Navy Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Stephen M. Mills

Remember Our Heroes

Navy Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Stephen M. Mills, 35, of Fort Worth, Texas

Navy Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Stephen M. Mills was assigned to an East Coast-based SEAL team; died Aug. 6 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter in which he was riding was shot down.

Stephen Matt Mills VIRGINIA BEACH - Chief Petty Officer Stephen Matthew "Matt" Mills, 35, was born Oct. 25, 1975 in Austin, Texas. Matt gave his life serving our country on Aug. 6, 2011 along with fellow comrades in a Chinook helicopter crash that took place in the Wardak province of Afghanistan. Matt attended and graduated from Martin High School in Arlington, Texas. Shortly after graduation, Matt enlisted and reported to the Naval Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Ill., January of 1997. Upon completion of basic training he was stationed aboard the DDG 965 (USS KINCAID) and served for three years. He entered Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training June 25, 2000. Upon completion he was assigned to his first permanent duty station, SEAL Team THREE, where he served from September 2001 to March of 2005. On March 30, 2005 Chief Mills began rigorous selection course with Naval Special Warfare and reported for duty on the east coast where he completed numerous deployments around the world in support of the Global War on Terror.

Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Stephen Mills was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous awards including the Bronze Star Medal with Valor (2), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Valor, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3), Combat Action Ribbon (2), Presidential Unit Citation (2), Meritorious Unit Citation (2), Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism (Service) Medal, Global War on Terrorism (Expeditionary) Medal and numerous other personal and unit decorations.

Chief Mills was an avid hunter and enjoyed anything outdoors. He was a dedicated family man, loving husband, and father. Matt is survived by his wife, sons, daughter, parents, sister, brother, as well as numerous family, friends, and teammates. Chief Petty Officer Stephen Matthew Mills will be honored at a funeral taking place at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek Chapel Aug. 24, at 4 p.m. EST. In lieu of flowers, please make donations payable to "Matthew Cash Mills Memorial Fund" Include Access No. 6089039 on check for wire transfers use account No. 3027769631 routing No. 256074974 or make check payable to "Bryce and Zoe Mills Memorial Fund" include Access No. 6089025 on check. For wire transfers use account No. 3027769458 routing No. 256074974. Mail checks to Navy Federal Credit Union Dam Neck, Building 200 Virginia Beach, VA 23461 . Condolences can be made at www.altmeyer.com.

Chief Petty Officer Mills had been in the Navy for almost 14 years and had served on USS Kinkaid. He joined the Navy SEALs around 10 years ago. He had deployed many times to Iraq and Afghanistan prior to this tour.

The father of three, from Texas, leaves his wife Keri and their one-year-old son. He also leaves a 13-year-old daughter and 18-year-old son from a previous marriage.

Navy Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Stephen M. Mills was killed in action on 8/6/11.