SEAL'S FAMILY TALKS OF MAN'S SERVICE TO U.S.

The family of a Napa County man who was killed last week in Afghanistan while serving as a Navy SEAL team member released its first statement on his death Friday.

Darrik Benson, 29, of Angwin, was killed last Saturday when insurgents shot down a CH-47 Chinook helicopter with 38 people aboard. The crash claimed the lives of 16 other Navy SEALs, five Naval Special Warfare team members who support the SEALs, three members of Air Force Special Operations and the helicopter crew of five.

Here is the family's statement:

"This week we lost our son, brother, uncle, friend, and hero. My son Darrik Benson was killed doing what he loved. He died alongside his friends and Teammates, some of the bravest men this world has ever known.

"Darrik joined the United States Navy because he loved this country, the people who lived here, and the freedoms we all have. Darrik was incredibly brave and determined, with a fierce sense of humor and had amazing opportunities in life because of his strengths and talents. He was truly special, not only to our family, but to this country.

"We are providing no details because we want to protect those brave men and women who are still fighting for all of us. We request that our privacy be respected, as well as the privacy of all of the families affected.

"We are deeply appreciative of the support we have received from our family, friends, our community of Angwin, Calif., and the U.S. Navy. Darrik meant the world to us, and there will always be emptiness in our souls."

The statement was issued by Lt. Cate Wallace, a public affairs officer for Naval Special Warfare Command who is assisting the Benson family.

Wallace did not release any information regarding funeral arrangements.