Trident

A golden Navy Trident is given to each SEAL upon graduation from Advanced Training. The Trident consists of an anchor, symbolizing the Navy, its roots, and its mission of power projection and peace; the trident, symbolizing a SEAL’s connection to the sea; the pistol, representing the SEAL’s capabilities on land; and the eagle, the nation’s emblem of freedom and symbolic of the SEAL’s air abilities. Eric is both honored and thrilled to receive his Trident and to be made a SEAL.

Dissertation

Eric’s Oxford dissertation focuses on humanitarian relief efforts and how they might be made most effective. In his dissertation, Eric argues that long-term efforts must ultimately be strengthened, for the people volunteers help must be able to stand on their own when the volunteers are no longer able to help. Eric puts this theory into practice through his work as...