Location: 2273
Date: 12/27/2013
Rank: Captain
Branch: U.S. Air Force
Operation: Operation Enduring Freedom
There is no greater honor we can render than to provide tribute to a fallen warrior who has made the ultimate sacrifice. Capt. David “Dave” Lyon was killed in action on Dec. 27, 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 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, Capt. 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, Idaho; his mother- and father-in-law, Rick and Nancy Pounds of Lexington, Ky.; his grandfather and grandmother, Ray and Imogene Davis; his step-grandmother, Beth Davis; and his 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. Dave took joy in serving his county, and has been awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Action Medal.