Former Virginia Beach SEAL remembered

NORFOLK, Va. - The Virginia Beach CIA worker killed in Afghanistan last week by a suicide bomber was buried Thursday at a private funeral in Norfolk.

Jeremy Wise, 35, was one of seven CIA workers killed in the bombing last week, for which al-Qaida has claimed responsibility.

For those who knew Wise, there was a lot of life behind his eyes.

"He was very smart and athletic, very likeable kind of guy. He's definitely going to be the life of the party kind of guy," said Tom Miller, Senior Pastor of Life Church Magnolia in Arkansas.

Miller watched from his pulpit as Jeremy grew in his 20s. He was the oldest of four and determined to follow down his father's military path.

"I just remember him being pretty focused, knowing what he wanted out of life and going after it," said Miller. "That really had an impact on his brothers."

Miller said both younger boys would eventually join the military after Jeremy enlisted in the Navy in 2001.

After special warfare training in 2002, Jeremy reported to a SEAL team based at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek in 2004 and spent five years within the tight brotherhood of special warfare. 

It was a journey Miller says he almost didn't make. "I think he got injured at one part and had to stop and restart, so it was a little iffy, but eventually you know he's so determined he just did it. Some guys would have probably just quit."

During his service, the former petty officer was awarded three Navy/Marine Corp achievement medals and a Joint Service Achievement medal. He also was awarded an Iraq Campaign medal, two Sea Service Deployment ribbons, a Rifle Marksmanship medal and a Pistol Marksmanship medal.

Jeremy left the Navy in September 2009 and worked as a security contractor until his death in Afghanistan on December 30. He was one of seven people who died when a suicide bomber blew himself up inside a CIA base. Their bodies were flown back to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware Monday morning for a small, private ceremony.

Now, nearly two thousand posts fill a Facebook memorial page in his honor. Many of the heart felt messages are from people who never crossed his path.

WAVY.com obtained this statement from the spokesperson of Naval Special Warfare Group Two:

Our condolences go out to the Wise family during this difficult time. Jeremy will be greatly missed by his friends, family, and former teammates in Naval Special Warfare.

Jeremy leaves behind a bride of 2 years and a five year old stepson.

Click here to visit the Jeremy Wise Memorial page on Facebook.