Chad Burkhart was born on October 1, 1975, in New Holland, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on October 29, 1993, and went on active duty to begin basic training on August 9, 1994. Burkhart completed basic training at NTC Great Lakes, Illinois, in October 1994, and then attended Gunners Mate training at Great Lakes from October 1994 to May 1995. He next attended Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUDS) training at NAB Coronado, California, from May 1995 until he left the program in December 1995, followed by service with Special Boat Unit 26 (SBU-26) in Panama from January 1996 to March 1998. Petty Officer Burkhart was then given a 2nd chance to attend BUDS, and he completed the program in October 1998. After completing SEAL Qualification Training and Sniper School he served with SEAL Team TWO at NAB Little Creek, Virginia, until he was killed after falling 350 feet out of a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter while deployed to Kosovo on November 24, 2000. Chad Burkhart was buried at the New Holland United Methodist Cemetery in New Holland, Pennsylvania.

The Sailor's Creed:

I am a United States Sailor.

I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me.

I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.

I proudly serve my country's Navy combat team with Honor, Courage and Commitment.

I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.