Benefit Basketball Game for Local Hero
Celebration of Life for SOC David M. Collins
Join us to celebrate the life of a local patriot, David Collins, and recognize his heroism and love for his family, friends and country.
Saturday, June 28, 2014
1 p.m. Memorial Basketball Game Central Mountain Middle School.
4 – 8 p.m. Celebration Sons of Italy Lodge, Lock Haven Food, beverage, and music.
Memorial contributions will be taken at the door or sent to:
Children of David Collins Memorial Fund
c/o Navy Federal Credit Union
1952 Laskin Road,
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Please call 814-360-4338 with questions.
About David:
Born March 3, 1969, David Collins was raised in Pennsylvania where he graduated from Lock Haven High School.
In April of 1988he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and reported to Recruit Training Command. Upon completion
of basic training andA school, he reported to the USS Independence (CV 62).
In 1991, Dave successfully completed first class dive school and was assigned to SEAL Delivery Vehicle
Team TWO at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek.
In 1995, Dave attended Basic Underwater Demolition Training (UDT)/SEAL Training, graduating with UDT Class 203. Upon graduation, he reponed to SEAL Team FOUR where he completed three deployments to South America in support of Special Operations Command South.
ln 2001, Dave transferred to the newly commissioned SEAL Team TEN where, as plank owner, he completed combat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. He was then selected to a special program at Naval Special Warfare Group TWO, the predecessor of Support Activity TWO commissioned in 2009. Chief Petty Officer Collins retired from naval service
in September 2012, having notably served in Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom.
Chief Petty Oiiicer Collins personal awards and decorations include a Bronze Star Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor, Army Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, eight Navy Good Conduct Medals, and numerous service and campaign awards.
Upon retirement from Naval service, Dave worked for Blackbird Technologies. Friends and family regarded him as a kind soul who befriended all, taking deliberate actions to care for and look after those less fortunate.
Dave was fiercely patriotic, believing in the duty to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. As a deeply spiritual individual, he honored and served his church Star of the Sea.
He was a devoted and loving father and husband, instilling the values of humility, kindness, loyalty, and love. In addition to his wife and children, he had a deep and abiding love for his brothers in the SEAL Teans and forever had a missing piece in his heart for his fallen teammates.
He is survived by his wife, Jennifer M. Collins and children, Grace and Samuel, of Virginia Beach, mother, Rose Ann McNemey and husband Lawrence, sister, Lari Ann, brother, Thomas and wife Barbara and their daughter, Anna, mother and father-in-law, Susanna and John Mullen, two sisters-in-law, Mary and Cecilia, brother-in-law, John and their spouses, nieces and nephews, all of Pennsylvania, and a host of other family and friends.
