Elk NetworkVirginia Volunteers Honor Fallen Navy SEAL

Conservation | November 4, 2017

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation supports America’s dedicated servicemen and women. Volunteers from the Southeast Virginia Chapter recently participated in the Devon Grube BBQ Classic to honor a Navy SEAL who tragically passed away while off duty and kayaking in Chesapeake Bay. He left behind a wife with three young children.

Grube grew up in Cavalier, North Dakota. He chose to enlist in the Navy following the attacks on September 11, 2001. He was a Special Warfare Operator 1st Class with the East Coast Naval Special Warfare unit. He enlisted in 2005 and had several awards and decorations, including the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, two Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals, the Good Conduct Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and the NATO Medal.

He loved to spend time in the outdoors including hunting, fishing and camping.

“We met a lot of great people and couldn’t have been more thankful to be a part of something so big,” said Chad Brown, Southeast Virginia chapter chair. “Our chapter is surrounded by military and for that we all show our appreciation for the brave men and women that serve our country every day for our freedoms.”

Chapter volunteers raised funds to present Grube’s six-year-old son, Devon, with a RMEF life membership. They also shared information about RMEF’s Eastern Elk Initiative, signed up new members and shared information about RMEF’s conservation mission.

Photo information: pictured is Chad Brown along with a photo of Devon Grube and his elk kill in 2016.