David J. Warsen

Special Warfare Operator First Class (SEAL), United States Navy

July 1, 1985 – August 16, 2012
Age – 27
Kentwood, MI

Operation Enduring Freedom
ST3, Coronado, CA

Died when his Black Hawk helicopter was shot down during a firefight with insurgents in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan

Petty Officer Second Class David John Warsen was killed on a mission when his helicopter was tragically shot down, northeast of Kandahar, Afghanistan on August 16, 2012. He was one of 11 whom lost their lives that day.

David was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on July 1st 1985. He was big brother, to three younger brothers whom he loved and protected (DARK 4 Life). He was a wonderful example of how to love and accept everyone for who they were. He was friend to all. He brought many together, including family and friends in love. All you needed to do was meet him to understand his genuine, kind and loving personality. He was full of fun and mischief and could make everyone around him smile with ease. (His short shorts were amazing!) He was one of a kind, in a wonderful way.

He graduated from East Kentwood High School in Kentwood, Michigan in May of 2004. While attending East Kentwood, he focused all of his athletic career on soccer. He made the varsity team as a junior and earned a top spot as defender on the back line. He was part of a special group of guys that were very skilled and successful. Their success helped East Kentwood soccer become the powerhouse it is today. He went on to continue his education and play soccer at Davenport University and Aquinas College. David was always very athletic, and he thrived at any sport he tried. He loved playing pick-up basketball with close friends and family. He enjoyed camping, lifting, and fishing on his uncle John’s boat. He was a beast of a man with a loving heart and whatever he set his mind to, he accomplished it with ease.

David enlisted in the United States Navy on March 10, 2009. He graduated form Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois on May 8 2009. He then graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL School in Coronado, California on March 26, 2010 with Class 279. David was assigned to a West Coast based SEAL team in October 2010. This is where he met his wonderful fiancée Karlyn Deveau, who he planned to marry on December 8th 2012. In December 2011, he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

David’s awards and decorations include Bronze Star with Valor, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Valor, Combat Action Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service, Deployment Ribbon, the NATO Service Medal, Expert Rifle Marksmanship Medal and the Expert Pistol Marksmanship Medal.

David was so much more than just a Navy SEAL; as most SEALs are. He embodied all the assets that were necessary to become one of the most respected and admired jobs in the world. That’s what makes he and these men special. They have incredible inner strength, integrity, love and a nature of giving that we could all, only hope to embrace. Their sacrifice is huge and the stakes are high for their personal and professional lives. I am so proud of each and everyone of their accomplishments and I pray for them daily, not only for their safety but their hearts to heal from the pain they see. Let us never forget what they and all deployed service members sacrifice for us. Let us all remember what they give up, to allow us the freedoms we enjoy everyday.