IN THE SEALS, WE ARE DRIVEN BY THE UNDERSTANDING that we are a part of a team that must operate as one fighting unit in order to effectively accomplish our mission. Officer or enlisted, each of us is tasked with the integral role of seeing that our job is done right the first time, every time. No member of the team is any more important than anyone else. We all either win or lose together, and quitting is not an option. Mission failure is simply not an option in the SEAL teams and even less acceptable in SEAL Team 
1 where defeat is often of national strategic consequence. This legacy of team and “never quit” was taught to us by those who preceded us in wearing the Trident and was passed down through us to those who currently bear its substantial weight.
With this legacy in mind, I met Ryan Zinke, a former commander at SEAL Team and fellow Team member, before I was assigned to the command. While having heard of Ryan by his reputation as a “lead from the front” and “take charge” commander, I did not meet him until he was the sole congressman from our mutual home of Montana. After meeting him, I understood why he was able to accomplish what he had, both in his leadership and legacy with the SEALs and in his current leadership role in restoring American values and greatness. Ryan is certainly deserving of respect simply by virtue of his status as a United States congressman. However, my respect for this man is even greater due to his leadership roles 
at SEAL Team and the respect that he has earned from warriors who served with him.
In my tenure with the SEAL teams, I found that those who are the best in leading the SEALs do so by example, not necessarily by command—and there is a difference. Being an officer commissioned in the United States military means something but does not fully define the man or his role in getting the job done. When I met Ryan, it quickly became apparent why he was able to accomplish what he had within the SEAL teams. He was there during the time of the original plank members, dating back to when Captain Dick Marcinko was in charge of SEAL Team . They were the “giants” of the SEALs and a wild bunch but also believed in training hard and pushing the tactics to be the best counterterrorist force in the world—a substantial and crucial legacy. Ryan was still there when the team reorganized to face the current demands of conducting sustained combat special operations worldwide. The legacy that Ryan and his generation of team members created was equally substantial, and I would like to think crucial, in our ultimate use of the skill set to dispatch many enemies of this nation, not the least of whom was one Osama bin Laden. Though it was a challenging mission, there are many within our ranks who have accomplished even more difficult missions than this one. I am proud of my contribution. When I was a SEAL I truly walked “on the shoulders of giants.” Each generation of SEALs builds on our traditions and tactics to make the next generation better.
Our nation and our SEALs have gone through some major transitions since 9/11, and continue to do so, but the core, the values, and the attitude that we will never quit have not and will not change. This is what SEALs are, what Ryan is, and what I am. It is why SEALs never truly retire; they just change the mission for this great idea and nation we call America.
Ryan and I now have a common goal: our commitment to the men and women who have served in our military—all of our military, not just the SEAL teams. Given the increased public recognition each of us has received, we have the ability to bring to light issues that others may not understand and protect those most important to us: our veterans. We are committed to seeing the men and women veterans of our country looked after effectively and hope to instill a similar desire in those who would hear our story.
I am hopeful that by reading Ryan’s story of life within the SEALs and after, you will gain a better understanding of the sacrifice and commitment of our veterans. We, all veterans, chose a path of service to our country, and that service many times includes injuries that far outdate the battles we were chosen to defend this country in.
As a nation I truly hope we never forget this commitment.
WITH THE UTMOST RESPECT,
ROBERT J. O’NEILL
SENIOR CHIEF NAVY SPECIAL WARFARE OPERATOR (SEAL),
RETIRED; RECIPIENT OF TWO SILVER STARS, FOUR BRONZE STARS
WITH VALOR; JOINT SERVICE COMMENDATION MEDAL WITH
VALOR; THREE PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATIONS; AND TWO NAVY
AND MARINE CORPS COMMENDATIONS WITH VALOR