Capt David Lyon was born on March 31, 1985. A Sandpoint, Idaho native, David graduated from the US Air Force Academy in 2008 where he met his wife Dana. He was an accomplished athlete prior to his commission as an Air Force Officer. He is still ranked 5th on the Air Force Academy’s all-time list in both the indoor and outdoor shot put. He passed away on December 27, 2013 while conducting combat operations near Kabul, Afghanistan. He was a member of the 21st Logistics Readiness Squadron out of Peterson AFB, Colorado and was killed when a vehicle-born improvised explosive device targeted and attacked his convoy in downtown Kabul. He was serving a year-long deployment in Afghanistan where he was performing a combat advisory mission with Afghan National Army Commandos and working with the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan. David was scheduled to return to Colorado in February.
Capt Lyon was known as a tender warrior. He was lighthearted and a gentle giant. Kind and compassionate to everyone he met, his 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.
Capt Lyon was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart Service Ribbon, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and Combat Action Medal. Capt Lyon is survived by his wife, Dana Lyon, who currently works in the Air Force Academy Athletic Department, where she serves our nation’s future leaders by coaching and inspiring the cadets with Dave’s legacy.
Capt Lyon was known as a tender warrior. He was lighthearted and a gentle giant. Kind and compassionate to everyone he met, his 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.
Capt Lyon was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart Service Ribbon, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and Combat Action Medal. Capt Lyon is survived by his wife, Dana Lyon, who currently works in the Air Force Academy Athletic Department, where she serves our nation’s future leaders by coaching and inspiring the cadets with Dave’s legacy.