Erik Samsel Kristensen (March 15, 1972 – June 28, 2005) was a lieutenant commander of the United States Navy SEALs who was killed in action during Operation Red Wings.

His father, Edward Kristensen, is a career officer in the United States Navy who rose to the rank of Rear Admiral.

[2] As his father was in the military, Erik traveled widely with his family as a child, living in such places as Japan, Guam, California, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., among others.

Kristensen reported to Basic Underwater Demolition/Sea, Air, Land training (BUD/S) at Coronado, California at age 27, making him one of the oldest in his class.

On June 28, 2005, a four-man Navy SEAL reconnaissance and surveillance team was assigned to keep eyes on Ahmad Shah (nom de guerre Mohammad Ismail), who had no affiliation with the Taliban other than fighting against Anti-Coalition Forces but who was responsible for operations in eastern Afghanistan and the Hindu Kush mountains.

[5] The battle was later called "the worst single day loss of life for Naval Special Warfare personnel since World War II.

The fund seeks to assist a Gonzaga College High School student whose family serves in the U.S. armed forces.