Navy Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Collin T. Thomas

Died August 18, 2010 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

---

33, of Morehead, Ky.; assigned to an East Coast-based SEAL team; died Aug. 18 during a combat operation in eastern Afghanistan.

---

SEAL recalled as role model, devoted family member

The Associated Press

Collin Thomas was remembered as a man who was devoted to his family and his fellow Navy SEALs.

Thomas’ memorial service was private, and little has been published about him. But the 13-year military veteran was remembered for his talents in the armed forces.

John Admire wrote in an online memorial that he had recently had dinner with Thomas and “was impressed with Collin and how much he had grown since I’d known him as a youngster.”

Thomas, 33, of Morehead, Ky., was killed Aug. 18 in eastern Afghanistan. His Navy SEAL team was based in Virginia. He graduated from Rowan County High School in 1995 and enlisted in the Navy in 1997. For a time before enlisting he attended Morehead State University. He had been engaged to Sarah Saunders.

His family wrote in his obituary that he was an adventurous person who always went out of his way for his fellow SEALs.

“They were his second family and closest friends,” the obituary said.

A Navy press release said he was a gifted SEAL.

“His tireless professionalism, inspiring passion for life, and humble demeanor made him a role model for all who knew him,” the release said.