The key question Carry The Load asks each year as Memorial May approaches is “Who are you carrying?”

This year my answer to that question is heartbreakingly immediate.  I’m carrying Master Chief Mark Crampton, USN-Retired, (1959-2022) 

I first met Mark in 1990, when I reported to SEAL Team THREE (ST-3) in Coronado, CA.  At that time, Mark was an E-6 and a member of one of the eight operational platoons at the command.  Mark and I served together at ST-3 until I transferred in 1994.  During that time, I saw Mark receive a promotion to Chief Petty Officer, fall in love with Kerri, a young woman who worked in our admin office who would become his wife, and grow into one of the top leaders and SEAL Operators at our command.  Years later, Mark and I were able to reconnect as we were both SEALFIT coaches working with our fellow ST-3 team mate, Mark Divine. 

Master Chief Crampton was a battle-tested Navy SEAL warrior, a transformational SEALFIT Crucible Coach, a mentor to his fellow SEALs, a community leader, devoted father, and loving husband of 28 years.  Master Chief Crampton touched all of our lives in a profound way. 

As a young SEAL operator, and later in life as a newly minted SEALFIT Crucible Coach, I felt the impact of Coach Crampton’s leadership.  I will always remember the way Master Chief for the special way he made me feel.  Whether he was checking the parachute I had packed, giving me marksmanship tips during live-fire exercises, or talking about the goals and objectives I should keep in mind for our SEALFIT participants during the crucible events.  I will always remember his firm but gentle hand on my shoulder when he would give me pointers to improve my performance as an operator and as a SEALFIT coach.  He’d always start with a smile and a “Hey Buddy.”   He had a way of focusing on the present so keenly that he made others feel like they were the most important person in the world to him.  Master Chief Crampton and I both supported the Mark Divine Courage Foundation, a nonprofit that holds the organizational mantra, “Master yourself and serve others.”  Master Chief Crampton epitomized that mantra better than any other, and gave everyone who he interacted with a sterling example to emulate. 

Please join me this year to memorialize Master Chief Crampton, and to remember him by following his Hero Code, which he wrote a few years ago and has become a staple among the Navy SEAL community.  

Master Chief Mark Crampton’s “Hero Code”

1. I will always strive to be COUREAGEOUS, to take one step forward as I confront my fears.
2. I will work to be HUMBLE, to recognize the limits of my intellect, my understanding, and my power. 
3. I will learn to SACRIFICE by giving a little of my time, my talent, and my treasure to those in need.
4. I will be a person in INTEGRITY.  Every decision I make and every action I take will be moral, legal, and ethical. 
5. I will be COMPASSIONATE to at least one person every single day and expect nothing in return. 
6. Whatever job I am given, whatever DUTY I am bound by, I will do it to the best of my ability.
7. I will never give up on matters that are important to me, my family, my country, or my faith.  I will PERSEVERE. 
8. I will use HUMOR to comfort others and never be afraid to laugh at myself. 
9. I will use my unique talents to inspire others and give them HOPE that tomorrow will be a better day.
10. No matter how great or small the offense against me, I will try to FORGIVE.  I will be the victor, not the victim. 

Rest in peace, Brother.  You are missed by many. 

Carry The Load is a non-profit dedicated to providing active ways to honor and celebrate our nation's heroes by connecting Americans to the sacrifices made by military, veterans, first responders and their families. 

I plan to participate in the Memorial May events to remember, honor, and celebrate our nation's heroes by participating in the event and fundraising.

Together, we can make a difference.