Jason Dale Lewis was born June 30, 1977, in Danbury, Connecticut. He grew up in Brookfield, where he developed a love of the outdoors — including fly fishing, rock climbing, and cycling — and a strong sense of adventure and challenge that foreshadowed his future path into the armed forces.

He graduated from Brookfield High School in 1995, and shortly thereafter enlisted in the United States Navy on July 22, 1996. After completing basic training at Naval Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois, he entered Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in February 1997 at Coronado, California, successfully graduating and earning his place among the Navy’s most highly trained forces. Lewis’s SEAL training included advanced courses that built upon physical grit, mental resilience, and operational excellence — attributes required of Special Warfare Operators.

Following BUD/S, Jason continued advanced training, including parachute training at Basic Airborne School, Fort Benning, Georgia, before his first assignment to a West Coast–based SEAL team in October 1997. As a SEAL, he was part of one of the most selective and rigorous communities in the U.S. military, known for missions that require stealth, precision, tactical ingenuity, and unyielding courage.

Over the course of his career, Lewis deployed to multiple theaters, including service in Japan and Guam, and ultimately into combat in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. In March 2006, he transferred to an East Coast SEAL team, stationed at Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he was serving at the time of his final deployment.

On July 6, 2007, Petty Officer First Class Jason D. Lewis was conducting a combat mission near Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated beneath the Humvee in which he was riding. The blast also claimed the lives of Mass Communications Specialist First Class Robert Richard McRill and Cryptologic Technician First Class Steven Phillip Daugherty. Jason was 30 years old at the time of his death, losing his life while serving in one of the most perilous roles in modern conflict.

Petty Officer Lewis’s military service was distinguished by numerous awards and honors reflecting both his valor and professionalism. His decorations included the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for valor, the Purple Heart, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Navy Battle “E” Ribbon, multiple Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal with bronze star, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, and qualification medals such as the Expert Rifle Medal and Expert Pistol Shot Medal.

Jason was a devoted husband to his wife, Donna (Tyranski) Lewis, and a loving father to their three children: Jack, Max, and Grace. His family was central to his life, and his dedication to them remained unwavering even while he served in some of the most dangerous roles the United States military offers.

His passing was met with profound sorrow in Brookfield and across Connecticut. Funeral services were held on July 14, 2007, at the First Assembly of God Church in Brookfield, officiated by the Rev. Mark Cernero, who had known Jason since childhood. Jason was interred with full military honors at Center Cemetery in New Milford, Connecticut, surrounded by family, friends, fellow SEALs, and community members who came to pay their respects. In recognition of his service and sacrifice, Connecticut’s governor at the time, M. Jodi Rell, ordered all state and U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff, emphasizing that “He is a hero, not just to us in Brookfield, but to our entire state and our entire country.”

Brookfield’s community has continued to honor Jason’s memory through lasting tributes. The local VFW Post 10201 was renamed the “Jason D. Lewis Brookfield Memorial Post”, with a bronze plaque and memorial plaque on permanent display, recognizing his service, sacrifice, and legacy. A stone monument and dedication ceremonies at Candlewood Lake reflect his lifelong connection to the area and the deep respect his hometown holds for him.

In the United States Congressional Record, members of the House of Representatives paid enduring tribute to Jason’s life, acknowledging his embodiment of the core American values of honor, courage, and commitment and noting the significance of his example for his family, community, and nation.

Petty Officer First Class Jason Dale Lewis’s life stands as a testament to exceptional courage, selfless service, and profound love for his family and country. His legacy continues to inspire those who serve, those who remember, and future generations who honor the sacrifices made in defense of freedom.

Dates

Birth: June 30, 1977 — Danbury, Connecticut
Angelversary: July 6, 2007 — Baghdad, Iraq

Service & Achievements

United States Navy
Petty Officer First Class (Special Warfare Operator – SEAL)
Assigned to East Coast–based SEAL team (Naval Special Warfare Group Two)
Deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom
Decorations and Awards: Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for valor, Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Battle “E” Ribbon, Good Conduct Medals (multiple), National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with bronze star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, Expert Rifle Medal, Expert Pistol Shot Medal

United States Navy SEAL Petty Officer First Class Jason Dale Lewis lived with honor and served with distinction. His life and sacrifice remain permanently engraved in the memory of his family, community, and the nation he served.

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