**Chief Petty Officer Brian Robert Bill**
**August 23, 1979 – August 6, 2011**
Chief Petty Officer Brian Robert Bill, a distinguished U.S. Navy SEAL, was tragically killed in action on August 6, 2011, in Wardak province, Afghanistan. Born on August 23, 1979, in Stamford, Connecticut, Brian was the beloved son of Dr. Michael and Patricia Parry of Stamford, CT, and Scott Bill of Sarasota, Florida.
Brian’s journey of excellence began early as an Eagle Scout and a graduate of Trinity Catholic High School in Stamford. He pursued higher education at Norwich University in Vermont, earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. In June 2001, driven by his lifelong dream of becoming a Navy SEAL, Brian enlisted in the United States Navy. After completing Basic Training in Great Lakes, Illinois, he attended the rigorous Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in Coronado, California, and was designated as a SEAL in 2003, assigned to an East Coast SEAL Team based in Virginia Beach, VA.
Throughout his distinguished career, Chief Special Warfare Operator Bill was recognized for his extraordinary bravery and service, earning numerous awards including three Bronze Stars with Valor, the Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, two Combat Action Ribbons, and three Good Conduct Medals.
Beyond his military accolades, Brian was a multifaceted individual with a zest for life. He was an avid fly-fisherman, skier, skydiver, and mountaineer, successfully summiting peaks such as Aconcagua in Argentina and Mount Elbrus in Russia. He completed several marathons, obtained his commercial pilot’s license, and was fluent in French and proficient in Russian. Brian was a devout Catholic, driven by his love for family, God, and country. His colleagues remember him for his unwavering courage, humility, and constant smile.
Brian’s family remains profoundly proud of his achievements and the man he was. He is survived by his parents, siblings Christian Bill, Amy Kutney (husband Chad and their daughter Ryder), Andrea Sholes (husband Christopher and their daughter Kyra), Kerry Welch, Tessa Bill, and Morgan Bill; his grandmother Betty Hardiman; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and numerous cousins.
Chief Petty Officer Bill’s commitment to excellence extended beyond his military service. He had aspirations of becoming a NASA astronaut, reflecting his relentless pursuit of challenging goals. His life and service continue to inspire many, as seen through initiatives like the Travis Manion Foundation’s “Character Does Matter” program, which encourages young people to learn from the legacies of fallen heroes like Brian.
Brian’s memory is honored by his burial alongside his SEAL brothers at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Navy SEAL Foundation or Norwich University in his name for a scholarship to be established later.
**Fallen SEAL Remembered for Bravery and Dedication**
Brian Bill was more than a Navy SEAL; he was an embodiment of dedication, courage, and love for his country and fellow man. From his early days in Stamford, where he excelled as a student-athlete, to his distinguished service in the U.S. Navy, Brian set high standards for himself and achieved them with remarkable tenacity. Friends and family remember him as a remarkably gifted and thoughtful individual, always willing to go the extra mile for others.
His tragic death in the CH-47 Chinook helicopter crash on August 6, 2011, while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, brought immense sorrow but also immense pride to those who knew him. His family’s statement beautifully captures his spirit: “Brian was a remarkably gifted, thoughtful, and compassionate young man. He loved life; he loved a challenge; and he was passionate about being a SEAL.”
Chief Petty Officer Brian R. Bill’s legacy lives on in the hearts of his family, friends, and the countless individuals inspired by his story. His life serves as a testament to the extraordinary courage and dedication of America’s finest warriors.
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