Navy SEAL Talks Training, Tactics at Library in Stow

Sweat more in peace, bleed less in war.

These are words that Christopher Heben and the rest of his Navy SEAL brothers live by.

Heben came to the on Thursday evening to talk about his experiences being a SEAL and the rigors of life in the training program.

"SEAL training takes heart," Heben said. "Some guys hear the calling and listen or don't. Some who don't respond spend the rest of their life wondering."

Heben is a native of northeast Ohio, graduating from in 1988. He joined the SEAL program in 1996 while working for a mortgage banking firm.

"I saw an article in Popular Mechanics magazine," Heben said. "I was enthralled with all things military so I took a hard look at this program. I had a tie on that I could not stand. I heard the calling, heeded it and enlisted."

Heben went through a 30-minute presentation showing pictures of various training techniques, locales and situations he was put in both during SEAL training and out in the world. Afterward he entertained questions from the audience. 

Audience member Stephan Kremer said that the presentation was "incredible."

"He was very articulate and had interesting experiences to share," Kremer said. "I especially liked hearing about things that he went through to get where he is today."

Library Executive Director Doug Dotterer attended the presentation and gave his reasons as to why the room was completely full.

"We live in a very patriotic community that supports our military troops and the attention the media has given recently over the hunt for ," Dotterer said. "We brought Mr. Heben to the Library to highlight how our military special forces are engaging dangerous enemies around the world with little fanfare or recognition to protect Americans freedoms and liberties."

Heben is now the Executive Vice President and COO of Medical Security International. His company trains local law enforcement and other agencies on how to be better prepared for medical situations in the field. 

Heben left the SEALs in 2006 after 10 years of service. He ended his night meeting with the audience and sharing more personal stories one-on-one.

"We love what we do," Heben said.