PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- A visitation service in honor of Capt. David Lyon will be held Jan. 7 at New Life Church from 3 - 7 p.m. and a funeral service will be held Jan. 8 at 1 p.m. at New Life Church. A burial service will immediately follow the funeral at the United States Air Force Academy Cemetery. Military members in attendance should wear their Airman Battle Uniform for all services.
Capt. Lyon was killed in action Dec. 27, while working with Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, performing a Combat Advisory mission with Afghan National Army Commandos near their encampment.
He died from wounds suffered after a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attacked his convoy in Afghanistan.
"Capt. Lyon was a model officer and exemplary young leader. Dave was special--he was an intelligent, charismatic, natural leader who was widely respected by senior leaders, his peers, and the Airmen he led," said Col. Chuck Arnold, 21st Mission Support Group commander.
A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Lyon was completing a 365-day tour in Afghanistan and was due to return to Peterson AFB in February. He was assigned to the 21st Logistics Readiness squadron in 2010 before volunteering for a deployment to Afghanistan in early 2013.
Lyon was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Purple Heart, and the Air Force Combat Action Medal, which will also be presented to his family during the burial service.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Capt. Lyon during this difficult time," said Col. John Shaw, 21st Space Wing commander. "The Air Force and our Nation lost one of our very best last week. We will never forget him or his sacrifice."
All services are closed to media representatives to allow the family privacy and time to mourn. For more information, contact the 21st Space Wing Public Affairs Office at 556-5185.
Tribute to Captain David "Dave" Lyon
Provided courtesy of the Lyon family
There is no greater honor we can render than to provide tribute to a fallen warrior who has made the ultimate sacrifice. Captain David "Dave" Lyon was killed in action on 27 December 2013 in Kabul, Afghanistan when the enemy attacked his convoy with a vehicle borne Improvised Explosive Device. He was performing a Combat Advisory mission with the Afghan National Army Commandos while working with Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan. Since 2010, Dave was assigned to Peterson Air Force Base, 21st Logistics Readiness Squadron.
Dave attended the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) Preparatory School and graduated from USAFA in 2008. As a standout track and field athlete, he was a Mountain West Conference champion, team captain, and Strength and Conditioning All-American. Dave set athletic records at USAFA and in his hometown, where his athletic success positioned him to become the first football player from Idaho to play for USAFA.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Captain Dana (Pounds) Lyon of Lexington, KY, a 2006 USAFA graduate; his canine, "Colt .45"; parents, Bob and Jeannie Lyon and brother, Sean Lyon, all of Sandpoint, ID; mother and father-in-law, Rick and Nancy Pounds of Lexington, KY; grandfather and grandmother, Ray and Imogene Davis; step-grandmother, Beth Davis; and brothers-in-law, Eric and Darren Pounds.
Dave was known as a tender warrior. He was lighthearted and a gentle giant. Kind and compassionate to everyone he met, Dave's smile would light up a room. He was a silent leader who earned the respect of his authority and peers. He and his wife Dana had an inspiring marriage, where together they coached and mentored young athletes, sponsored USAFA cadets, and volunteered with the Air Force Wounded Warrior program. They were actively involved in their local church, where Dave served on the security detail. Their hobbies included camping, hiking, lifting, and listening to country music with the windows down.
Dave took joy in serving his county, and has been awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Action Medal. He was also a committed follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, in whom our hope lies for seeing Dave again. Please join us in celebrating the life of Dave and honoring a true American hero.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8, at New Life Church, 11025 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO. Interment with full military honors will follow at the USAFA Cemetery. The family will receive those who would like to honor Dave at a viewing from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 7, at New Life Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the "David Lyon Memorial Fund," care of New Horizons Foundation; 4570 Hilton Parkway, Suite 203 Colorado Springs, CO 80907; or online at https://newhorizonsfoundation.net