Utah Town Holds Memorial for Fallen SEAL

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dominique Lasco, Naval Special Warfare Command public affairs

BLANDING, Utah (NNS) -- Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) 1st Class Jason Workman, 32, was honored in a memorial service at the Blanding Stake Center in Blanding, Utah Aug. 20.

Workman was one of 30 U.S. service members killed when a coalition CH-47 Chinook helicopter crashed in Afghanistan on, Aug. 6.

Saturday afternoon more than 300 family, friends, teammates and neighbors gathered to celebrate the life and mourn the loss of their beloved husband, son, brother, and friend.

Among those in attendance was Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert, who ordered both the U.S. and Utah state flags to be flown at half-staff at all state facilities, honoring Workman as a selfless patriot who stepped forward of his own free will to serve and protect the freedom and rights shared by all Americans.

"I think it takes a special kind of courage, a singular spirit of dedication and an unselfish commitment to God and to country to as a volunteer step forward to render the service that Petty Officer Workman gave," said Herbert to the Workman family. "Utah mourns with you at this time."

Workman's three brothers Corey, Tim, and Stephen shared stories of their little brother and spoke of his humility, integrity, and kindness.

"No greater love hath any man than to give his life for his friends," said Stephen, as he quoted scripture to describe his brother's sacrifice, a theme that was repeated throughout the service.

"Jason was a hero," said his brother, Tim. "I hope that if you look up 'hero' in the dictionary, you would see a picture of Jason."

Other family members and teammates also spoke of Workman's life with laughter and through tears. They spoke of his dedication to his family and friends, his drive to be the best and how he loved being a Navy SEAL.

The ceremony concluded with members of the Utah National Guard rendering a 21-gun salute, while a Navy bugler played "Taps" as the Blanding and San Juan County community offered a final salute to their hometown hero.

Workman's interment is scheduled to take place at Arlington National Cemetery later this month.

Petty Officer Workman is survived by a loving wife and son, his parents, his three brothers, and their families.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, Jason requested that donations be sent to either the Naval Special Warfare Foundation (www.nswfoundation.org) or the Workman family at: Towne Bank, 297 Constitution Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. Checks payable to: Workman Family Fund.