused the government of haphazardly planning the withdrawal. He said,
  

  Biden botched this withdrawal beyond belief. Their exit strategy was about optics instead of ground truth. But the problem runs even deeper than that: a widespread belief that foreign policy be dictated by a single, emotional slogan: no more endless wars!”

  

  Dan Crenshaw’s post uploaded by him on his Instagram account

• In his 2021 tweet, Dan Crenshaw criticised the use of Electric Vehicles (EVs) due to lack of feasibility; however, in 2022, reports emerged that he had invested a large sum of money in the EV industry. ^[11]Business Insider

• Dan has criticized the US government’s decision to make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory numerous times, especially for those serving in the US Armed Forces.

• In March 2022, he signed a resolution seeking to revoke Russia’s membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) due to its aggressive actions in Ukraine.
  

  A photo of the resolution signed by Dan Crenshaw in 2022

• Dan Crenshaw has been invited to numerous talk shows, one of which is the Jocko Podcast, hosted by Jocko Willink.
  

  A snap from the podcast hosted by Jocko Willink

Rohan Nautiyal

A content writer, editor, and proofreader with over three years of experience in producing well-researched, user-friendly content that simplifies complex information for readers, helping brands to enhance their online presence.

David Caprio is an American businessman, investor, lawyer, and politician. He is a member of the Democratic party. He has served as a Member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives from the 47th district (1999–2003) and from the 34th district (2003–2011). He is an attorney at Caprio Law Firm, which was established along with his father, Frank Caprio. He is the co-owner of the production house Citylife Productions which produced the TV show ‘Caught in Providence,’ featuring Frank Caprio‘s judicial work.

Wiki/Biography

David A. Caprio was born on Monday, June 5, 1967 (age 56 years; as of 2023) in Rhode Island, U.S. His zodiac sign is Gemini. He did his schooling at Bishop Hendricken High School (Class of 1985). From 1986 to 1989, he attended Boston College. Thereafter, he earned a Doctor of Law (JD) from Suffolk University Law School (1992). ^[1]David Caprio – LinkedIn Later, he started living in Narragansett, Rhode Island, U.S.

Physical Appearance

Height (approx.): 5′ 10″

Hair Colour: Black

Eye Colour: Light Brown

Family & Ethnicity

David Caprio belongs to an Italian-American Catholic family. ^[2]Providence College ^[3]Rhode Island Monthly

Parents & Siblings

His father, Frank Caprio, is a lawyer and politician who served as the Chief Judge of the Municipal Court of Providence from 1985 to 2023. Frank Caprio is known for the nationally syndicated television show ‘Caught in Providence,’ which features his judicial work. His mother’s name is Joyce Caprio.

Frank Caprio with his wife, Joyce Caprio

He has four siblings, three brothers, Frank T. Caprio, Paul Caprio, and John Caprio, and a sister, Marissa Caprio Pesce. His elder brother Frank T. Caprio is a banker, lawyer, and politician. He is a member of the Democratic party. He served as the 29th General Treasurer of Rhode Island from 2007 to 2011. Frank T. Caprio was the Democratic nominee in the 2010 Rhode Island gubernatorial elections, but he lost to the Independent candidate Lincoln Chafee.

Frank Caprio and Frank T. Caprio

His sister Marissa Caprio Pesce was married to John R. Pesce, who died in February 2018.

Frank Caprio with his wife, Joyce Caprio, and daughter, Marissa Caprio Pesce

Standing from left to right are Frank T. Caprio, Gabriella and Ashley Caprio (Frank T.’s wife and daughter), John Caprio, Marissa Caprio Pesce, Paul Caprio, and David Caprio. Sitting Joyce Caprio and Frank Caprio

Wife & Children

His marital status is unknown.

Career

On December 21, 1999, he became a Member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives from the 47th district and served in this capacity till 2003. On January 7, 2003, he started serving as a Member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives from the 34th district. In the 2010 Rhode Island House of Representatives elections, he lost the District 34 seat to Teresa Tanzi, Democratic Party-South Kingstown.

David Caprio campaigning for 2010 Rhode Island House of Representatives elections

Thereafter, he had a stint as state Democratic Party Chairman. In July 2014, he tendered his resignation as the State Democratic Party Chairman  citing he “does not have the time to help the many Democrats who are running for office this year.” In his statement, he said,

The position of Democratic Party chair is demanding and time consuming, especially in an election year. There are numerous, talented Democrats seeking office. I cannot, at this time, dedicate the necessary time and energy to assist them in their respective campaigns. Accordingly, I no longer will serve as party chair.”

His resignation as chairman came amid a state police investigation into a contract to run concessions at three state beaches: Misquamicut, Scarborough, and Roger Wheeler. In 2017, he became a co-owner of the production house Citylife Productions which produced the TV show ‘Caught in Providence,’ featuring Frank Caprio‘s judicial work. In an interview, he revealed that he makes $100K a year from the reality TV show. ^[4]The Providence Journal David also appears on the show Cooking (at Home) with the Caprio’s! along with his father.

Frank Caprio and David Caprio on the show Cooking (at Home) with the Caprio’s!

He runs the Caprio Law Firm, along with his father, Frank Caprio, and brother Frank T. Caprio. In April 2022, he became a Council Member Chairman of the Board of Education, RI Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner.

Facts/Trivia

• In 2022, Bishop Hendricken High School gave an honorary degree to Judge Frank Caprio, which was presented to him by his sons Frank T. and David Caprio, high school alumni.
  

  Frank Caprio receiving an honorary degree from his sons Frank T. and David at Bishop Hendricken High School

Tamanpreet

Frank T. Caprio is an American banker, lawyer, and politician. He is a member of the Democratic party. He has served as the 29th General Treasurer of Rhode Island (2007-2011). He is the eldest son of Frank Caprio, who is known for the TV show Caught in Providence.

Wiki/Biography

Frank T. Caprio was born on Tuesday, May 10, 1966 (age 57 years; as of 2023) in Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. He grew up in the Federal Hill Neighborhood. He attended Bishop Hendricken High School in Warwick, RI from 1980 to 1984. In 1991, he earned a Doctor of Law (JD) from Suffolk University Law School. He pursued a bachelor’s degree in Economics at Harvard University (1984-1988). ^[1]Frank T. Caprio – LinkedIn Athletic since childhood, Caprio was captain of the Harvard baseball team and a player of the Harvard football team. He was an All-Eastern League outfielder in 1988 and an All-Ivy League defensive back on the championship Harvard football team in 1987.

Family & Ethnicity

Frank T. Caprio belongs to an Italian-American Catholic family. ^[2]Providence College ^[3]Rhode Island Monthly

Parents & Siblings

His father, Frank Caprio, is a lawyer and politician who served as the Chief Judge of the Municipal Court of Providence from 1985 to 2023. Frank Caprio is known for the nationally syndicated television show ‘Caught in Providence,’ which features his judicial work. His mother’s name is Joyce Caprio.

Frank Caprio with his wife, Joyce Caprio

Frank Caprio and Frank T. Caprio

He has four younger siblings, three brothers, David Caprio, Paul Caprio, and John Caprio, and a sister, Marissa Caprio Pesce. David Caprio is a businessman, investor, lawyer, and politician, who served as a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives from District 34 from 2003 to 2011.

Judge Frank Caprio with his daughter, Marissa Caprio Pesce, and son David Caprio

Marissa Caprio Pesce was married to John R. Pesce, who died in February 2018.

Frank Caprio with his wife, Joyce Caprio, and daughter, Marissa Caprio Pesce

Standing from left to right are Frank T. Caprio, Gabriella and Ashley Caprio (Frank T.’s wife and daughter), John Caprio, Marissa Caprio Pesce, Paul Caprio, and David Caprio. Sitting Joyce Caprio and Frank Caprio

Wife & Children

On 3 August 1996, he got married to Gabriella Caprio. Together, they have a daughter, Ashley Caprio, and a son, Frankie.

Frank T. Caprio and Gabriella Caprio

Frank T. Caprio with his wife, Gabriella Caprio, and son

Others

Frank T. Caprio’s grandfather, Antonio Caprio, immigrated to Providence from Teano, Italy to America. He worked as a fruit peddler and milkman.

Frank T. Caprio’s father, Judge Frank Caprio (right), and grandfather, Antonio Caprio (left)

Career

At 21, while he was still a senior at Harvard, Caprio was elected a delegate from Rhode Island’s Congressional District 2 and attended the 1988 Democratic National Convention in Atlanta. In 1990, during his time in law school, Caprio won a seat in the Rhode Island House of Representatives for District 14 in Providence. He successfully managed the dual responsibilities of being a state representative and a law student. He would commute by train between his classes in Boston during the mornings and his legislative sessions in Providence during the afternoons. After his two terms in the Rhode Island House of Representatives, Caprio spent the next 12 years serving in the Rhode Island Senate. During this period, he took up the role of chairperson for the Senate Finance Committee in 2001–2002. In this capacity, Caprio played a pivotal role in safeguarding a crucial $5 million annual affordable housing program from being eliminated by the governor in 2001. Subsequently, he put forth and executed a strategy to double the initial $5 million budget to $10 million by utilizing an affordable housing bond. Furthermore, in 2006, he collaborated on a legislative initiative to elevate the annual $10 million bond to a substantial $50 million fund for affordable housing. This proposal received approval from voters in 2006. In 1991, he became a Member of RI and Massachusetts State and Federal Bars. In his legal career, Caprio specialized in matters related to corporations, taxation, and finance. He has held the position of in-house counsel at Cookson Group plc, a publicly-traded company listed on the London Stock Exchange. On 7 November 2006, Caprio, as a candidate of the Democratic Party, was elected General Treasurer of Rhode Island. He won by a larger margin, 73% of the vote, than any candidate for a contested statewide office on the Rhode Island ballot in 2006. Frank T. Caprio was the first political candidate in the United States to use multimedia broadcasts to reach voters. He was also one of the first candidates to launch an Internet TV channel for use in a political campaign in 2006. His TV documentary, titled “Caprio, the Biography,” was available for free viewing to Rhode Island residents through Cox Communications’ On-Demand service. Additionally, he also launched one of the US’ first campaign internet TV channels. He served as the State Treasurer of Rhode Island till 2010. He was the Democratic nominee in the 2010 Rhode Island gubernatorial elections, but he lost to the Independent candidate Lincoln Chafee. After learning that President Barack Obama would not endorse him in the gubernatorial elections, Frank said that President Barack Obama could “shove it” for withholding his endorsement in elections while talking on WPRO-AM radio. The comments were deemed as “insulting” by many. It was implied that Obama must have refrained from endorsing Caprio as a sign of respect for Lincoln Chafee, the Independent candidate who had supported Obama in the 2008 election. Thereafter, President Bill Clinton campaigned in Rhode Island for Frank.

A picture of Bill Clinton campaigning for the Democratic nominee for Governor of Rhode Island Frank T. Caprio in the 2010 gubernatorial elections

In 2011, he became a Limited Partner at the mezzanine finance firm Chatham Capital, which has offices in Atlanta, Dallas, and Providence. Later, he also became the Managing Director of Chatham Capital. He runs the Caprio Law Firm, along with his father, Frank Caprio, and brother David Caprio. He contested the 2014 elections as the Democratic nomination for General Treasurer but lost to first-time candidate Seth Magaziner.

Frank T. Caprio ahead of the 2014 elections as the Democratic nomination for General Treasurer

Since 2017, he has worked as a part-time Adjunct Professor of Finance at Providence College School of Business. In January 2020, he became a Founding Partner in the investment management film Caprio Brothers.

Facts/Trivia

• He played against American baseball pitcher Roger Clemens in a 1987 exhibition game and was scouted by Boston Red Sox legend Ted Williams.

• In 2009, he was inducted as a Member of Bishop Hendricken Sports Hall of Fame.

• In 2022, Bishop Hendricken High School gave an honorary degree to Judge Frank Caprio, which was presented to him by his sons Frank T. and David Caprio, high school alumni.
  

  Frank Caprio receiving an honorary degree from his sons Frank T. and David at Bishop Hendricken High School

Tamanpreet

Frank Caprio is an American lawyer and politician who is a member of the Democratic Party. Frank served as the Chief Judge of the Municipal Court of Providence from 1985 to 2023. He gained worldwide recognition with the top-rated nationally syndicated television show ‘Caught in Providence,’ which features his judicial work. Apart from that,  he also made appearances in the American reality television series Parking Wars on A&E. Earlier, he served as a Member of the Providence City Council (1962-1968).

Wiki/Biography

Francesco Caprio was born on November 24, 1936 (age 86 years; as of 2022) in Federal Hill, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. His zodiac sign is Sagittarius. His mother was born in Providence and was one of eight children of her parents, who hailed from Naples. Frank’s father immigrated to Providence from Teano, Italy, and was one of the ten children of his parents. Born during the Great Depression before World War II, Frank grew up with his two brothers in a close-knit Italian-American immigrant community. They had a humble background and lived in a cold-water flat in a three-story, six-unit tenement on Federal Hill, Providence.

Childhood picture of Frank Caprio

As there was no hot water at home, they used to go to the bathhouse down the street in order to take a hot shower. On one cold day, while sitting around a potbelly stove, Frank’s father said,

Someday, you are going to be a lawyer. You’re a good talker, and you can help people. But remember one thing: You cannot charge poor people. You’ll make it up with the rich people.”

That day, Frank determined to become a lawyer after growing up. His father, Antonio, who worked as a milkman, would take his sons out with him and tell them that if they didn’t want to do the same thing, they had to find a way to get to college. Antonio’s efforts instilled the value of hard work, the importance of education, and a commitment to service in Frank. Frank too pursued various odd jobs like shining shoes, delivering newspapers, and working on a milk truck in his teens.

Ten-year-old Frank Caprio, with older brother Anthony, delivering milk

Frank learned his compassion from his father, who would settle milk bills for customers struggling financially, despite his own family residing in a modest apartment with limited resources. Frank was an all-state wrestler in high school and was voted “Most Energetic” by his Central High School class.

An old picture of Frank Caprio wrestling for Central High School in Providence

Thereafter, he enrolled at Providence College, a Catholic College in Rhode Island, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts. ^[1]The University of Rhode Island He worked three jobs to pay off his tuition at Providence College. Talking about the same in an interview, he said,

I washed dishes, I polished cars and I’d get up at two o’clock in the morning on Sundays and work at the Journal subbing, which was what they called putting the paper back together.”

Next up was law school. Caprio worked as an American history and civics teacher at Hope High School to sustain himself through his law degree at Suffolk University’s evening program. While he taught school and attended law school, he also coached wrestling and was a member of the Rhode Island Army National Guard from 1954 to 1962 in the 876th Combat Engineer Battalion. While serving in the National Guard, he was assigned to Camp Varnum located in Narragansett, Rhode Island, as well as Fort Indiantown Gap in Pennsylvania. He earned a Doctor of Law (JD) from Suffolk University Law School in Boston in 1965. ^[2]Suffolk Law Magazine

Physical Appearance

Height (approx.): 5′ 10″

Hair Colour: Gray

Eye Colour: Black

Family

Parents & Siblings

His father, Antonio Caprio, worked as a fruit peddler and milkman. His mother, Filomena, was a homemaker.

Frank Caprio with his father, Antonio Caprio

Frank Caprio with his mother, Filomena Caprio

Frank is the middle child and has two brothers, Antonio Jr. (deceased) and Joseph Caprio (also known as Joe Caprio and Uncle Joe). Joe is thirteen years younger than Frank. He is the executive producer of Caught in Providence.

Frank Caprio with his brother Joe Caprio

Frank Caprio with his brother Joe Caprio Antonio Caprio Jr.

Wife & Children

While attending the Suffolk University School of Law in Boston, Frank Caprio got married to Joyce (Tibaldi) Caprio.

Frank and Joyce Caprio’s wedding picture

Together, they have five children, four sons, Frank T. Caprio, David Caprio, Paul Caprio, and John Caprio, and a daughter, Marissa Caprio Pesce. Their eldest son, Frank T. Caprio, is a banker, lawyer, and politician. He is a member of the Democratic party. He served as the 29th General Treasurer of Rhode Island from 2007 to 2011. Frank T. Caprio was the Democratic nominee in the 2010 Rhode Island gubernatorial elections, but he lost to the Independent candidate Lincoln Chafee.

Frank Caprio and Frank T. Caprio

David Caprio is a businessman, investor, lawyer, and politician, who served as a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives from District 34 from 2003 to 2011.

Judge Frank Caprio with his daughter, Marissa Caprio Pesce, and son David Caprio

Marissa Caprio Pesce was married to John R. Pesce, who died in February 2018.

Frank Caprio with his wife, Joyce Caprio, and daughter, Marissa Caprio Pesce

Standing from left to right are Frank T. Caprio, Gabriella and Ashley Caprio (Frank T.’s wife and daughter), John Caprio, Marissa Caprio Pesce, Paul Caprio, and David Caprio. Sitting Joyce Caprio and Frank Caprio

Religion

Frank Caprio belongs to a Catholic family and follows Christianity. ^[3]Providence College

Signature/Autograph

Frank Caprio’s autograph

Career

Inspired by John F. Kennedy’s call to public service, Frank Caprio decided to run for Providence city councilor in 1962 and won.

Frank Caprio celebrating his Providence City Council victory with his father (in glasses) and supporters in 1962

He served as a Providence city councilor until 1968. He contested the election for Attorney General of Rhode Island in 1970 but lost to Republican Richard J. Israel.  Frank began his legal career in 1965. He established the Caprio Law Firm, which he later ran alongside his sons Frank Jr. and David Caprio.

Frank Caprio in his early days as a lawyer

He was elected as a delegate to the Rhode Island Constitutional Convention in 1975 and was subsequently elected as a delegate to five Democratic National Conventions. He was a Democratic candidate for Rhode Island for mayor of Providence in 1978. After he established his legal career, he started serving as a Providence Municipal Court Judge in 1985, hearing mostly non-criminal cases. Thereafter, he was re-appointed Providence Municipal Court Judge six times by the mayor of Providence and the city council. A few years later, Frank’s brother Joe began filming the proceedings of Frank’s court when he gained time on local access television. It was Frank’s wife, Joyce, who suggested they use the time to film her husband in court. Later, Joe turned them into the TV show Caught in Providence, which originated on PEG access television in Rhode Island and was first picked up by ABC station WLNE-TV in 2000, with a stint on ABC 6. The critically acclaimed show depicted real cases heard in his Providence Municipal courtroom.

In 2017, when Frank was 80, he became an internet sensation when videos of him passing judgment with a mix of compassion and humour went viral on Facebook. The videos were posted to social media, like Facebook and YouTube, by Sociable’s John Methia, who is also Citylife Production’s senior producer. In 2017, the videos caught the attention of Debmar-Mercury, a television syndication company, which set in motion the national spotlight on Caught in Providence by premiering episodes twice during weekdays on Fox. He was seen as a kind and compassionate judge, who took all circumstances into consideration when determining the outcome of cases. It was the video featuring a woman named Andrea Rogers who had racked up tickets and fines of $400 which led to Frank’s popularity, earning more than 1.7 billion views on the Internet. In the video, the woman breaks down as she mourns her murdered son, who was stabbed to death. The kind-hearted judge dismissed the tickets of the troubled woman. He often called children to come up on the bench to help pass judgment on their parents and made high schoolers promise to attend college in return for dropping tickets. During one particular case, Caprio extends an invitation to a seven-year-old boy to assist him in determining whether his father should be fined $90, $30, or face no charges for a parking violation. The young boy opts for the $30 option, and the judge later forgives the fine on one condition: the father must treat his child to a pancake breakfast. This video clip gained immense popularity, accumulating thousands of views after going viral.

A still from the TV show Caught in Providence featuring Judge Frank Caprio with a kid

Caught in Providence was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award in 2021, 2022, and 2023. After 38 exemplary years on the bench, Frank Caprio retired as Chief Judge of the Municipal Court of Providence on January 13, 2023. Apart from serving as Chief Judge of the Municipal Court of Providence, he is also a real estate investor and co-owns an oceanfront restaurant named Coast Guard House in Narragansett, Rhode Island. He bought the landmark restaurant in 1978 with 2 friends. It was originally used as a US Lifesaving Station from 1889 to the 1940s. It survived Hurricane Bob in 1991, and Superstorm Sandy in 2012.

Coast Guard House

For ten years, he served as Chairman of the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education, which is the governing body for the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and Community College of Rhode Island. Apart from Caught in Providence, Frank also appears on the show Cooking (at Home) with the Caprio’s! along with his son, David Caprio.

Frank Caprio and David Caprio on the show Cooking (at Home) with the Caprio’s!

Community Service

He founded the Antonio “Tup” Caprio Scholarship Fund at Suffolk University School of Law. Named after Frank’s father, the scholarship is awarded to Rhode Island students who are committed to improving access to legal services in underserved neighborhoods. He has also established scholarships named in honor of his father at Providence College and Providence’s Central High School. He has also been associated with the Boys Town of Italy, the Nickerson House Juvenile Court, and the Rhode Island Food Bank. In 1983, he co-chaired the Rhode Island Statue of Liberty Foundation, where he raised funds for the restoration of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Caprio served as a member of the Board of Regents of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Governor’s Pre-K through 16 Council on Education. He was on PC’s Providence President’s Council for 20 years. In 2021, Caprio started the Filomena Fund, bearing his mother’s name, to provide financial assistance and support to people facing difficulty in paying their traffic fines. The fund was started after a single mother from Indiana reached out to Caprio with a heartfelt letter and a modest donation. After Caprio shared the letter on television, he began receiving similar contributions from people worldwide.

Awards, Honours, Achievements

• In 2003, he became the first recipient of the Enrico Caruso Award from the Providence Opera for his major contributions to the arts.

• Judge Caprio received an Honorary Doctorate of Law from Suffolk University School of Law in 1991 and Providence College in 2008. He was also honored with an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from the University of Rhode Island in 2016. In 2022, Bishop Hendricken High School gave an honorary degree to Frank, which was presented to him by two alumni, his sons Frank T. and David.
  

  Frank Caprio receiving an honorary degree from his sons Frank T. and David at Bishop Hendricken High School

• Judge Caprio’s contributions to his home state led to his inclusion in the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame.

• The University’s Multicultural Center presented the judge with its “Lifetime Diversity Award” for his part in helping the concept of the Multicultural Center become a reality.

• In August 2018, he received the Producer’s Circle Award at the Rhode Island International Film Festival.

Facts/Trivia

• Frank’s father, Antonio, studied only till seventh grade. He was a hard-working man who got up at 4 am in the morning to provide for his family. He was nicknamed Tup-a-toffee after an event when he refused to stop working on a freezing winter day. In the bitterly cold weather, he wheeled his produce cart to a local diner to have a hot cup of coffee, but his face was so frozen that he was unable to articulate the words “cup of coffee” and uttered “tup a toffee” instead.

• In an interview, Frank talked about his father’s influence on his life. During his childhood, his father wrote him a very inspiring  letter which read,
  

  The street is wide the road is long and very bumpy and very tough going. But I know you will proceed honorably and with your head held high to the end of the highest learning.”

  Antonio signed the letter as though it were an official document.

  

  A picture of Antonio Caprio’s letter to Frank Caprio

• Although he was accepted at Boston University, he didn’t have the money to go; hence, he opted to attend Suffolk University Law School in Boston, but still, he didn’t have tuition money. There were no scholarships or college loans back then. In an interview, he remembered the moment when he told his mother that he was going to put off law school to work. Listening to her son’s decision to drop a year, Filomena handed him over three bank books filled with weekly deposits of tiny amounts from 50 cents to $5. She said,
  

  Dad never made much money, but never a week went by that I didn’t put some money away. Take these and go to school.”

  Frank did not take the money, but he promised her he would go to law school at night and try to get a teaching job to pay on his own.
• Once President Donald Trump’s ex-wife, Marla Maples, stayed in Caprio’s guesthouse.

• Frank’s son John Caprio dated American singer Paula Abdul.

• He was the commencement speaker for Boston University School of Law’s Class of 2020.

• He is the permanent director of the Aurora Club Civic Association in Providence Federal Hill, where he has been a member for more than fifty years. Caprio modernized the Aurora Club by admitting the first woman member and made it more inclusive with diverse religions and ethnicities represented.

• Frand is an avid fan of the professional baseball team Boston Red Sox. On 25 July 2019, Caprio threw the ceremonial first pitch at Fenway Park, when the Red Sox played the New York Yankees.

• He is non-vegetarian. ^[4]Rhode Island Monthly

• An avid dog lover, Frank Caprio owned 6 St. Bernard dogs named Caesar over a span of 50 years. He had the first around 1973.
  

  Frank Caprio with his dog Caesar in 1973

• His favorite dessert is Chocolate Cream Pie.

Tamanpreet

Morgan Luttrell is a retired United States Navy SEALs lieutenant, businessman, social activist, and politician, who was elected as a Congressman in 2022. He has earned numerous accolades as a US Navy SEAL and is the twin brother of the famous Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, who served in Operation Red Wings (2005).

Wiki/Biography

Morgan Joe Luttrell was born on Friday, 7 November 1975 (age 47 years; as of 2022) in Houston, Texas, the United States of America. His zodiac sign is Scorpio.

A photo of Morgan Luttrell with Marcus Luttrell (left)

In an interview, Marcus Luttrell revealed that he and Morgan began training to become part of the US special forces when they were 14 years old. He further said that they were trained by a retired US Army special forces operative named Billy Shelton, who lived in their neighbourhood. He talked about his first meeting with Billy and said,

He was a bull of a man, with rippling muscles, fair skin, and not carrying one ounce of fat. To my eyes he looked like he could have choke slammed a rhino. I made my hesitant request. And he just looked me up and down and said, “Right here. Four, tomorrow afternoon.” Then he shut the door in my face.”

After completing his schooling at Willis High School in Conroe, Texas, in 1994, he enrolled at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in applied science in psychology in 2000. From 2014 to 2016, he pursued a master’s degree in science in applied cognition neuroscience at The University of Texas at Dallas. In 2017, he enrolled at the Harvard Business School, where he earned an executive certificate in a professional leadership development course. ^[1]Morgan Luttrell – LinkedIn Luttrell has also done a PhD in neuroscience at the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas.

Physical Appearance

Height (approx.): 6′ 5″

Weight (approx.): 90 kg

Hair Colour: Black

Eye Colour: Dark Brown

Family

Parents & Siblings

His father, David Luttrell, was a Vietnam War veteran and a businessman. He passed away due to cancer.

A photo of Marcus Luttrell with his father

His mother’s name is Holly Luttrell. His twin brother, Marcus Luttrell, is a retired US Navy SEAL. Marcus is the author of the famous book Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10 based on which the Hollywood film Lone Survivor was released in 2013. He is also known for being the sole survivor of the SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One (SDVT-1) during Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan in 2005.

A photo of Marcus (left) and Morgan with their mother

Wife & Children

His wife’s name is Leslie Luttrell. He got married to her in 2012. The couple have two sons, Gunner, and Lincoln.

Morgan posing for a photo with Leslie Luttrell

A photo of Morgan with his sons

Religion

He is a Protestant Christian. ^[2]Pew Research Center

Address

He resides at House number 18230, FM 1488, Magnolia, Texas – 77354, the United States of America.

Signature/Autograph

Signature of Morgan Luttrell

Career

United States Navy

In 2000, after completing graduation, Luttrell joined the United States Navy after which he attended Class 237 of the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) to become a US Navy SEAL. He was selected as the Honor Man for OCS, BUD/S Class 237. After completing BUD/S, he reported at the United States Army Airborne School, also known as Jump School, at Fort Moore, Georgia, where he underwent basic paratrooper (military parachutist) training. He later underwent SEAL Qualification Training (SQT) for 26 weeks following which he received the Insignia for Naval Special Warfare, also known as the SEAL team trident badge. Afterwards, he went to the SEAL Sniper school in Indiana, where he was trained as a sniper rifle operator. He graduated from the sniper school with honours.

Morgan’s photo taken while he was undergoing marksman training in Indiana

After completing his military training, Morgan was sent to Afghanistan, where he participated in Operation Enduring Freedom and assisted the NATO forces in conducting military operations against the Taliban.

Morgan Luttrell (in kneeling position) in Afghanistan with his fellow US Navy SEALs

Thereafter, Luttrell participated in anti-terrorist missions in Africa. In 2003, he was sent to Iraq, where he participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom and assisted the US-led NATO forces against the Iraqi military.

Morgan Luttrell’s photo taken while he was serving in Iraq

In 2007, Luttrell was selected to attend an officer’s training course at the Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island. After completing his officer’s training, he became a lieutenant and was appointed as a special warfare officer.

A photo of Morgan taken while he was being sworn in as an officer in the SEALs

In 2009, Morgan’s helicopter crashed during a military exercise, causing severe spinal cord and brain injuries, including a major concussion. In an interview, he talked about the injuries he sustained and said,

I was aboard an Army helicopter during a training exercise off the coast of Virginia Beach. The SEALs were training to fast-rope down onto the ship when their Black Hawk crashed into a combat support ship, killing one and injuring eight, including me. I remember falling out of the helicopter and hitting the top deck of the ship. When the helicopter exploded, the force blew me down onto another deck. The impact broke my back in six places, and I sustained major damage to my spinal cord. I was in a body cast for about six months.”

In the same year, after recovering from injuries, he was sent to Afghanistan, where he served as team leader for a Navy SEAL team. Due to the injuries sustained, Morgan was granted a medical retirement from active service in 2014. Throughout his career as a SEAL, Morgan was awarded numerous accolades including two Navy Commendations for Valor and two Bronze Stars for Valor.

A photo of Morgan (left) with his twin brother in military uniform

After Military Service

Academics and Social Service

In 2014, after retiring, Morgan enrolled at the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences at the University of Texas at Dallas to conduct a study on the methods of curing brain trauma as well as improving cognitive activities after sustaining brain injuries. He ended up earning a PhD in neuroscience at the school. In an interview, he talked about it and said,

I signed up to be part of a clinical trial. I underwent cognitive testing and received training on how to improve his ability to think abstractly, synthesize information and filter out distractions — common problems for patients with brain injuries. It was about this time when I decided to pursue an advanced degree in cognitive science, with the long-term goal of finding treatments that could help the estimated half-million recent-war veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injuries or both.”

Morgan has authored numerous research papers on human cognition including Diverse Veterans’ pre- and post-intervention Perceptions of Home Telemental Health for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Delivered via Tablet (2017) and “Operator Syndrome”: A unique constellation of Medical and Behavioral Healthcare Needs of military special operation forces (2020). While pursuing PhD, Luttrell joined an NGO in Washington, D.C., involved in assisting the disabled war veterans of the US Armed Forces in coping.

Business

Luttrell is the founder of Stronos Industries, which manufactures eco-friendly sign boards and billboards for political parties.

Politics

After leaving active military service, Morgan became a member of the Republican Party. In 2017, Luttrell was appointed as senior advisor to Secretary Rick Perry in the Department of Energy. As a senior advisor, Luttrell also worked in the Artificial Intelligence and Technologies Office and played a vital role in forming policies that led to an increase in the international competitiveness of the U.S. industry. He served in the post till 2019.

A photo of Morgan taken while he was serving as the advisor to Rick Perry

In 2022, Luttrell contested the Republican Party’s primary elections in Texas in which he emerged victorious by securing a total of 34,271 votes. Rick Perry, Congressman Dan Crenshaw (a retired Navy SEAL), House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, the Congressional Leadership Fund, and the American Patriots PAC (founded by McCarthy’s allies) supported his primary electoral campaign. During the elections, Luttrell raised issues such as securing the border, gun rights, and restricting abortion. In the same year, he contested the United States House of Representatives elections from Texas’ 8th congressional district and emerged victorious by receiving 68.09% of total votes.

A poster from Morgan Luttrell’s 2022 Congress elections

On 3 January 2023, Luttrell entered the office as a Congressman. Reportedly, his swearing-in ceremony in the senate was postponed numerous times as the senate had not elected a speaker. On 7 January 2023, he was appointed to the U.S. House Committee on Armed Services, commonly known as the House Armed Services Committee or HASC. As a representative, he has also served on the Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative Technologies and Information Systems and the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations. Luttrell was one of the 71 House Republicans who voted against the implementation of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, introduced in May 2023. The act intended to remove the debt limit imposed on the US government by the legislature to borrow money for repaying the debt till January 2025. He has also served as a member of the Republican Main Street Partnership Political Action Committee (RMSP PAC).

Morgan (second from right) standing outside the US Senate

Military Decorations

• Bronze Stars for Valor (two times)

• Navy Commendations for Valor (two times)

• Combat Action ribbons (two times)

• Sea Service Deployment ribbons (five times)

• Good Conduct medals (four times)

• Sailor of the Quarter citations (two times)

• Operation Iraqi Freedom campaign medal

• Operation Enduring Freedom campaign medal

Tattoos

Morgan Luttrell got many tattoos inked on both his arms.

A photo of Morgan Luttrell’s tattoos on both arms

Salary

In 2023, as a Congressman, Morgan Luttrell earned an annual salary of $174,000. ^[3]United States Senate

Facts/Trivia

• He also goes by the name Morgan J. Luttrell.

• Morgan Luttrell co-hosts Team Never Quits podcasts with his twin brother Marcus Luttrell.
  

  Marcus with Morgan during a podcast

• In April 2023, Marcus and Morgan’s uniform and battle gear that they wore while serving in the Navy SEALs were put on display at The Cafe Texan History Museum & Library.
  

  A photo of the Luttrell brothers’ uniform and equipment at The Cafe Texan History Museum & Library

• Morgan’s blood group is O-positive.
  

  Morgan Luttrell’s uniform with his blood group written on it

• Morgan has appeared in several television series and documentaries including Project 22 (2015), Fox Files (2019), Fox & Friends (2021), Liberal Hivemind (2021), Carl Higbie Frontline (2023), and 22 and You (2023).

• In an interview, Morgan revealed that he is seven minutes older than his twin brother Marcus.

• While many of his fellow soldiers wore an American flag on their fatigues during combat operations, Luttrell gained recognition, along with his brother, for donning a Texas flag on the fatigues.
  

  Morgan with the flag of Texas on his bulletproof jacket

Rohan Nautiyal

A content writer, editor, and proofreader with over three years of experience in producing well-researched, user-friendly content that simplifies complex information for readers, helping brands to enhance their online presence.

Matthew Axelson (1976-2005) was an American US Navy SEAL sniper, who was part of the the SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One (SDVT-1), which was involved in Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan in 2005. In June 2005, Axelson lost his life during Operation Red Wings as a result of which he was posthumously awarded the U.S. Navy’s second highest decoration, the Navy Cross, and the Purple Heart.

Wiki/Biography

Matthew Gene Axelson was born on Friday, 25 June 1976 (age 29 years; at the time of death) in Cupertino, California, the United States of America. His zodiac sign is Cancer.

A childhood photo of Matthew Axelson (right) with his elder brother Jeff

After completing his schooling at the Monta Vista High School in California, Axelson enrolled at the San Diego State University, where he studied for a year. Thereafter, he enrolled at the California State University Chico, where he majored in political science. Matthew decided to join the United States Navy after a friend, who was a US Navy SEAL, motivated him to become a SEAL.

Physical Appearance

Height (approx.): 5′ 11″

Weight (approx.): 65 kg

Hair Colour: Dark Brown

Eye Colour: Blue

Family

Matthew Axelson belongs to a Christian family in the US.

Parents & Siblings

His father’s name is Cordell Axelson, and his mother’s name is Donna Axelson.

A photo of Donna and Cordell Axelson

He has an elder brother named Jeffrey Axelson (also known as Jeff), who founded Axelson Tactical in memory of Matthew.

A photo of Jeff Axelson

Wife & Children

His wife’s name is Cindy Oji Axelson. He got married to her on 27 December 2003. She served as the program director of the SEAL Family Foundation and presides over the Matthew Axelson Foundation. Cindy talked about her marriage with Matthew and said,

He proposed and we got married two days after Christmas (in 2003) because that was the only time the Navy could guarantee that he would be anywhere.”

Cindy holding the portrait of her and Matthew taken during their wedding

Relationships/Affairs

Matthew started dating Cindy while studying at the San Diego State University.

Matthew Axelson with Cindy in a photo

Career

Training Phase

Matthew joined the US Navy’s boot camp at Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Chicago, Illinois, in December 2000. After completing his military training at the boot camp, he enlisted in the STG “A” School in Chicago, Illinois, where he underwent specialised training as a Sonar Technician – Surface. Thereafter, he enrolled in the Class 237 and underwent the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training (BUD/S) to become a US Navy SEAL. Later, he reported at the United States Army Airborne School, also known as Jump School, in Fort Moore, Georgia, where he underwent basic paratrooper (military parachutist) training.

A photo of Axelson taken while he was undergoing SEAL training

He later underwent SEAL Qualification Training (SQT) for 26 weeks as well as the SEAL Delivery Vehicle Training. Thereafter, he received the Insignia for Naval Special Warfare, also known as the SEAL team trident badge. Afterwards, he went to the SEAL Sniper school in Indiana, where he was trained as a marksman.

A photo of Axelson taken while he was undergoing the sniper training course

US Navy SEAL

Deployed in Hawaii

After completing his rigorous special forces training, Axelson was sent to Hawaii, where he joined the SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1 (SDVT-1) in December 2002.

Deployed in Afghanistan

In April 2005, Axelson was sent to Afghanistan as a part of the SDVT-1. Their mission was to assist the NATO forces in their efforts against global terrorism.

Matthew Axelson with his friend while he was deployed in Afghanistan

Operation Red Wings

On 28 June 2005, a four-man SEAL team, consisting of Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, Petty Officer Second Class Danny Dietz, Petty Officer Second Class Matthew Axelson, and Petty Officer Second Class Marcus A. Luttrell, was deployed in the mountains of the Kunar Province in Afghanistan, tasked with gathering intelligence and killing/capturing a high-ranking Taliban leader named Ahmad Shah who was reportedly hiding in the Kunar Province of Afghanistan.

A photo of Ahmed Shah

Matthew Axelson’s photo with his team

However, their mission was compromised when they were discovered by a group of local goat herders. According to Marcus Luttrell’s book, Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10, the team faced a critical decision whether to kill the herders and continue their mission or release them and abort. Choosing the latter, they let the herders go, but soon after, they were ambushed by a large Taliban force after the herders informed the Taliban about the presence of the SEALs as soon as they were let go. By the time the firefight ended, Murphy, Dietz, and Axelson were killed in action. Marcus Luttrell survived, but he was severely injured. Marcus’ account of the goat herders informing the Taliban was refuted by Mohammad Gulab Khan, a resident of the Salar Ban village, Kunar Province, who saved the injured Luttrell from the Taliban. According to Gulab, the sound of the rotors of the helicopter that dropped the 4-man SEAL team in the mountains warned the enemy fighters in the mountains. Talking about it, in an interview, Gulab said,

The militants, like many others in the area, heard the helicopter drop the Americans on the mountain, Gulab claims. The next morning, they began searching for the SEAL’s distinctive footprints. When the militants finally found them, the Americans were deliberating about what to do with the goat herders. The insurgents held back. After Marcus Luttrell and the company freed the locals, the gunmen waited for the right moment to strike.”

A collage of the soldiers of the US Armed Forces killed in Operation Red Wings

For his actions during Operation Red Wings, Axelson was awarded a Navy Cross and the Purple Heart posthumously.

Military Decorations

• Navy Cross (Posthumous) (13 September 2006)
  

  Matthew Axelson’s Navy Cross citation

• Purple Heart (Posthumous)

• Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal

• Combat Action Ribbon

• Navy Unit Commendation

• Navy Good Conduct Medal

• National Defense Service Medal

• Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/ 1 Service star

• Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal

• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

• Navy and Marine Corps Sea Service Deployment Ribbon

• NATO Medal

• Navy Expert Rifleman Medal

• Navy Expert Pistol Shot Medal

Honours & Legacy

• A life-sized bronze statue of Dietz, with his rifle resting on one knee in a ‘defensive kneeling’ pose, was erected in Cupertino, California, on 11 November 2007. The statue also featured his Navy Cross citation.
  

  Matthew Axelson’s bronze statue erected after his death

• The Pacific Beacon housing complex at Naval Base San Diego was renamed The Axelson Building on 3 November 2015. A display box was also established in the lobby of the building to hold some of Axelson’s belongings as a dedication.

• On 13 November 2015, the San Diego State University inscribed his name on the university’s war memorial and recognized him as an alumnus.

• In October 2019, a bill was proposed in the Senate to change the name of the post office located in Cupertino, California, to the “Petty Officer 2nd Class (SEAL) Matthew G. Axelson Post Office Building.” The bill was passed on 14 September 2020, resulting in the renaming of the building.

• In his honour, in 2016, Axelson Tactical, owned by Matthew’s elder brother, unveiled a limited-edition rifle, which was similar to the rifle Axelson carried during Operation Red Wings. The company later collaborated with Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell’s Team Never Quit Ammunition for a giveaway of the rifle and a thousand rounds of ammunition to raise money to aid the Special Operations Wounded Warriors charity.
  

  A photo of the replica of Matthew’s rifle made by Axelson Tactical

• After his death, his family members established the Matthew Axelson Foundation in California with the intent of helping the distressed and disabled war veterans of the US Armed Forces.

• His rifle and battle gear, which he wore during Operation Red Wings, was exhibited to the public in a museum in his hometown after his death.
  

  A picture of Matthew’s combat gear in the museum

Death

Matthew Axelson was killed in action during Operation Red Wings in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, on 28 June 2005. According to sources, Axelson was grievously wounded while engaging the enemy fighters in a firefight during Operation Red Wings. He suffered several gunshot wounds on his chest and other parts of the body. He was killed when a bullet him in the head. Axelson’s body was recovered by a team of US Navy SEALs conducting a combat, search, and rescue operation in the Kunar Province on 10 June 2005.

A US Navy SEAL officer presenting a folded American flag to Cindy during Matthew’s funeral

He was buried at the Glen Oaks Memorial Park in Chico, California, with full military honours on 28 June 2005. ^[1]Veteran Tributes

A photo of Matthew Axelson’s grave at the at the Glen Oaks Memorial Park

Car Collection

He owned a 1969 Chevrolet Corvette.

A photo of Matthew Axelson taken with his 1969 Chevrolet Corvette

Facts/Trivia

• His friends and family affectionately referred to him as Matt, Mikey, and Axe.

• He also went by the names Matthew “Axe” Axelson and Matt “Axe” Axelson.

• Matthew enjoyed playing soccer. He joined his school’s swimming team at the age of 5. He also played golf in high school and represented his school in numerous competitions.

• Matthew passionately followed his hobby of reading. History was his favourite subject.

• Actor Ben Foster portrayed the role of Matthew Axelson in the 2013 Hollywood film Lone Survivor.
  

  Ben Foster as Matthew Axelson in the film Lone Survivor

• According to his father, Matthew had planned on rebuilding his father’s old Triumph TR6 after returning from Afghanistan for which he even sent a building manual as a gift to his father.

• In 2014, his elder brother, Jeffrey Axelson, published A Brother’s Search for an American Warrior. The book was based on Matt’s life.

Rohan Nautiyal

A content writer, editor, and proofreader with over three years of experience in producing well-researched, user-friendly content that simplifies complex information for readers, helping brands to enhance their online presence.

Danny Dietz (1980-2005) was a US Navy SEAL, who was part of the the SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One (SDVT-1), which was involved in Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan in 2005. In June 2005, Dietz lost his life while participating in Operation Red Wings as a result of which he was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, which is the U.S. Navy’s second highest decoration, and the Purple Heart.

Wiki/Biography

Danny Phillip Dietz Jr. was born on Saturday, 26 January 1980 (age 25 years; at the time of death) in Aurora, Colorado, the United States of America. His zodiac sign is Aquarius.

A childhood photo of Danny Dietz

He completed his schooling at Heritage High School in Littleton, Colorado, in 1999. Thereafter, he enlisted in the US Navy and reported at the US Navy’s boot camp at Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Chicago, Illinois, where he completed his military training and joined the Navy as a sailor on 27 November 1999.

A photo of Danny taken during his school graduation ceremony

Physical Appearance

Height (approx.): 5′ 10″

Weight (approx.): 65 kg

Hair Colour: Dark Brown

Eye Colour: Dark Brown

Family

Danny Dietz was born into a Christian family belonging to the Native American Apache tribe in the US.

Parents & Siblings

His father’s name is Danny Phillip Dietz Sr. He served in the US Navy. His mother’s name is Cynthia Dietz Marsh. He has two siblings, a brother named Eric Dietz, and a sister named Tiffany Bitz.

A photo of Danny’s family

Wife & Children

On 14 March 2003, Danny Dietz got married to Maria Paz Leveque Dietz. She served in the US Navy and retired in 2005. After Dietz’s death, she got remarried. She is the co-founder of the Navy SEAL Danny Dietz Foundation (NSDDF).

Danny Dietz with Maria Paz Leveque Dietz

Religion

He followed Christianity.

Career

Training Period

After completing his military training, Dietz reported at the Gunner’s Mate “A” School at the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Pensacola, Florida, where he underwent advanced training in radar operation. Thereafter, he attended the Class 232 of the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) to become a US Navy SEAL. Later, he reported at the United States Army Airborne School, also known as Jump School, in Fort Moore, Georgia, where he underwent basic paratrooper (military parachutist) training. He later underwent SEAL Qualification Training (SQT) for 26 weeks as well as the SEAL Delivery Vehicle Training. In January 2001, he received the Insignia for Naval Special Warfare, also known as the SEAL team trident badge.

Danny’s photo taken while he was undergoing training as a SEAL

Deployment

Virginia

On 8 November 2001, Dietz was sent to Virginia, where he joined the SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 2 (SDVT-2) and was assigned to Task Unit Bravo as the secondary SDV pilot and the Ordnance and Engineering Department head.

Danny Dietz in his Navy SEAL uniform standing in front a US flag

Afghanistan

In April 2005, Dietz was sent to Afghanistan as a part of his Special Reconnaissance team. Their mission was to assist Naval Special Warfare Squadron TEN in their efforts against global terrorism.

Danny Dietz’s photo taken when he was in Afghanistan

Operation Red Wings

On 28 June 2005, a four-man SEAL team, consisting of Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, Petty Officer Second Class Danny Dietz, Petty Officer Second Class Matthew Axelson, and Petty Officer Second Class Marcus A. Luttrell, was deployed in the mountains of the Kunar Province in Afghanistan, tasked with gathering intelligence and killing/capturing a high-ranking Taliban leader named Ahmad Shah who was reportedly hiding in the Kunar Province of Afghanistan.

A photo of Ahmed Shah

However, their mission was compromised when they were discovered by a group of local goat herders. According to Marcus Luttrell’s book, Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10, the team faced a critical decision whether to kill the herders and continue their mission or release them and abort. Choosing the latter, they let the herders go, but soon after, they were ambushed by a large Taliban force after the herders informed the Taliban about the presence of the SEALs as soon as they were let go.

A photo of Danny with Marcus A. Luttrell

By the time the firefight ended, Murphy, Dietz, and Axelson were killed in action. Marcus Luttrell survived, but he was severely injured. Marcus’ account of the goat herders informing the Taliban was refuted by Mohammad Gulab Khan, a resident of the Salar Ban village, Kunar Province, who saved the injured Luttrell from the Taliban. According to Gulab, the sound of the rotors of the helicopter that dropped the 4-man SEAL team in the mountains warned the enemy fighters in the mountains. Talking about it, in an interview, Gulab said,

The militants, like many others in the area, heard the helicopter drop the Americans on the mountain, Gulab claims. The next morning, they began searching for the SEAL’s distinctive footprints. When the militants finally found them, the Americans were deliberating about what to do with the goat herders. The insurgents held back. After Marcus Luttrell and the company freed the locals, the gunmen waited for the right moment to strike.”

A collage of the soldiers of the US Armed Forces killed in Operation Red Wings

For his actions during Operation Red Wings, Dietz was awarded a Navy Cross and the Purple Heart posthumously.

Military Decorations

• Navy Cross (Posthumous) (13 September 2006)

• Purple Heart (Posthumous)

• Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal

• Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal

• Combat Action Ribbon

• National Defense Service Medal with bronze service star

• Afghanistan Campaign Medal

• Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal

• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

• Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon

• Good Conduct Award

• National Defense Service Medal

Honours & Legacy

• A life-sized bronze statue of Dietz, with his rifle resting on one knee in a ‘parade-rest’ pose, was erected in Littleton, Colorado, on 4 July 2007. The statue also featured his Navy Cross citation.
  

  A photo of the life-size bronze statue of Danny in Colorado

• Navy SEAL Danny Dietz Memorial Highway was designated in honour of Danny Dietz on 18 August 2009. This roadway segment stretches from Interstate 25 to Colorado State Highway 470.
  

  A photo of the Danny Dietz Memorial Highway board

• After he passed away, his wife co-founded the Navy SEAL Danny Dietz Foundation (NSDDF), which offers assistance to veterans of the US Armed Forces.

• The Danny Dietz Memorial Day Classic has been organised since 2010 at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds in Rosenberg, Texas. This event combines a fundraiser for charitable causes with rodeo festivities.

• After Danny Dietz’s death, his uniform was put on display in a museum in Colorado.
  

  A photo of Danny’s uniform on display

Bike Collection

He owned a Yamaha YZF-R6.

Danny posing for a photo on his bike

Tattoos

He had a total of three tattoos, a tribal tattoo inked between his shoulder blades, a tattoo of a grim reaper wrapped in the American flag, and a gargoyle tribal tattooed on one of his sleeves.

Death

Danny Dietz was killed in action during Operation Red Wings in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, on 28 June 2005. During the firefight with the Taliban, Danny got injured and while trying to evade the Taliban forces, he sprained his ankle as a result of which he could not walk. His teammate Marcus Luttrell carried him on his back to make it to a safe location to call for an extraction; however, while carrying Dietz on his back, Luttrell inadvertently swung Dietz into the path of a bullet as he was losing his balance. The bullet struck Dietz in the back of his head, leading to his death. After Dietz was hit, Luttrell lost his balance, leading to them falling down the mountainside. Talking about it, in an interview, Marcus said,

We got to an area where I was telling him there was another way we could fall and when I put my arms underneath him, I put ’em underneath his shoulders, and when I spun him around to take the fall, I spun him into a bullet. And it hit him in the back of the head and killed him.” ^[1]CBS News

Danny’s body was found on 4 July 2005 by a team of U.S. Air Force Pararescuemen who were conducting a search and rescue operation in Kunar Province.

US Navy personnel carrying Danny Dietz’s coffin

On 14 July 2005, he was laid to rest with complete military honours at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado, with full military honours.

A photo of Danny’s grave

Facts/Trivia

• His friends and family affectionately referred to him as DJ.

• While studying in school, Danny attended the Korean Academy of Taekwondo, where he earned a black belt in Taekwondo.
  

  Danny Dietz showing his skills in handling nun-chucks

• Danny took a keen interest in sports, particularly rock climbing.
  

  Danny Dietz’s photo taken while he was rock climbing

• In an interview, Danny Dietz’s sister said that he wanted to become a ninja.

• He was an avid animal lover. In an interview, his father disclosed that Danny Dietz had a distaste for attending rodeo events due to his conviction that such occasions inflicted suffering upon the horses involved. He also owned two pet dogs.
  

  A photo of Danny with his pet dogs

• He passionately followed his hobbies of drawing and fishing.
  

  A photo of Danny’s pencil sketch

• He used to play rugby in his school days and was a part of his school’s rugby team.
  

  Danny Dietz’s photo taken with his college’s rugby team

• Danny: The Virtues Within, a book that delves into his life, was published in December 2013.

• Actor Emile Hirsch portrayed the role of Danny Dietz in the 2013 Hollywood film Lone Survivor, which is based on the occurrences of Operation Red Wings.
  

  Emile Hirsch as Danny Dietz in the 2013 film Lone Survivor

Rohan Nautiyal

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