Navy SEAL Who Killed Osama Bin Laden is One of Montana’s Finest

It probably wouldn't surprise you to learn that the Navy SEAL who shot and killed Osama Bin Laden in 2011 is a Montana native.  Rob O’Neill will publicly reveal his identity in a Fox News interview next week.  He is also expected to talk about growing up in Butte, where he still lives.

O'Neill's story is remarkable.  He is one of the most decorated SEALs, with over 400 combat missions under his belt. Not only did he lead the team that took down the world's most wanted terrorist, he was also part of the famed rescue of Captain Richard Phillips, which was depicted in the Tom Hanks movie "Captain Phillips".  O'Neill also completed missions that inspired the movies "Zero Dark Thirty" and "Lone Survivor".

In spite of the controversy O'Neill is creating at the Pentagon by going public, this proud Montanan is an example of the best our state has to offer.  O'Neill claims he is only revealing his identity to speak out against the shameful lack of benefits our veterans receive after leaving the military.

If anyone has the courage to lead the way on this issue, it's O'Neill.  As for exposing himself to potential terrorist attacks, he's not afraid of that either.  According to a recent Daily Mail interview with Tom O'Neill, Rob's father, if ISIS comes looking for them, "I'll paint a big target on my front door and say come and get us".  And we are proud to say that door is right here in the great state of Montana.