Brian Ray Hoke (April 4, 1974 – October 21, 2016) was an American Navy SEAL and CIA paramilitary officer who served on the front lines of counterterrorism operations.
Born in Cambridge, Nebraska, Hoke grew up in Aberdeen, South Dakota, where he developed a love for the outdoors, engaging in activities like hiking and fishing.
[1][2] After his family moved to Minnesota before his senior year, Hoke graduated from high school and received a congressional nomination to attend the United States Naval Academy.
[3] Fulfilling his aspiration to become a Navy SEAL, Hoke completed the rigorous Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training with Class 210 in April 1997.
His role involved leading combat missions and gathering intelligence in conflict zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as assignments in Europe.