We are saddened to hear that Jared Day recently died in Afghanistan. His helicopter was taken down by the Taliban last Saturday. Thirty Americans including Jared Day and eight Afgahans killed. Jared was part of the Naval Special Warfare Development group. Jared was part of the Cottonwood High School graduating class of 2001. We are proud to have a remarkable US hero as a classmate and friend.
Below is a statement from Jared's family:
This weekend we lost our son, brother, friend, and hero. Jared William Day was killed doing what he loved. He died alongside his friends, some of the bravest men this world has ever known.
Jared joined the United States Navy because he loved this country, the people who live here, and the freedoms we all have. Jared was incredibly brave and determined, with a fierce sense of humor. Upon enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 2002, Jared successfully and honorably served in various commands and task forces in support of the Global War on Terrorism. This culminated with him making the ultimate sacrifice while deployed to Afghanistan. In the service of his country, Jared deployed numerous times to Africa, Asia, and the Middle-East, earning many personal awards and decorations for valor, combat, and meritorious service. Jared was an Information Systems Technician First Class. Jared's skill and expertise led to his selection as an elite member of Naval Special Warfare Development Group, where he was a Tactical Communicator. He was truly special, not only to our family, but to this country.
We were invited to Dover Air Force Base to welcome Jared and his fallen brothers home from Afghanistan. There we had the honor of meeting the President of the United States of America, many other members of the Department of Defense, and other dignitaries. Receiving a hug from President Obama was impactful, as well as having a few minutes of his undivided attention to talk about Jared and our love for him. It was an honor to hear praise for our son and brother, as well as for his friends from the Commander in Chief himself.
We are providing no details because we want to protect those brave men and women who are still fighting for all of us. We request that our privacy be respected, as well as the privacy of all of the families affected by this tragic loss.
We are deeply appreciative of the support we have received from family, friends, and the incredible U.S. Navy. We are eternally grateful to the servicemen that have been with us from the beginning of this tragedy. They have given us the support we need in order to be strong for each other, as well as for Jared. Jared meant the world to us and to his teammates. The loss of our son and brother is indescribable, and our love and pride for him is unmatched and cannot be measured. Jared's memory will live in our hearts forever.
