Dave and Dana

12/30/2013

If you haven't seen it already, check out "Two Heroes - One Heart" here.

Part of our grieving process is sharing stories and memories of Dave.
We hope you find some comfort in remembering the man Dave was and the legacy he leaves behind.

Please "comment" below and add your own memories, stories and words of affection for Dave and his survivors. They (we) have a long road ahead and we want to support each other during this time.

23 Comments

Michelle Vandever

12/31/2013 05:11:28 am

I am so touched by the outpouring of love for Dave and Dana but not surprised in the least. These two have made a unforgettable impact on every life they have come in contact with, my family being no exception. This last summer we had a terrible fire in the Black Forest where we reside. My husband was deployed so I did not have much manpower to help with clean up. We did not lose our house, by the grace of god, but did have a lot of damage to our property. To explain how wonderful these two are, they came out to the house during their R&R and insisted on helping cut burnt trees and stacking wood. Dave came out one day by himself and my kids tagged along with him all day, I can still hear the laughter and teasing of all of them together while they worked. My children have a everlasting memory of a true hero and friend that I will make sure they always keep in their hearts. Dana and Dave have their adopted children but my husband and I adooted Dana and Dave the minute we met them. We got to talk with them on Christmas Day when they were together and I will treasure that moment in my life forever. I am so glad to find so many people that were able to experience this amazing man and be touched by his love of life.

Claudio Martinez

12/31/2013 05:18:43 am

Hello, dave was an amazing person,officer,leader,mentor and best of all my friend. I remember the day i told him he looks like captain america. He looked at me with his typical big jolly giant smile and said "reallly?haha". Ever since then whenever we would exchange christmas cards, emails,texts he ended it with "captain america. Whats funny is the first day my wife met him....guess what...she said the same thing lol. She leaned over my shoulder and said to me "gosh now i know why you have man crush on him"lol. Not sure why she said that lol. Dana and dave are remarkable..eventhough we werent with them alot we were still able to sense how good of a people they are.i remember talking to my wife and telling her "gosh they are both some very positive good feeling people..Anyways on a serious note.. one of the traits i really enjoyed about dave was that he was always always positive about everything. I remember the day after my father passed away. We had lunch together in the office and he impowered me with words of wisdom. Words that helps me get through the tough times.. I can never forget all the long mentoring chats/funny things we had and how much he cared about people..and just life in general. Dave was definitely the person i think people should follow to bring peace upon earth. But all and all..he had a heck of a sense of humor.

Thank you

David MacDonald

12/31/2013 11:29:58 pm

David and Dana volunteered as Team SOCOM’s throws coaches for the 2011 and 2012 Warrior Games. During 2011 and 2012, Team SOCOM was unfunded and was unable to pay for coaches. David and Dana, without reservation, donated their time to our team and made our throwers competitive. Their efforts eventually resulted in one of our throwers breaking the Warrior Game Discuss record in 2013. David was an outstanding officer and an adamant supporter of Wounded Warriors, especially those who represented Team SOCOM. I will miss him.

Trin Berry

1/1/2014 10:01:18 am

Hello,

I had the honor of training side by side with this GREAT man at Fort Polk, LA. for over 2 mouths before our team headed over to Afghanistan. The training teams consisted of Army, Navy & Airforce. It was the 1st time that many of us had trained together from different branches of the military.

Capt. Dave Lyon was one of those people who left a permanent stain on my heart because he was so eager to learn and wasn't afraid to ask questions. In the middle of our training course, I lost a brother & had to fly back home. It really hurt my heart but when I returned back to training, Dave came to me EVERYDAY (Not as a Captain but as a friend) to make sure I was okay. He is a GREAT guy and I'll always remember him.

My heart goes out to his lovely wife (which he ALWAYS spoke highly of) & the rest of his family. Please remember this man, this Airmen, this family member & Friend for the person that is and will ALWAYS be which is the guy that we all had the greatest honor of knowing. He's a warrior both in & outside the uniform. We love him ALWAYS, he'll be missed. #Salute Capt. David Lyon (Rest In Peace Brother)...

SFC Trinton Berry
United States Army

CAPT Matt Bell, USN

1/1/2014 10:31:52 am

While I only had the pleasure of working alongside Dave during the ten weeks we shared in Ft Polk, LA in preparation for deployment to Afghanistan, he cast a fond memory of a dedicated and talented officer who cared deeply for the success of others and whose leadership inspired all to reach higher.

When asked to lead our group of officers and enlisted from all services in what would otherwise have been another uninspired Army training experience, Dave stepped forward and put together a creative early morning PT program that benefitted all through exposure to multiple disciplines and kept it fun. In addition, none could help but not push themselves for the better as a result of Dave's example.

I am honored to have had the opportunity to know Dave, if only for a short while. His positive influence on others changed lives and strengthened the team.

After a long day of exhaustive Capstone training during our last week in Ft Polk when most wanted only to turn in for the night, it is the image of Dave out in a large open area of the Tigerland FBO still going at it and taking advantage of a short opportunity to exercise by repeatedly flipping a large tractor tire across a lot as the sun was setting that I will always remember. His physical strength complimented his strength of character.

Dave was a gentle giant who led by example.

Ron Pellegrino - DCMA

1/2/2014 12:37:27 am

I never got a chance to meet Dave, but listening to the stories from Dana while we worked together in Afghanistan, you would have thought I knew both Dave and Dana my whole life. There was never a conversation where Dana would not speak about Dave. When I was in Kandahar, Dana had me go out to find Camp Brown where Dave was going to visit so she could meet him.
My heart and prayers go out to Dana. As our friend Rey Romero would say: "Our Little Sister". Dana, just ask, and we will be there for you. Ron, Gina, Emily, and Anne Marie Pellegrino

Janna Hull link

1/2/2014 12:09:14 pm

Sandpoint,Idaho and the United States of America has lost a hero. David was so respected by all the kids in his class he will be deeply missed by all that knew him.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all.

Mike M.

1/2/2014 01:24:11 pm

Dana you are a Warrior, and by all accounts Dave was a Warrior. He is an American Hero in my book. Everyone here in Kandahar is grieving for you and I can’t imagine the pain you are going through. I know you are a strong and driven person, and you will go on to great things to honor Dave’s memory. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Stay Strong.

Amy and Jake (Temes) Clifton

1/2/2014 03:27:04 pm

We are sending a lot of hugs to you Dana (and to your family too). We loved getting to meet Dave and his family when you came out to Eugene. He clearly had a very big heart. A truly amazing man. Lot's of love coming your way. Your Eugene fam is here to support you from afar.

Buddy & Jenn Lizzol

1/3/2014 01:12:50 am

Having only met Dave a handful of times, we came to understand that's all it really takes to recognize what a great person he was. Dave's genuine character and sincere care for those around him radiated from his very being. In his busy schedule Dave often volunteered to help coach Air Force Warrior Games athletes in the throwing events. Dave brought out the best in everyone. His throwing prowess, patience and innate ability to connect with others quickly earned him the nickname 'Super Dave' given to him by those he coached. Words can't describe how grateful we are to have known Dave if even for that short while. He will never be forgotten as his spirit lives on through the countless lives he touched in making this world a better place. We are eternally grateful for his devotion, leadership, selflessness and sacrifice. We'll miss you Dave, God's speed.

Gaylor Walker

1/3/2014 08:39:00 am

Dana my friend, I cannot express how sorry I am to hear of your loss. Although I did not know your husband we heard a lot about him through you. Unknowingly, he joined us on a regular basis during our morning musters via the pictures you have on your cup. I am glad the two of you had the opportunity to spend time together during your deployment. You are in my thoughts and constantly in my prayers my friend. I pray that God will give you the strength you need to ease your pain. You will always have your memories of him and the two of you to cherish. May God be with you and your family.

Sergeant G.

1/4/2014 08:39:02 am

CPT Dana Lyon- your husband was a great guy. I had the pleasure of conversating and joking with him on a number of instances while deployed with him in Afghanistan. He was always smiling,joking and hardworking.I pray that god be with you and your entire family circle. The articles and video tribute show the entire viewing world how great a person he was. My prayers and sincerest sorry go out to you, your family, friends and the entire military community that had the pleasure of knowing CPT David Lyon.

Kathy & Bill Temes

1/5/2014 03:04:18 am

Words seem hard to find; personal grief is over-whelming...... And then, your friends post these amazing tributes and memories that highlight Dave's character, kindness and generosity!
Reading them makes me sad that such a great life was cut short, but then also thankful that he lived! And touched so many lives! We are glad we had the pleasure of meeting Dave and his family when you came to Eugene for the Olympic trials....seeing the love you had for each other......restores my faith! We love you Dana!

Rick Russell

1/5/2014 04:09:34 pm

Although not having the pleasure to meet Dave, in reading through all the comments on this and the Air Force sites, it's apparent what a terrific person he was and how many lives he touched in special ways.
My prayers go out to you, Dana.

Jake wallace

1/6/2014 04:25:03 am

Dave and Dana are two of the finest people that I have ever met, their patriotism and sacrifice have always been above and beyond. I will prey for them both.

Scooter

1/6/2014 10:48:48 am

Note: I wrote and posted the note below to Dana's Facebook wall last week after I heard about her loss - we were cube mates together back at Hill AFB, UT. Some friends encouraged me to add it to this site, so please enjoy. Well, enjoy is not quite the right word. Please remember. That's better.

-----

To the most courageous woman I know:

The holiday time
Is for joy and for cheer,
For supper and singing when
Loves gather near.

Yet on this occasion
Who gives can too take,
Leaving in mourning
Who are still awake.

Our senses are heightened;
Emotions run deep;
With so much excitement,
We laugh, smile and weep.

Picture yourself, then,
Upon Christmas day:
Your love by your side,
But by night parting way.

Your story, a legend:
Two heroes - one heart;
Joined at the soul, but
Too often apart.

Two birds of a feather
Together to fly
The peaks of Olympus?
The limit's the sky!

The smile on your lips
At your love's last adieu:
A gift meant to last you
One lifetime or two.

But two days did pass,
Then, alas, came the storm;
Your protector put on
A new uniform.

(Why do storms ruin
Our greatest of seasons?
The rain brings no justice
No logic, no reasons!)

The tragic report stole
The smile from your face,
And suddenly life
Was a lonelier place.

Then up in the sky
You were flying so free;
One last mortal journey
To soar beside he.

They covered him up
With the pride of our land,
Bestowed highest honors
And dignity grand.

You sang lamentation
And knelt down to pray;
The smile that he gave you
Felt farthest away.

(But when it feels farthest,
Then he, too, feels far;
Just like it, he's with you
Wherever you are.)

We grieve on today
For the one that has flown
To serve a new King
At the foot of the throne.

Tomorrow will dawn and
The sun, bright, will shine,
Although nothing's normal,
And all's far from fine.

Remember your present
From Christmas just past:
A smile from your love
That he gave you to last

Until that next time
When you meet him once more;
It may be awhile,
And upon a far shore.

When all of that waiting
Is over, you'll know,
That though he departed,
Not far did he go.

For he stayed beside you,
Before and behind:
Alive in the smile
Of your heart, soul and mind.

R.I.P. Dave Lyon.

Diann H

1/6/2014 02:15:51 pm

Dana- .. I am so sorry for your loss. David was a true hero and we are all honored to have met him and to have known him through our conversations about your life.
I am grieving for you and hope that your faith and love for God continues to see you through this time.
The poem below is from a friend when he lost his spouse. I find it very touching... I hope it eases your pain.

Death Is Nothing At All
by Canon Henry Scott-Holland, 1847-1918

Death is nothing at all
I have only slipped away into the next room
I am I and you are you
Whatever we were to each other
That we are still
Call me by my old familiar name
Speak to me in the easy way you always used
Put no difference into your tone
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow
Laugh as we always laughed
At the little jokes we always enjoyed together
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was
Let it be spoken without effort
Without the ghost of a shadow in it

Life means all that it ever meant
It is the same as it ever was
There is absolute unbroken continuity
What is death but a negligible accident?
Why should I be out of mind
Because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you at an interval
Somewhere very near
Just around the corner

All is well.
Nothing is past; nothing is lost
One brief moment and all will be as it was before
How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!

Gilda Adkins

1/8/2014 12:46:52 am

Dearest Dana,

Thinking of that little girl with a huge heart and plenty of courage as you face the hardest day today. Please know that everyone who knows you is sharing a piece of your broken heart today by the mercy of God who connects us to each other and to Himself with such a love that cannot be explained but can be experienced by His grace. We, in Lexington, and around the world, are with you today in the spirit and love of the Lord and we pray for you and all of your family and extended family and friends. May the comfort of the Lord fall upon you today.

Thanks, Dana, for allowing us to see and know your sweet, handsome, honorable husband through your twinkling eyes and your contented smile that jump off the photos of the two of you and your big adorable pup!

And thank you Dave-------------for everything! Never met you personally but your life and your witness have made a difference, in Afganistan, I'm sure, and around the world. I, for one, will carry a little piece of your sacrifice in my heart. May we learn to live, love, and know more deeply.

Deepest condolences to Dana, Dave's family, Nancy, Rick, Eric, and little Darren

Gilda and Danny Adkins and family

Lisa Willoughby, SMSgt, RET

1/9/2014 03:40:41 am

I knew David back in his Prep School days. I have read the comments and I have to agree with the comment about him being a gentle giant. Great Preppie and I am sure he was a great officer. My heart breaks for his family. All I can remember from his P-School days was his gentle strength.

Flower Nowicki

1/9/2014 10:09:36 am

Dana, we are praying Gods comforting love will help you through this loss. Dave truly is an American Hero, I am glad I had the opportunity of meeting him in 2012 when he was helping you train. The Love and support he gave you was inspirational. If ever there is anything I could do please don't hesitate to contact me. I love you, God bless.
Flower Nowicki

Kabrena Rodda

1/12/2014 12:07:38 am

I never got to meet Dave or Dana, but after reading all the comments and watching the video from their sponsor kids, I feel like I know them a little. Dana, on behalf of the entire Prep School, please know our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. If we can do anything for you, please let us know.

Kabrena Rodda

Pete Moutsatson

1/12/2014 06:43:29 am

Dear Dana,
The right words fail me to express how sorry I am for your loss. The comments and stories on this wonderful site express a bit of what a great team you and Dave are--and I use the present tense because he's in your heart and you'll be together again. Everyone in your world is proud of who you are, what you've done, and what you will still achieve. Be well. Liz and I pray for your peace and happiness again.
-Pete Moutsatson

Chaplain Curt Cizek

1/13/2014 03:36:28 pm

Dana,

It was a pleasure getting to know you during your deployment. I was saddened to hear of your loss. My condolences to you and your families.

I am sorry that I did not get to meet your husband. It sounds like he was a great warrior of the cross.

May you be comforted by the hope of the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:12-20).

Please let me know how I may be of assistance to y'all.

Peace through Christ,

Curt

Dave and Dana

Leave a Reply.

Share Here!