Fearless: father of fallen Navy SEAL speaking to service members at 188th Wing

by Maj. Heath Allen
188th Wing Executive Officer

1/21/2015 - EBBING AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ark. -- The father of fallen Navy SEAL Adam Brown spoke to service members at the 188th Wing at the Colonel Hugh B. Correll Headquarters Building here Jan. 9.

Larry Brown spoke to service members about his son, whose story was told in the New York Times bestseller book "Fearless" authored by Eric Blehm.

The book, which was written after Adam Brown death, focuses on his battle with drug addiction and his subsequent time in the Navy with SEAL Team 6. Adam Brown, a native of Hot Springs, died March 17, 2010, during a combat mission in the Komar province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Larry Brown spoke about his son's childhood, his strong will and how he was able to channel his energy and shift his focus from drug addiction to his transformation into one of the United States' elite special operations forces.

Following a video presentation that celebrated Adam Brown's life, an emotional Larry Brown thanked the military audience, which included Navy SEALs, for their service.

"I didn't realize how emotional I would get until I stood up here and looked out in the crowd and saw all the military uniforms," Larry Brown said. "I can't thank you enough for what you do. Adam was proud to serve and I know all of you have that same pride."

Larry Brown's message focused on perseverance through extreme adversity and the importance of faith and family.

"We were extremely appreciative that Mr. Brown took the time to speak to our wing," said Col. Bobbi Doorenbos, 188th Wing commander. "It was a great message and I'm glad our unit members had the opportunity to hear such an amazing story about a true American hero."

Larry Brown was greeted with a fervent standing ovation following a heartfelt speech that concluded with a reading of several of his son's journal entries from his time in combat.

"Adam figured out what was most important and he loved God, his family, and his country," Larry Brown said. "Even as he was being loaded in the helicopter to be airlifted out of there, his last words were, 'I'm okay' and I truly believe that he is because he's with God."