The family of a Navy SEAL killed in Afghanistan Saturday lives in Central Texas.
Michael Mills learned the devastating news Saturday morning when uniformed officers knocked on his parents’ Bastrop door and told him about his brother.
“I didn't believe it,” explained Mills. “It was pretty evident that it was serious when they showed up.”
His big brother, 36-year-old Chief Petty Officer Matt Mills was one of 22 Navy SEALs killed in Afghanistan when their helicopter was hit by insurgent fire. All 38 people on board died, making it the deadliest single loss for U.S. forces in the decade-long war. Two U.S. officials say the American troops had just completed a rescue mission to help a U.S. Army Ranger unit that was under fire.
“A tremendous loss,” said Mills.
“He was very humble never boasted about what he did,” said Ashley Mills, Matt’s sister. “He loved his teammates as brothers. He'll always be remembered as a loving person.”
JB Abbott is Mills' cousin. He says Mills was proud to be fighting for our freedom.
“Anytime he would talk about his missions; it was the little things that he thought were funny,” said Abbott.
Mills had been in the Navy for 14 years; he spent 10 years as an elite Navy SEAL.
“He's been in combat every year since the war started, sometimes serving two tours of duty in one year,” said Abbott.
He had a love for family and country.
“He fought for what was right and loved to do it,” said Mills. “He loved his job. He loved his family. He loved America.”
Mills' family now must help one another through their shared pain.
“I loved him very much,” Abbott said. “He was very proud and very brave.”
They say while they are grieving they are proud of his service to America.
“He did what he wanted to do -- be a Navy SEAL,” said Abbott.
Mills leaves behind three children -- 18, 13, and a one year old. He will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
