Jason Ray Workman was born on August 12, 1978, in Montrose, Colorado. At six years old, he moved with his parents and three older brothers to Blanding, Utah, where he was raised and where his family continues to call home.

Jason attended San Juan High School, where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. He lettered in all three sports and earned All-State honors in football and baseball. He graduated in May 1997 and later served a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brazil and Pennsylvania.

From a young age, Jason dreamed of becoming a U.S. Navy SEAL. That dream never faded, but before pursuing it, he made a promise to his parents that he would finish college. Following his mission, Jason attended Southern Utah University and earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 2003.

The events of September 11, 2001, profoundly impacted Jason and gave his childhood dream of serving his country an even greater purpose. Watching the attacks unfold strengthened his resolve to protect the country he loved. After graduating from Southern Utah University, Jason kept his promise to his parents and enlisted in the United States Navy with one goal in mind: to become a Navy SEAL.

Jason completed Navy Recruit Training in Great Lakes, Illinois, before beginning Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in Coronado, California. After six months of some of the most demanding training in the military, he graduated with BUD/S Class 250 in 2004 and went on to complete SEAL Qualification Training. In 2005, he was assigned to SEAL Team 2 in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

In 2008, Jason was selected for the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, commonly known as SEAL Team 6. He completed additional rigorous training and went on to serve on numerous deployments around the world in support of the Global War on Terror. In just eight years, Jason had earned his place among the most elite warriors in the world.

Jason married Stacey Lucas on November 10, 2008. Nearly one year later, on November 5, 2009, they welcomed their son, Jax. Family was at the heart of Jason’s life, and those who knew him remember the love and pride he had for his wife and son.

On August 6, 2011, Jason and 29 other Americans were killed in Afghanistan when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter carrying them was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade and crashed in Wardak Province. Jason was 32 years old, just six days shy of his 33rd birthday.

Jason was a highly decorated combat veteran whose military service was marked by courage, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to his teammates and his country. Among his numerous awards were two Bronze Stars with Valor, the Purple Heart, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, two Joint Service Achievement Medals, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, two Combat Action Ribbons, and numerous additional personal and unit decorations.

But Jason’s legacy extends far beyond his military accomplishments.

Whenever he returned home, Jason shared his knowledge and experience by providing tactical training to local law enforcement. He hoped that one day, after retiring from the Navy, he would return to Blanding, attend the police academy, and continue serving the community he loved as a police officer.

Jason was a man who loved life and a friend to everyone he met. He was known for his unmistakable smile, his sense of humor, and his willingness to stand up for the underdog and help anyone in need. He possessed a rare combination of strength, humility, and compassion that left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Jason lived a life defined by service to his family, his community, his teammates, and his country. Though his life was tragically cut short, the values he lived by continue to inspire those who knew and loved him.

The Jason R. Workman Legacy Foundation exists to carry those values forward. Through scholarships for the next generation, we seek to honor Jason’s life by investing in the community he loved and helping young people pursue their own futures with courage, purpose, and determination.

Jason’s legacy lives on through the people he loved, the lives he touched, and the generations he continues to inspire.