The Navy SEAL who reportedly killed Osama bin Laden is now without health insurance and says he feels abandoned by his government.
In an interview with Esquire titled “The Man Who Killed Osama bin Laden … Is Screwed,” the unnamed former SEAL told journalist Phil Bronstein that upon leaving the service in September 2012, he now has no health care or pension as he waits for disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“I left SEALs on Friday,” the SEAL told Mr. Bronstein in September. “My health care for me and my family stopped at midnight Friday night.”
The former commando was a member of the team of 23 Navy SEALs that stormed a house in Abbottabad, Pakistan, on May 2, 2011, and killed the world’s most wanted terrorist, according to Esquire. The “Shooter,” which he is referred to as, told the magazine he was the last person to see bin Laden alive before he fired three bullets into his forehead.
(SEE RELATED: Details of bin Laden raid leaked first by Obama aides)
He told the magazine he felt burned out after the raid and retired three years before the official requirement of 20 years of service.
“I asked if there was some transition from my Tricare to Blue Cross Blue Shield. They said no,” he said. “You’re out of the service, your coverage is over. Thanks for your 16 years. Go [expletive] yourself.”
The SEAL also criticized the government’s lack of security provided for him and his family.
(SEE RELATED: Pakistan plans amusement park near site of bin Laden’s death)
The Navy, in a statement, said it could not corroborate his accounts. “We take seriously the safety and security of our people, as well as our responsibility to assist sailors making a transition to civilian life. Without more information about this particular case, it would be difficult to determine the degree to which our transition programs succeeded.”
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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