Army Spc. Thomas F. Lyons
Death: Sep 08, 2009
of Fernley Nev.; assigned to the 545th Military Police Company Arctic Military Police Battalion Fort Richardson Alaska; Died of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an explosive device Sept. 8 in Tikrit Iraq. Also killed were Pfc. Zachary T. Myers and Staff Sgt. Shannon M. Smith. Flags at half-staff on day of burial The Associated Press FERNLEY Nev. — A northern Nevada soldier killed Sept. 8 in Iraq has been laid to rest in Fernley. Funeral services for Army Pfc. Thomas Lyons20 took place Sept. 14 with burial at Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Lyons Died when an enemy explosion hit the truck he was riding in north of Baghdad. His wife Delvin is also an active duty soldier and both were stationed at Fort Richardson Alaska. The Lyons had their first child this spring. Lyons’ family and a military honor guard received his body Sept. 13 at Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Flags at the Nevada State Capitol Complex were flown at half-staff Sept. 14 in honor of Lyons. From rebellious teen to responsible soldier The Associated Press In the last years of his life Thomas F. Lyons grew from a rebellious teen who once made off with his family’s car and wrecked it to a “good man” who was happy to be a father his best friend said. “He chose to go to Iraq” Michael Coughlin said. “He didn’t go for blood or glory. He went to protect his family and Freedom .” Lyons20 of Fernley Nev. Died Sept. 8 when the vehicle he was in was attacked with an explosive device in Baji Iraq. Three others also were killed. All four were based at Fort Richardson Alaska. John Flint said his stepson was kind and giving and sometimes unaware of his talents. “He loved life and people” Flint said. Lyons grew up in a large family and he liked sports. He wanted to become a police officer when he returned from Iraq. Earlier this year in Alaska Lyons married his wife Delvin a military police officer. The couple’s son Erik was born in May. Lyons was deployed to Iraq in July. He was posthumously promoted from private first class to specialist. “His sacrifice will not be forgotten by both his country and his community” Coughlin said.Operation Iraqi Freedom