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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    


Dr. Randy Wilber
1/5/2014 10:18:38 pm

I met Dave briefly through Dana one day a few years ago here at the US Olympic Training Center. In those few minutes, I was extremely impressed by the strength, character and personality of this young man. In such a short life, it appears that he had a huge positive impact on hundreds of people. My thoughts and prayers are with Dana and all of Dave's family and friends.

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diana lucatno
1/6/2014 11:43:54 pm

Dear Dana, I am so sorry for your loss. I myself, lost my husband two years ago and I know your pain. I am a friend of his Mom's Jeannie. Again, I am sorry and will keep you in my prayers. Fondly, Diana

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Dane Jansson
1/8/2014 03:31:19 am

Dana,
It saddens me to have recently learned of Dave's departure. I really looked up to him on the track team since he was such an outstanding athlete, mature character, and humble leader. They certainly took from us one of our best and brightest.

Wishing you the strength to endure such a shocking loss.
Sincerely, Dane J.

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Bemni
1/8/2014 04:57:31 am

Dana, as someone who lost his spouse almost two years ago, I feel for you, I grieve with you during your time of sorrow. No two losses are ever the same. Each loss stands on its own and inflicts a unique kind of pain. What makes each loss so catastrophic is its devastating, cumulative, and irreversible nature. We simply do not see the bigger picture, but we choose to believe that there is a bigger picture and that our loss is part of some wonderful story authored by God Himself. This is NOT the end. This is ONLY the beginning. I would love to be there for you and share in your burden during the days ahead.... In Him, Bemni (my sister knows you).

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Jenny Hoover
1/8/2014 10:03:14 pm

Dana,
You are in my prayers as you deal with this loss. Even though I didn't know Dave, the memorial service allowed me to learn about the "great man" he was. I feel very fortunate to have been able to share the memorial service on-line. As the wife of a retired Air Force Officer, I understand the sacrifice you have made for your country. May God continue to give you his grace and blessings during this time.
Jenny Hoover
Westminster Academy

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1/14/2014 06:20:49 am

I am an unknown writer. I cannot possibly understand the sacrifices that the men and women in uniform have made to protect my freedom, much less paying them the proper respect that they truly deserve. God bless the Late Captain David Lyon and his family. God bless America.

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Scott Anderson
1/14/2014 09:57:59 pm

Dana,
I am so sorry for the passing of David. I worked with him in RC-N before he moved to Kabul. We spent a good amount of time together at meetings and dinner. We spoke alot about our faith in the Lord. David spoke of coming to my place in March with you, when he was in Lexington to pick up his truck. My heart goes out to you. I am so sorry.

1LT Scott D. Anderson

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3/19/2014 07:10:08 pm

This is my first time to your website, I send you the very distinctive, deserve me to treasure.

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Diane Kay Randall
5/25/2014 05:45:55 am

Dana,

While at church today, I picked your husband's name from a basket. The basket contained names of fallen soldiers. Our priest asked we pick a name and pray for the picked individual.

Being a wife myself, I understand the pain and anguish of your loss and that it must be overwhelming. I sincerely hope you have a wonderful support system to help guide and heal you.

This quote from A. Lincoln's Bixby Letter comes to mind:

"I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom."

God Bless You...

Best and kind regards,
Diane Kay Randall

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