Petty Officer First Class Jeffrey Alan Lucas ~ SEAL Team 10

Petty Officer First Class

Jeffrey Alan Lucas

Petty Officer 1st Class, Jeffrey Alan Lucas, 33, died on June 28, 2005, in Afghanistan. He boarded a helicopter bound to assist his teammates during a heavy fire fight in the Afghan mountains, but the helicopter he was riding in was shot down. He was a member of Seal Team 10.

He was born September 17, 1971. After graduating from Corbett High School in Oregon in 1989, Jeff Lucas joined the Navy and ultimately achieved his lifelong dream to become a Navy SEAL. Jeff reached the pinnacle of success in 2004 when he was named Navy SEAL of the year - Jeffrey was truly the best-of-the-best!

His duty stations included SEAL Team TEN, Norfolk, Development Group Dam Neck, VA, SEAL Team eight, Norfolk, SEAL Team ONE, Coronado, CA, Basic Airborne School, Fort Benning, GA, Basic Underwater Demolition School, Coronado, CA, Naval Air Station, Miramar, CA, Naval Submarine Training Center, Pearl Harbor, HI, Electronics Technician Class “A” School, Great Lakes IL, and Recruit Training Command, Orlando, FL. His awards include, Expert Pistol Ribbon, Expert Rifle Ribbon, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, NATO Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. He was also a qualified Dive Supervisor, Sniper Range Supervisor, and Freefall Parachutist Supervisor.

As a Leading Petty Officer, Jeff was known for his leadership. His enthusiasm and quick wit was portrayed in everything he did. He was considered a very funny man who was guaranteed to put a smile on the face of all in his presence. His ten years as a Navy SEAL has allowed him to create a laundry list of qualifications; such as sniper, sniper instructor, and military freefall parachutist to name a few. Jeff was an expert in every qualification and was known for his innovation and constant tinkering with his gear.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Rhonda R. Lucas; their son, Seth Alan Lucas of Virginia Beach, VA; his father, Richard Alan Lucas of Prineville, OR; his mother, Patricia Ann Lucas; a brother, James Richard Lucas and his wife Chris; maternal grandparents, James and Ardis Baker; a nephew, Brandon Cohoon; aunt and uncle, Linda and Larry Traxler; cousins, Peter Traxler, Robby Traxler, Sam and Stephanie Traxler, all of Corbett, OR; and mother and father-in-law, Janet and Patrick Grimm of Thermopolis, WY.

Lucas was laid to rest at Arlington Cemetery: http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/jalucas.htm

You can visit his memorial site at http://www.jefflucasmemorial.com/

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