I am saddened to hear that a Navy SEAL based in Virginia was killed during Sunday's successful rescue of an American doctor being held by the Taliban in Afghanistan.

I join all Virginians in extending our condolences to the family, friends and teammates of Petty Officer First Class Nicolas Checque. He was a decorated combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, and we respect and appreciate his heroic service on behalf of our nation.

Our warriors put their lives on the line each and every day, and Nicolas Checque's sacrifice reminds us again that we must always honor all of our troops and military families.