On the Loss of Linkon Bashew

Bryan Chesnut discusses the loss of Navy SEAL, Linkon Bashew, the impact it had on his life, and how Linkon's outside of the box thinking helped change his own outlook.
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SO1 (SEAL) Linkon Charles Bashew, USN, was born on November 17, 1983 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Ten years later his family relocated to Marietta, Georgia. In 2001 he graduated from Pope High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy on January 22, 2002.

Upon graduation from Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois, Link qualified as a parachute rigger, and from 2002 to 2008 he served tours with VAW 126 in Norfolk, Virginia, and VFA 87 at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. He also served on the USS Harry Truman.

In 2009, Link graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training and SEAL Qualification Training with Class 274. From 2009-2013 he was assigned to SEAL Team SEVEN. He deployed in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat “V”. From 2013-2014 he was assigned to SEAL Team THREE. He deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal with Combat “V.”

Linkon’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star with Combat “V” and the Joint Service Commendation Medal with Combat “V”. The Army Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, NATO Medal, and Expert Rifle and Marksmanship Medals.

Linkon passed away on August 3, 2014. During his 30 years, he lived an extraordinary life, achieving and experiencing more than most. Link didn’t waste time. He touched many lives and was well known for his fearlessness, enthusiasm, and loyalty, and for his humor and unique contagious laugh. Linkon is survived by his parents, Howard and Roelna, and his brother Gray.

In 2015, Linkon’s service was honored during the “Shane’s Challenge” Survivors Expedition to Guatemala.