Darrell Lewis

United States Army Captain Darrell Lewis was killed in action on June 3, 2007 while in Afghanistan in support of a Special Forces mission.

Lewis was born and raised in Washington, D.C., primarily by his mother, alongside his brother and sister, with his grandmother right next door. As a child, he enjoyed playing basketball and rooting for the Redskins. Despite living in an impoverished area of D.C., Lewis earned a scholarship to a private high school, which ultimately changed his life.

Lewis worked as a manager at a department store prior to his military service, but always aspired to do more, and joined the United States Army in the summer of 2002 with the desire to help others and make an impact. He earned several awards during his time of service, including a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. A point of pride for Lewis was that he won combatives in his heavyweight class on a day that he was sick.

Currently, Elizabeth and their son, RJ, live in the Tunnel to Towers Let Us Do Good Village. They enjoy gardening, crafts, collecting comic books and figurines, and playing the flute and piano. Elizabeth also volunteers with veteran causes. She has described the donation of a mortgage-free home as life-changing, not only because they are relieved of the financial burden of a mortgage, but because they are able to live in a community with other families who understand their situation and support their healing journey. Finally, Elizabeth would like everyone to know that her husband was an amazing man, and that they do their best to live his life and not his death.

United States Army Captain Darrell Lewis is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth, and his son, RJ.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided the Lewis family with a mortgage-free home through the Gold Star Family Home Program.