Legacies Alive

Today marks the 9th angelversary of PO2 David E. Dake, U.S. Navy.

David was raised in Ranburne, Alabama, and graduated from Ranburne High School in 2012, where he played football and excelled in math. Active and hardworking, he spent much of his time outdoors—swimming, playing sports, and tackling various projects around the house. He was hoping to attend college on a football scholarship, get a teaching credential, and return to teach math and coach in his hometown. When he learned he was going to be a father, David’s priorities shifted. Determined to provide for his family, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in October 2012, motivated by a deep desire to be a loving and dependable husband and father.

After completing boot camp at Naval Station Great Lakes, he changed his job from diver to aircraft mechanic. He was briefly stationed at Naval Air Station Pensacola before transferring to NAS Jacksonville, Florida. From November 2015 to July 2016, he deployed to the Persian Gulf with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 72—the Proud Warriors. David was respected not only for his technical skill but also for his generosity, always supporting his fellow sailors. Planning to make the Navy his career, he began college courses with the goal of becoming an officer. In the summer of 2017, he received orders to transfer to Whidbey Island, Washington.

On July 4, 2017, David was killed in an automobile accident in Jacksonville, Florida. His legacy lives on through his wife, Darcie; his daughters, Kali and Emmalyn; and his extended family, friends, and fellow sailors.

Today marks the 21st angelversary of ITCS (SEAL) Daniel R. Healy, U.S. Navy.

Dan grew up in Exeter, New Hampshire, and graduated from Exeter High School in 1986. In high school, he played soccer and was devoted to weightlifting. He also enjoyed swimming, golf, and bowling, and had an unabashed love for Neil Diamond—often making sure others listened too. He was known for his helpfulness, compassion, and strong work ethic. A devoted family man, he surrounded himself with good people and had a gift for making the world feel smaller, more connected, and more meaningful.

After high school, Dan searched for direction and a fulfilling career. That search led him to the U.S. Navy in 1990, inspired by a SEAL promotional video and encouraged by a friend already serving. After basic training, he completed Information Technician School and began Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in January 1991. By 1992, he had completed BUD/S, Jump School, and SEAL Qualification Training, and was assigned to SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE (SDVT-1) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. His Navy career included Russian language training at the Defense Language Institute, service with SEAL Delivery Team TWO, and a return to SDVT-1, where he led a training platoon. In March 2005, he deployed to Afghanistan. On June 28, 2005, Dan was killed in action during Operation Red Wings, when his Chinook helicopter was shot down in Kunar Province. The mission claimed the lives of eight Navy SEALs and eight Army Night Stalkers.

His legacy lives on through his family, friends, and fellow service members. The Dan Healy Foundation honors his memory by awarding scholarships to students entering the military or trade schools, providing grants to single parents, and supporting local veterans.