America has lost a true military hero. Chief Special Warfare Operator Collin Trent Thomas, 33, died in Afghanistan, on August 18, 2010, fighting for the safety of our nation. He leaves behind family and friends who mourn his loss and celebrate his life. His distinguished career and ultimate sacrifice will be honored for generations to come. Collin was born, May 2, 1977, to Lt. Colonel, USMC (retired) Clayton Thomas and Paula Jean Trent Thomas. A native of Morehead, Kentucky, he graduated from Rowan County High School, in 1995. He went on to attend Morehead State University followed by a 1997 enlistment to serve in the U.S. Navy. An honored Navy SEAL, Collin received numerous awards and decorations during his 13-year Navy career including three Bronze Star Medals with -V- devices and a Purple Heart. He loved his SEAL Team brothers in arms and was honored to serve with them. They were his second family and closest friends. Additionally he will be remembered as a devoted son, brother and cousin with a passion for life and an adventurous nature that led him to become the exceptional man he was. He has joined his beloved grandparents - Atlee Trent and Ruben and Sybrina Thomas. He is survived by his parents, Clayton and Jean Thomas; sister Meghan and husband Richard Edwards; niece, Atlee Grace Edwards; grandmother, Norma Trent; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives, in the Thomas and Trent families, who will hold him in their hearts forever. In addition, he is survived by the woman who captured his heart, Sarah Saunders of Virginia Beach, VA, and Hagan -the monster dog- Thomas. A funeral service will be conducted 4 p.m. Saturday, August 28, 2010, at the Morehead State University Academic-Athletic Center with Chaplain Michael Shockley, CDR, USN officiating. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. prior to the service at the Academic-Athletic Center. Interment with full military honors will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Naval Special Warfare Foundation, P. O. Box 5965, Virginia Beach, VA 23471 or Wounded Warrior Foundation, Navy League Warrior Foundation, 2115 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101. Arrangements are under the direction of Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, Kentucky. www.northcuttandson.com Visitation: Saturday, August 28, 2010, 1 pm - 4 pm, , MSU Academic-Athletic Center Funeral: Saturday, August 28, 2010, 4 p.m,, MSU Academic-Athletic Center Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens