With just 7,500 active duty personnel in the entire Naval Special Warfare (NSW) community, U.S. Navy SEALs, Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen (SWCC), and support technicians account for less than one half of one percent of the nearly 1.5 million United States Armed Forces personnel; yet during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan one-third of the Medal of Honor recipients have been members of Naval Special Warfare.

How is it that such a small group of men, whose original sole purpose, mission, and training was focused on clearing the beach of obstacles to provide for the safe landing of amphibious invasions, have ended up in some of the most rugged terrain in the world fighting on the tallest mountain peaks in landlocked countries? Simply put, these are some of the greatest warriors our nation has ever seen.

Not only is it our duty, but it is our privilege to support those who put themselves in harm’s way everyday to defend our freedom and our way of life. We owe them, as well as their families, a great deal of gratitude for their personal sacrifices, and we must ensure that the history and heritage of Naval Special Warfare will be passed on to future generations.

Take part in the legacy.

The SEAL Heritage Community Center (SHCC) is being constructed to accommodate the diverse and comprehensive needs of these elite warriors and their families. While current infrastructure provides for the ongoing training and operational support for all Naval Special Warfare personnel, the SEAL Heritage Community Center on the Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek – Fort Story in Norfolk, Virginia, formerly known as Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, will provide a much needed multipurpose facility. At present there is no dedicated facility available to host the numerous meetings and events held each year that support the active duty NSW community and their families, resulting in more costly, harder to schedule, and less appropriate venues being utilized.

With a total building cost of $5.3 million, we must raise an additional $2.2 million in cash by July 2010. Generous individuals and corporations have pledged to support the SEAL Heritage Community Center over the next three years. However, these pledges do not meet our current cash flow requirements associated with the construction timeline. To complete the building on time and to avoid additional costs associated with cash draws on an existing construction loan, we must raise these additional funds immediately. Pledged donations received in future years will provide for the SHCC’s ongoing operations and maintenance expenses.

Honor the men and women of Naval Special Warfare who have chosen to serve our nation in this time of war. Please help today by contributing to this very worthy project and the much needed facility for these heroes and their families.

These three words epitomize the values of the U.S. Navy SEAL, SWCC, and other members of the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) community. They are values born of a heritage passed down from generations of capable, diverse, and selfless warriors who have chosen to serve the country they love and respect. These sailors and their families are honored to be a part of this community that seeks only to serve our nation and the freedom and values that we cherish.

To honor and serve this community of heroes and their families, the SEAL Heritage Community Center (SHCC) is being constructed on land provided by the U.S. Navy on the Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek in Norfolk, VA. This NSW community center will comprise 18,000 square feet, and will house a library and SEAL archive with historical information and educational materials; a memorial roll call to fallen teammates; an auditorium; conference room; and heritage hall. The SHCC will be a facility where families will receive support services, hold recreational and social events for children of deployed personnel, and host, Naval Special Warfare community functions and memorials.