Navy SEAL Killed in Iraq Identified as Grandson of Charles Keating Jr.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Source: The Wall Street Journal.

Charles Keating IV felt compelled to fight Islamic State’s atrocities; joined SEALs because it was the ‘hardest thing to do’



Charlie Keating IV, at age 16 in this 2002 photo, posed for promotional photo on a Discovery channel series he took part in. The 31-year-old was identified as the Navy SEAL who was killed in Iraq on Tuesday. Illustration: Sherrie Buzby/The Arizona Republic/Associated Press

By Zusha Elinson
[e-mail]
@ZushElinson

May 4, 2016 5:30 a.m. ET

The U.S. Navy SEAL who was killed by Islamic State militants in Iraq on Tuesday “felt called” to return to the war-torn country after the extremists group’s atrocities, according to his grandfather Bill Holmes.

Charlie Keating IV “decided he wanted to go back,” Mr. Holmes said in an interview.

Mr. Keating, the grandson of Charles Keating Jr., who served time in prison as a result of the 1980s savings and loan scandals, had been an instructor at a base in California before he left for Iraq earlier this year.

The 31-year-old had joined the SEALs “because it was the hardest thing to do,” Mr. Holmes said. He was planning to marry in November upon his return.




Read more: http://www.wsj.com/articles/navy-seal-killed-in-iraq-identified-as-grandson-of-charles-keating-jr-1462354202

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When I heard that name on the radio this morning, it caught my attention immediately. What are the odds?

The story of the death is on page A7 of this morning's edition of The Wall Street Journal. In print, the title is "Navy SEAL Dies in Islamic State Attack."

US Navy SEAL Killed in Islamic State Attack in Iraq

By Paul Sonne in Stuttgart, Germany, Matt Bradley in Beirut and Gordon Lubold in Washington

Updated May 3, 2016 1:21 p.m. ET

A U.S. Navy SEAL aiding Kurdish fighters near the northern Iraqi city of Mosul was killed by Islamic State militants during an attack on Tuesday, underscoring the risk U.S. forces face in Iraq despite the White House’s insistence that they aren’t on a combat mission.

The serviceman was hit by enemy gunfire about 20 miles north of Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city and Islamic State’s de facto capital in the country, according to Col. Steve Warren, a spokesman for the U.S.-led campaign.

Former IU student dies in Iraq during Navy SEAL mission

By IDS Reports
Published 13 hours ago
Updated 11 hours ago

Former IU student and athlete Charles Keating IV was killed Tuesday morning on a mission in Iraq as a U.S. Navy SEAL, according to an IU release.

"When Charlie left IU to enlist and try to become a SEAL, I don't think it really surprised any of us," Robert Chapman, former men’s cross country coach, said in a release. "You could tell he was a guy who wanted to be the best and find out what he was made of, and serving as special operations forces for his country embodied that."

Keating ran track and field for IU from 2004-2006, competing in the mile run. He competed on the 2004-2005 track team that finished second in the Big Ten indoor and outdoor seasons. He left IU to enlist in hopes of becoming a SEAL.

Keating is the son of another renowned IU athlete, Charles Keating III, who was a three-time All-American for IU in the breaststroke, according to the release. Charles Keating III also finished fifth in the breaststroke at the 1976 Olympics.

Former IU track athlete and Navy SEAL killed in ISIS attack in Iraq

Posted 9:15 PM, May 3, 2016, by Kylee Wierks - Web Producer, Updated at 11:56am, May 4, 2016

[iandhr]

1. So sad this should be bigger news.

[redstatebluegirl]

2. It is truly sad that this young man's death is being tarnished

by something his Grandfather did. Doesn't seem fair somehow. This is a tragic loss of life. I don't agree with our war in Iraq, but I will always support the young men and women who answered the call to duty.

May his parents find peace somehow.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

5. Speaking for myself, I did not see his death as tarnished by something his grandfather did.

I leave the radio on all night to mask my tinnitus. When I heard the name Charles Keating IV, I had a "what?" moment. I recognized the name instantly. I think many people are experiencing a "you'll never believe who that was who died" reaction right now. Right or wrong, the story will get more ink and airplay than it would have had his name been Charles Smith.

Thanks for writing.

[redstatebluegirl]

6. I may have used the wrong choice of words. I guess it hurts me to see his name as a sailor

who died serving his country and then "by the way" his grandfather was a toad in the same article.

[RiverNoord]

7. I don't read it that way at all.

I see a young man serving his country to the extent of the ultimate sacrifice, while his grandfather was a scumbag who scammed hundreds of thousands of people on a grand scale.

To me, that brings greater poignancy to his commitment and sacrifice.

[TexasMommaWithAHat]

9. Looked at the other way - he is redeeming the family name

Not that I believe in that crap, but just saying...

[reddread]

11. really?

I think it is tarnished by his chosen profession.

[sarge43]

3. Fair winds and following seas, Sailor.

[leftynyc]

4. RIP Mr. Keating

Prayers for your family finding comfort.

[Democat]

8. The ultimate sacrifice

[mahatmakanejeeves]

10. Slain Navy SEAL hero to be advanced to chief

Slain Navy SEAL hero to be advanced to chief

Meghann Myers, Navy Times 2:08 p.m. EDT May 11, 2016

The Navy SEAL killed in action against ISIS in Iraq last week will be posthumously promoted to chief petty officer, the chief of naval personnel's office announced Wednesday.

Special Warfare Operator 1st Class (SEAL) Charlie Keating IV, 31, who came in contact with fighters May 3 as part of a quick-reaction force backing up American troops advising Kurdistani fighters, was board-eligible for chief petty officer at the time of his death, prompting the Navy's decision, a spokesman for CNP told Navy Times.

"Posthumously promoting Petty Officer Keating is simply the right thing to do," Lt. Cmdr. Nate Christensen said of the honor.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

12. Fallen SEAL hero awarded Silver Star for beating back 100 ISIS fighters

Fallen SEAL hero awarded Silver Star for beating back 100 ISIS fighters

Meghann Myers, Navy Times 5:47 p.m. EDT June 23, 2016

Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Charlie Keating lost his life in a hail of bullets on May 3, but it wasn't the first time he'd put himself in danger to defeat ISIS militants during that deployment.

Two months earlier, his leadership, tactical skills and sheer physical courage helped American and peshmerga forces defeat more than 100 enemy fighters swarming their position, according to his Silver Star citation, obtained Thursday by Navy Times.

Then-SO1 Keating exposed himself to fire to secure the position, the citation said. And when a bomb-rigged car rolled toward his team, he led an attack to neutralize it with sniper and rocket fire.

"His personal bravery inspired his comrades to vigorously defend their position and repel the enemy assault," the citation said. ... He received the military's third-highest award for valor posthumously on May 10, the same day Navy Secretary Ray Mabus signed off on his Purple Heart for his last battle.