Brian Dickinson

18/08/2026

On my first Denali expedition, I struck up a conversation with a couple of DEVGRU operators who were also climbing the highest peak in North America. Somehow, in one of the most remote places in the world, we figured out we had a mutual friend: Kevin Houston.

We swapped funny stories about Kevin and shared some laughs.

The year before, DEVGRU operators Robert Reeves and John Faas had climbed Denali with a small team. Both were friends and teammates of Kevin, and all three would later be killed aboard Extortion 17 on August 6, 2011.

I think about that encounter differently now, especially as I write Kevin’s story. It’s a small world, and Kevin had a way of leaving his mark no matter where you found yourself in it.

*First pic is the DEVGRU climbing team heading out of basecamp on Denali. Additional photos are Robert Reeves and John Faas.

06/08/2026

8.6.2011

Fifteen years ago today, America lost thirty-one of its finest aboard Extortion 17.

One of them was my friend, Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Kevin A. Houston.

Kevin and I served together before he became a Navy SEAL. Today, I have the honor of writing his story. The deeper I’ve gone into his life, the more I’ve come to appreciate the families, friends, and teammates who still carry the weight of that loss.

“None of the men climbing aboard believed they were stepping onto an aircraft bound for history. They were doing what they had spent years preparing to do.”

Less than three months before that mission, Kevin gave his life to Christ. He was still the same loyal teammate, husband, father, and friend, but he no longer believed he had to carry everything alone.

Today, we honor every American who gave their life aboard Extortion 17.

Army National Guard: CW2 David R. Carter, CW2 Bryan J. Nichols, SSG Patrick D. Hamburger, SGT Alexander J. Bennett, SPC Spencer C. Duncan.

Air Force 24th STS: TSgt John W. Brown, SSgt Andrew W. Harvell, TSgt Daniel L. Zerbe.

Naval Special Warfare Support: SCPO (EOD) Kraig M. Vickers, CPO (EOD) Nicholas H. Null, PO1 Jared W. Day, PO1 John T. Douangdara, PO1 Michael J. Strange, and Bart, Military Working Dog.

SEAL Team FIVE: PO1 Jesse D. Pittman, PO2 Nicholas P. Spehar.

DEVGRU Gold Squadron: LCDR Jonas B. Kelsall, MCPO Louis J. Langlais, SCPO Thomas A. Ratzlaff, CPO Brian R. Bill, CPO Christopher G. Campbell, CPO John W. Faas, CPO Kevin A. Houston, CPO Matthew D. Mason, CPO Stephen M. Mills, CPO Robert J. Reeves, CPO Heath M. Robinson, PO1 Darrik C. Benson, PO1 Jon T. Tumilson, PO1 Aaron C. Vaughn, and PO1 Jason R. Workman.

Fifteen years later, we remember them. May we never forget.

03/08/2026

Great article! 🫡🇺🇸

Worth the read!

The Jack Carr profile story in AMERICA’S UNSUNG MAGAZINE

https://www.flipsnack.com/5BF6E76F8D6/au_april2026issue2

02/08/2026

The mountains lost a legend this week.

Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja lived a life that redefined what was possible. From serving with Britain’s Brigade of Gurkhas before becoming the first Gurkha selected for the UK’s elite Special Boat Service (SBS), to rewriting the history books in the world’s highest mountains, his life was marked by service, courage, and an unwavering belief that limits exist to be challenged.

The records will always stand on their own. But what I’ll remember most is how he elevated those around him. He championed Nepali climbers and Sherpas, led rescues when others couldn’t, inspired countless people to dream bigger, and changed the way the world viewed high-altitude mountaineering. He left the mountains, and humanity better than he found them.

Having made the journey from military service to the world’s highest peaks myself, I have a deep respect for the mindset it takes. Mine pales in comparison to what Nims accomplished, but I understand enough to know that every summit is earned, never guaranteed. The mountains don’t care about résumés, records, or reputation. Every climber accepts that reality long before stepping onto the route.

As we honor Nims, let’s also remember the others who never came home from Broad Peak: Wang Zhong, Nima Sherpa, Kili Pemba Sherpa, Bahadur Gurung, Nathira Ahmed, Mallory Geis, Sohail Sakhi, Gyalu, and Nwang Thendu. Each of them was someone’s son or daughter, husband or wife, teammate, friend, and fellow adventurer.

My prayers are with Nims’ wife, Suchi, their daughter, and every family carrying unimaginable grief today. They didn’t just lose extraordinary climbers; they lost the people they loved most.

Rest easy. 🙏🏻

30/07/2026

This past week, JoAnna and I traveled to Virginia Beach as part of the research for the book I’m writing about Kevin Houston’s life. We spent time with Meiling and the kids, visited with his mom, walked through his home, caught up with friends, visited Dam Neck, and worshiped with his family at church.

It was much more than a research trip.

I served and deployed with Kevin long before he became a DEVGRU operator, so this project has been personal from the beginning. Spending time with his family reminded me of just how much of him lives on in them. Seeing Jaina and Ethan as adults, hearing stories, and getting to know them better gave me a deeper understanding of the man I knew years ago.

This is the hardest book I’ve written—not because of the subject matter, but because of the responsibility. Kevin’s story deserves to be told accurately, honestly, and with the care it deserves. I’m grateful his family has trusted me with that responsibility.

Kevin’s path to becoming a Navy SEAL and serving at DEVGRU is an important part of his life, and it will be part of this book. But this isn’t a book about operational details or anything that could put those still serving at risk. It’s about the friendships, the family, the humor, the struggles, and the moments that shaped him along the way.

Next week marks fifteen years since Extortion 17.

Fifteen years after Kevin and so many others made the ultimate sacrifice, I’m reminded that behind every name is a life, a family, and a story worth preserving.

It’s an honor to help tell his.

22/07/2026

I’ve climbed a lot of mountains by myself, and I’ve climbed a few with good friends.

The solo climbs taught me a lot. The shared climbs gave me memories that have only become more valuable with time.

Seeing my good friend David, who passed away last year, takes me right back to that day. I’m thankful for every adventure we shared across multiple continents.

16/07/2026

Reconnected this week with a SAR brother from back then… 1997ish. Since our days together, Shane’s flown Black Hawks for the National Guard, worked EMS, served CBP, and put in years for the State of Minnesota. So cool to hear how his journey unfolded.

Who do you need to reconnect with today? Don’t wait — tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.

So Others May Live. 🫡🇺🇸

13/07/2026

Quality time maxing…is maxing still a thing?

Off-roading, hiking, searching for gold, exploring caves, etc. Summers in the PNW and stuff…

02/07/2026

25 years! So many adventures, experiences, memories…all that stuff you do in a quarter century. Today was fun ringing it in watching Belgium win in extra time in Seattle and then watching USA down on the waterfront advance to the next round. Thank you JoAnna Dickinson for saying yes decades and decades ago and for being the most amazing wife and friend imaginable. 💕

23/06/2026

A lot of us shared this office space for years while forward deployed. If you served around burn pits, toxic exposures, or other hazardous environments, don’t assume you’re fine just because you powered thru it.

The PACT Act exists for a reason. If you’re dealing with health issues that may be connected to your service, file the claim. You’ve earned the right to be evaluated.
🫡🇺🇸
Don’t decide for the VA. Submit the paperwork and let them decide….and keep them honest.

creds: Mark Brush