Who are Howard Wasdin & Joel Kilpatrick: The Men Behind the Story
Howard Wasdin was a former Navy SEAL Team Six sniper, Silver Star and Purple Heart recipient, chiropractor, and bestselling author. Joel Kilpatrick is the writer and co-author who helped turn Wasdin's experiences into clear, compelling books. Together, they wrote The Last Rescue: How Faith and Love Saved a Navy SEAL Sniper, a memoir about Wasdin's recovery after combat, divorce, depression, and loss of purpose.
Wasdin served 12 years in the U.S. Navy, including nine years in the SEAL Teams. During the October 1993 Battle of Mogadishu, often called Black Hawk Down, he was shot three times and nearly lost his right leg. After medical retirement, he built a new career in chiropractic care, speaking, and writing.
The Last Rescue is not mainly a combat story. It focuses on the hard work of civilian transition: physical pain, damaged relationships, faith, and the support he found with his wife, Debbie. It offers a faith-centered message for veterans, military families, trauma survivors, and readers looking for an honest account of rebuilding after hardship.
I am Larry Fowler, publisher of the USMilitary.com Network and a longtime resource provider for service members and veterans navigating military careers and VA-related issues. In this guide to Who are Howard Wasdin & Joel Kilpatrick, I will help connect their story to the real challenges many veterans face after service.
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Understanding the partnership between Howard Wasdin and Joel Kilpatrick requires looking at two very different backgrounds that joined together to create powerful military literature. On one side stood a hardened combat veteran from the ranks of famous US Navy SEALs, decorated for supreme gallantry in the line of fire. On the other stood an accomplished author, journalist, and narrative architect capable of turning intense personal vulnerability into clear, accessible storytelling.
When people ask who these two men are, they are usually discovering the creative synergy behind The Last Rescue: How Faith and Love Saved a Navy SEAL Sniper. This collaborative work set itself apart from standard special operations literature. Instead of merely detailing door-kicking raids and tactical marksmanship, the project explored the raw human wreckage left behind by modern warfare and the arduous climb toward spiritual and emotional redemption.
Their partnership produced a balanced narrative voice. Wasdin provided the lived experience—the physical agony of urban combat, the isolation of physical disability, and the emotional collapse of broken marriages. Kilpatrick provided the structural discipline, narrative pacing, and tonal clarity needed to frame those struggles within a universal, faith-driven message of hope.
Who are Howard Wasdin & Joel Kilpatrick as Authors and Collaborators
The dynamic between elite special operators and professional writers is a vital element of modern publishing. Howard Wasdin achieved major commercial success with his earlier autobiographical work, SEAL Team Six: Memoirs of an Elite Navy SEAL Sniper, which spent 22 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Yet, sharing the deepest emotional failures and spiritual struggles of his post-military life in The Last Rescue required a dedicated collaborative effort.
Among prominent Navy SEAL authors, Wasdin brought an exceptional level of transparency to the page. Working alongside Joel Kilpatrick, the duo captured the complex reality of a wounded warrior who had mastered elite combat tactics but found himself completely ill-equipped for civilian family dynamics and psychological trauma.
Kilpatrick’s strength as a co-author lay in his ability to maintain Wasdin’s distinct military voice while highlighting themes of Christian faith, emotional humility, and domestic resilience. Rather than presenting Wasdin as an untouchable action hero, the writing team crafted a deeply relatable memoir that reads like an intimate, honest personal journal of survival.
Howard Wasdin’s Early Life and Elite Military Background
Born Howard E. Wilbanks on November 8, 1961, in Boynton Beach, Florida, and raised in Screven, Georgia, Wasdin faced adversity long before donning a military uniform. He grew up in an abusive, fear-driven household that functioned like a strict dictatorship—an environment that instilled intense survival instincts but left him with deep emotional scars.
Wasdin enlisted in the United States Navy in 1983. He began his naval career as an antisubmarine warfare operator and search-and-rescue swimmer with Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 7 (HS-7) aboard the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy. In October 1986, while tracking the Soviet nuclear submarine K-219 off the coast of Bermuda, his Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King helicopter suffered a catastrophic loss of transmission oil and crashed directly into the Atlantic Ocean. Wasdin and the crew survived the ocean crash, demonstrating early on his remarkable physical endurance.
Driven to reach the highest tiers of naval service, he volunteered for Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training, graduating with BUD/S Class 143 in July 1987. Detailed historical archives on Howard E. Wasdin document his rapid advancement from SEAL Team TWO—where he deployed during the Persian Gulf War—to selection for the elite Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU, widely known as SEAL Team Six) in November 1991. After completing DEVGRU's grueling eight-month green team selection and the United States Marine Corps Scout Sniper Course at Quantico, Wasdin took his place as one of the military's premier special operations snipers.
The Battle of Mogadishu and the Cost of Combat
The defining combat trial of Wasdin’s military career took place during Operation Gothic Serpent in Mogadishu, Somalia. Deployed as part of Task Force Ranger under the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), Wasdin operated at the tip of the spear during high-risk missions aimed at capturing rogue warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid and his top lieutenants.
The mission launched on the afternoon of October 3, 1993, quickly escalated into the most intense, sustained close-quarters urban firefight American troops had engaged in since the Vietnam War. The battle pushed Wasdin and his fellow operators to the absolute brink of human endurance.
Operation Gothic Serpent and the Black Hawk Down Mission
During the assault on the Olympic Hotel target building, Wasdin provided critical sniper overwatch and security for the ground assault force. When Somali militia forces shot down two MH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, the operation shifted into a desperate rescue and perimeter defense mission across the hostile city streets.
Positioned in an exposed tactical vehicle within the relief convoy, Wasdin engaged advancing militia forces while taking heavy incoming fire. During the chaotic engagement:
- Wasdin was shot three separate times by enemy gunfire.
- A high-velocity bullet shattered his right leg, blowing away several inches of bone and causing massive blood loss.
- Despite life-threatening wounds, he continued to return fire and direct his weapon system until he physically collapsed from blood loss.
For his conspicuous gallantry in action, unwavering courage under fire, and devotion to his teammates during the Battle of Mogadishu on October 3–4, 1993, Wasdin was decorated with the Silver Star and the Purple Heart.
Post-Combat Trauma, Physical Rehabilitation, and Personal Breakdown
The physical damage sustained in Somalia permanently altered the trajectory of Wasdin’s life. Doctors fought vigorously to save his right leg, removing shattered bone fragments and performing extensive reconstructive surgeries. Although he avoided amputation, the severity of his combat wounds brought his active SEAL career to an end, leading to his medical retirement in November 1995 after 12 years of honorable naval service.
The transition to civilian life proved far more brutal than the combat itself. Stripped of his identity as an elite DEVGRU operator, Wasdin experienced profound grief, severe depression, and post-traumatic stress. The mental toughness that carried him through BUD/S Class 143 and the streets of Mogadishu could not protect his personal life from unraveling.
His first marriage collapsed under the strain of his injuries and emotional withdrawal. Later, a second marriage ended in abandonment, leaving Wasdin to navigate single parenthood and agonizing physical pain in isolation. Like many wounded combat veterans, he found that leaving the battlefield did not stop the internal war.
The Last Rescue: Faith, Redemption, and Marital Healing
The central narrative of The Last Rescue: How Faith and Love Saved a Navy SEAL Sniper focuses on the spiritual, physical, and relational restoration that began when Wasdin finally surrendered his personal struggles to a higher power. It explores how genuine healing required unlearning the rigid emotional defenses developed during a childhood of abuse and years in elite special operations.
| Military Combat Mindset | Civilian Healing & Faith Principles |
|---|---|
| Stoic Self-Reliance: Hide physical and emotional pain at all costs | Spiritual Surrender: Acknowledge personal brokenness and ask for help |
| Constant Vigilance: Treat the environment and others with caution | Vulnerable Trust: Open up emotionally and communicate honestly |
| Mission Supremacy: Achieve the operational objective regardless of personal toll | Relational Balance: Prioritize family stability, daily love, and laughter |
| Identity in Title: Value derived from elite warfare capabilities | Identity in Faith: Value rooted in spiritual purpose and serving others |
The book highlights that while military training prepares a warrior to rescue others behind enemy lines, the final and most difficult rescue is allowing oneself to be saved from spiritual despair and relational isolation.
Who are Howard Wasdin & Joel Kilpatrick Writing For?
Wasdin and Kilpatrick wrote The Last Rescue with a specific audience and purpose in mind. While fans of military history appreciate the background context of DEVGRU and Mogadishu, the book speaks directly to:
- Wounded Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Those grappling with service-connected disabilities, loss of military camaraderie, and the difficulty of finding civilian purpose.
- Military Families and Spouses: Spouses who walk alongside veterans carrying the hidden wounds of war, offering perspective on patience, prayer, and relational commitment.
- Trauma Survivors: Individuals navigating the aftermath of childhood neglect, divorce, depression, or catastrophic physical injury.
- Christian and Faith-Based Readers: Believers seeking real-world examples of how divine grace and prayer operate through extreme adversity, making it a prominent feature on lists highlighting 15 must read faith books by military elite special force operators.
Meeting Debbie and Rebuilding Life Through Faith
The major turning point in Wasdin’s life came when he met his wife, Debbie. Characterized fondly as a spirited partner with deep faith and a direct, no-nonsense attitude, Debbie provided the loving accountability Wasdin needed to confront his emotional barriers.
Through their courtship and marriage, Wasdin learned to replace isolation with open communication and daily spiritual habits. As detailed in their joint interviews on How Faith and Love Saved a Navy Seal Sniper, the couple forged a resilient bond through specific daily commitments:
- Explicitly saying "I love you" multiple times throughout the day.
- Expressing verbal appreciation for specific character qualities in one another.
- Centering their home life on regular prayer to navigate parenting, finances, and stress.
- Choosing to laugh, play, and enjoy life together despite past trauma.
Debbie encouraged Howard to view his life not as a collection of broken pieces from past battles, but as a foundation for a new mission dedicated to helping others heal.
Transition to Chiropractic Medicine and Motivational Leadership
Determined to find a productive civilian vocation, Wasdin pursued higher education, earning his Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree from Life University in Marietta, Georgia. His inspiration for entering healthcare came directly from his own recovery; after years of suffering from severe migraine headaches and poor sleep due to combat trauma, a chiropractic adjustment provided him with his first full night of restful sleep in years.
Wasdin opened and operated Absolute Precision Chiropractic in Jesup, Georgia, applying the precision and discipline of a SEAL sniper to patient care and chronic pain management. He viewed his clinical work as a direct continuation of his core desire to serve and protect people.
Beyond his clinic, Dr. Wasdin became an active motivational speaker, addressing corporate leaders, youth groups, and civic organizations on perseverance, leadership, and faith. He dedicated substantial time to community service, mentoring young people through the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and earning induction into the prestigious Jeremiah Milbank Society in 2012.
Reception, Audiobook Controversy, and Enduring Legacy
Published in November 2014 by Thomas Nelson, The Last Rescue received widespread praise across veteran circles and faith-based reading communities, earning an impressive average reader rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Readers celebrated the memoir's courage in breaking through the stoic military facade, cementing its reputation among the best military books that address post-war veteran reintegration.
Audiobook Performance and Military Acronym Critique
While the written volume enjoyed strong commercial success, the production of the unabridged audiobook edition met with notable critiques from listeners within the military community. The primary point of contention centered on narrator Daniel Butler’s handling of standard military terminology and acronyms.
Most noticeably, the spoken recording mispronounced foundational naval terms—such as pronouncing "BUD/S" phonetically letter-by-letter rather than as the universally recognized single-syllable acronym used throughout Naval Special Warfare. For veteran listeners and service members, this production oversight detracted from the authentic atmosphere of an otherwise powerful memoir. Despite the narration critique, listeners consistently lauded the emotional honesty of Wasdin and Kilpatrick’s underlying narrative.
The Tragic 2023 Aviation Accident and Lasting Memory
On April 6, 2023, the special operations and veteran community suffered a heartbreaking loss. Dr. Howard E. Wasdin died at the age of 61 in a fatal aviation accident while attempting to land a single-engine aircraft at the Jesup-Wayne County Airport in Georgia.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation examined the landing approach and aerodynamic stall conditions that led to the crash. Tributes poured in from across the nation, honoring Wasdin as a warrior of extraordinary bravery, a dedicated healer, and a man who unashamedly shared his journey of faith and redemption with the world.
Frequently Asked Questions About Howard Wasdin & Joel Kilpatrick
What is the central message of The Last Rescue by Howard Wasdin and Joel Kilpatrick?
The core message of The Last Rescue is that no matter how severe one’s combat trauma, physical disability, or personal heartbreak may be, true recovery and purpose can be found through spiritual surrender to God, vulnerable love in marriage, and dedication to serving others.
What military awards did Howard Wasdin receive for his service in Somalia?
For his extraordinary gallantry and heroic actions under intense enemy fire during the Battle of Mogadishu on October 3–4, 1993, Howard Wasdin was awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. He also earned the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat "V" during his 12-year naval career.
What caused the death of Howard Wasdin in 2023?
Dr. Howard Wasdin passed away on April 6, 2023, in a small airplane accident at the Jesup-Wayne County Airport in Georgia after his aircraft experienced an aerodynamic stall during an attempted landing.
Conclusion
The life of Howard Wasdin and his writing partnership with Joel Kilpatrick stand as an enduring testament to the power of resilience, faith, and honest storytelling. From the high-stakes battlefields of Somalia to the vulnerable work of rebuilding a shattered marriage and establishing a civilian medical practice, Wasdin demonstrated that a warrior's greatest strength lies in humility, love, and perseverance.
At USMilitary.com, we remain deeply committed to supporting our nation's active-duty personnel, wounded warriors, and military families as they navigate transitions, explore career paths, and access earned VA benefits. To learn more about the elite brotherhood that shaped Howard Wasdin’s life and military achievements, explore our comprehensive Navy SEALs complete guide.
