Honoring the Memory of Howard Wasdin
November 8, 1961 – April 6, 2023
Howard Wasdin was killed in a plane crash on Thursday, April 6, 2023 just off the runway at Wayne County’s William A. Zorn Airport. Piloting the plane, he was killed along with his dog. Returning from Fernandina Beach, Florida, Wasdin was attempting to land the plane.
Dr. Howard E. Wasdin served as a member of SEAL Team SIX. After graduating with BUD/S Class 143, he later became a top sniper with SEAL Team SIX. For his actions in “Operation Gothic Serpent” in Mogadishu, Somalia in 1993, he was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States, and the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in action. In that conflict, he was wounded three times and nearly lost his right leg.
Howard served in the US Navy for twelve years, nine of which were as part of the SEAL Teams. After twelve years, he was medically discharged due to the injuries he sustained in Mogadishu. The Somalia conflict would later become more commonly known as “Black Hawk Down”, nick-named after the story depicted by Mark Bowden in his book and movie of the same name.
Howard lived in Georgia, where he was a practicing Doctor of Chiropractic at Absolute Precision Chiropractic. Given his military background, personal childhood experiences, personal mentors, and upbringing, he also was a leader in his community, focusing his efforts on worthy causes that encourage and promote children and teen education and personal development, such as the “Boys and Girls Club.” In 2012, he was inducted into “The Jeremiah Milbank Society” by the National “Boys and Girls Clubs of America.” This award was given for his contributions and for “making a difference” at the Boys and Girls Club in his hometown.
Howard had spoken to many organizations and corporations, which include The American Chiropractic Association, Boy Scouts of America, Calvary Church, Cattlemen’s Association, Far West Equipment Dealers Association, Federal Court Advisory Committee for the District of Georgia, GE/Microsoft, GST Transport Systems/USAO, Member One Federal Credit Union, Palmer Chiropractic College, TN Chiropractic Association, and more.
Howard co-authored “SEAL Team SIX: Memoirs of an Elite Navy SEAL Sniper”, a New York Times bestseller for 22 weeks, the success of which spawned a youth adapted version, “I am a SEAL Team SIX Warrior”, that was nominated for awards in 2013 by the “Young Adult Library Services Association” for helping encourage reluctant readers to read. In addition, he co-authored the fictional series, “SEAL Team Six Outcasts”. His most recent title in that series, “Easy Day for the Dead”, was released on December 31, 2013. Howard Wasdin was a sought-after motivational speaker.