MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Family members say a Navy SEAL from Minneapolis is among those who died in an attack on their helicopter in Afghanistan last week.

The family of 31-year-old John Faas released a statement describing the SEAL as a man of "unquestionable integrity and courage." The family says Faas became a SEAL "to serve his country and to make the world a better place for those less fortunate."

Faas was a 1998 class valedictorian at Minnehaha Academy and the football team's quarterback.

The Department of Defense has not yet released the names of 30 U.S. troops killed when their helicopter was shot down Aug. 6.

Another SEAL from Minnesota was among those who died. Family members say 24-year-old Nick Spehar of Chisago City was also killed.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

 

 

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