SGT Jason Lantieri was born on July 24, 1982 in Waterbury, Connecticut. After graduating from High School, he attended Western New England College, where he earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration. He joined the United States Army in November 2004, where he attended Basic Training at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Upon completion of Basic Training, SGT Lantieri completed Advanced Individual Training as an 88M Vehicle Operator at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Upon completion of Advanced Individual Training, he attended Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. After graduation from Airborne School, SGT Lantieri was assigned to Easy Company, 725th Support Battalian (Airborne) at Fort Richardson, Alaska, where he served as a Senior Vehicle Operator. He deployed with his unit in October 2006 to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08.

SGT Lantieri's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon with Numeral 2, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, Drivers Badge and the Expert Marksmanship Badge. He was a graduate of Airborne School, Combat Lifesavers Course, Combatives Level 1 and 2, and Hazardous Materials Course.

SGT Lantieri was a proud Paratrooper and a member of the Personal Security Detachment for the Explosive Ordnance Team. He also played a vital role in transporting detainees to the Brigade Detention Holding Area, and in numerous combat Logistic Patrols throughout AO Eindhoven. He approached his job with eagerness and courage, and was always quick to lend his assistance and knowledge to the mission at hand. SGT Lantieri always maintained the highest standards of integrity. He left a lasting impression on many lives.

(Material provided by the military and submitted by Jason's Aunt, Maryanne Healy)

Maryanne Healy, Aunt