John W. Faas: The Warrior's Heart, Extortion 17

John W. Faas
The Warrior's Heart, Extortion 17

Name: John W. Faas

Branch: USN

Unit: SEAL Team 8, Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG)

Station Assigned: Oceana, VA

Hometown: Minneapolis, MN

Family: John Faas is survived by his parents, Bob and Gretchen Faas.

Fallen on: August 6th, 2011

Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer John W. Faas was a dedicated Navy SEAL who embodied the true spirit of a warrior when he made the ultimate sacrifice on August 6th, 2011, during the tragic Extortion 17 helicopter crash in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. He was just 31 years old.

Born on October 31st, 1979, and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, John was known for his exceptional character and unwavering commitment to excellence. After graduating as co-valedictorian from Minnehaha Academy in 1998, where he also served as captain and quarterback of the football team, he could have chosen any path in life. His football coach had encouraged the natural-born leader to consider applying to a service academy to become a military officer, but John had decided in middle school that he wanted to become a Navy SEAL.

John enlisted in the U.S. Navy on September 21, 1998, demonstrating profound dedication to serving his country. He took a full year to prepare himself physically and mentally for the challenges ahead, showcasing the discipline and preparation that would define his military career. After completing basic training at NTC Great Lakes, Illinois, he attended Information Systems Technician School before embarking on the grueling Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training at NAB Coronado from April 2000 to January 2001.

Chief Petty Officer Faas successfully completed Jump School at Fort Benning, Georgia, and SEAL Qualification Training, reporting to SEAL Team 8 in July 2001. Throughout his distinguished career, he later advanced to serve with the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG), demonstrating exceptional skill and dedication that earned him assignment to one of the Navy's most elite units. Throughout his distinguished career, he earned numerous commendations, including three Bronze Star Medals with "V" device for valor, Joint Service Commendation Medal with "V" device for valor, two Combat Action Ribbons, and multiple campaign medals reflecting his service in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

On that fateful day in August 2011, Chief Faas was aboard the CH-47 Chinook helicopter callsign Extortion 17, responding to assist U.S. Army Special Forces who had come under fire during a mission to capture a high-value target. When insurgents shot down the helicopter with a rocket-propelled grenade, all 30 American service members and one military working dog aboard were killed, marking the greatest single loss of life to Naval Special Warfare since the Afghan War began.

Those who knew John remember him as more than just a fierce warrior. He had a passion for classical and religious literature, for martial arts, and the literature of warfare. John spent many years practicing the martial arts and had a Black Belt in Tae Kwan Do at 12 years of age. According to those close to him, he loved literature, travel, good food and wine, his family and friends. He was spiritual and a fierce warrior. He meditated and was always trying to be better and work out harder to be the strongest he possibly could. John had a deep and abiding spiritual life and was described as the guy you want your son to hang out with, the guy you would like your daughter to marry, the guy who always had your back.

John's legacy lives on through the John Faas Memorial Foundation, established to honor his memory by providing scholarships to Naval Special Warfare high school graduates, ensuring that his impact on the community he served continues to inspire future generations.

Chief Petty Officer John W. Faas exemplified the SEAL ethos in every aspect of his life. His sacrifice will never be forgotten, and his memory serves as a powerful reminder of the courage, dedication, and warrior spirit of those who serve in our nation's elite special operations forces.

To learn more about John W. Faas and other fallen heroes, please visit:

On behalf of myself and everyone at BoneFrog Coffee, I want to express our deepest condolences to the family of John Faas, who gave his life for our country. Words cannot capture the weight of this loss or the gratitude we feel for his courage and sacrifice. He was more than a warrior—he was a brother, a patriot, and a man whose dedication to protecting our freedom will forever inspire us. His sacrifice will never be forgotten, and his memory will live on in our hearts and in the values we strive to uphold. To his family and all those who loved him, we share in your grief and stand with you, honoring his legacy with unwavering respect and gratitude.

Long Live The Brotherhood!!

Tim Cruickshank LCDR, USN (SEAL) Ret. and the BoneFrog Coffee Team

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