Details about the weekend’s Taliban missile attack on a U.S. helicopter in Afghanistan paint a telling picture of the 22 men who were killed and the fighting unit they belonged to — the Navy SEALs.

It is a portrait that reveals a crack team of elite commandos who came from diverse backgrounds and all over the United States, but shared one thing — a patriotic desire to serve their country.

Usually the names of Navy SEALs are classified. Rarely are identities revealed. But grieving families began speaking of their lost loved ones and praising their efforts this weekend, proud to say their sons or husbands were part of the SEAL 6 Team.

The men came from all over the U.S. Many have been to Afghanistan before. Some were married, with children. Others single. Some religious; others not. They were all top athletes — many excelled at triathlons. Many spoke of their motivation to become a SEAL, tracing it back to their childhoods or a family member who had served in the military. Many talked of enlisting after the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

A brief look at some of them:

He often spoke of joining the military after 9/11 and began boot camp in 2004. He was a Navy triathlon champion, an honour which put him at the top of the elite fighting group, reports philly.com

The 36-year-old was a skilled athlete, a loyal friend, a loving father, brother and son, family said. He had wanted to be a SEAL since he was a toddler. He was on his fourth tour of duty in Afghanistan and had received a Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars. During his career with the SEALs, he worked in an Iraqi prime minister’s personal security detail and participated in more than 100 capture and kill missions.

His family said it didn’t come as a surprise that his end would come trying to help people. CNN reports in an email to his girlfriend the day before his death he wrote: “Don’t worry, this place isn’t going to change me, I’m going to change this place.”

He enlisted in the Navy 14 years ago, becoming a member of the crack Navy SEALs 10 years ago. He was motivated to enlist because he grandfather had served with the Marines after Pearl Harbor. The chief petty officer, never talked about his missions, but was proud of his job, friends say. He had served in at least one mission in Iraq and Afghanistan every year for the past 10 years.

A star athlete who played football, baseball and basketball, as well as competing in triathlons, Workman would do anything to help people, family friend Rick Eldredge said. “He would give you the shirt off his back. He was just willing to do anything for anybody and he’s proven it by giving his life for his country.

With files from Star wire services

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