Jason M. Lafferty

United States Army Colonel Jason M. Lafferty passed away on June 23, 2025, following a battle with service-connected cancer related to toxic burn pit exposure sustained during his military service.

Lafferty was the youngest of five children and was raised in a family deeply devoted to military service and love of his country. Inspired by his father’s honorable service in the United States Navy and driven by a strong sense of patriotism, Lafferty developed a desire to serve the nation he loved from an early age. He went on to attend the University of New Hampshire, where he earned his commission through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program in 1998, beginning a distinguished career of dedicated military service.

Throughout his military career, Lafferty was deeply committed to the well-being and success of his soldiers, earning immense respect through his leadership, loyalty, and genuine care for those under his command. Even amid the demands of military service, he understood the importance of morale and camaraderie, once surprising his soldiers during a deployment by dressing in a Mrs. Doubtfire costume and performing to “Dude Looks Like a Lady,” creating a memorable moment that reflected both his humor and care for his troops. His passion for service also extended into mentorship, earning recognition as ROTC Instructor of the Year, where he poured his heart into developing future leaders and inspiring the same love of country and sense of duty that defined his own life.

Lafferty met his wife, Elizabeth (Beth), a former captain in the Army Nurse Corps, while they were both participating in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program at the University of New Hampshire. Over time, their friendship grew into a loving and lasting partnership built on support, dedication, and shared experiences through military life. Known for his warm personality and infectious sense of humor, Lafferty was someone people naturally gravitated toward and a friend to all who knew him. Among Beth’s most cherished memories is the way he always put his wife and children first, while also embracing the military community as an extension of their family. Throughout their journey together, they formed many meaningful friendships and connections with fellow service members and families across the country, many of whom became lifelong friends.

The legacy Lafferty leaves behind is reflected most profoundly in his children, who have chosen to continue the spirit of service that defined his life. His son now serves as an Infantry Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, while his daughter is pursuing nursing through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program. Lafferty was beyond proud of his children. In honor of his life and lasting impact, Beth and their children established a memorial scholarship in his name. They also plan to honor Lafferty’s memory each year on his birthday by gathering together to share a meat lovers pizza, a special tradition that will reflect the deep love and lasting bond he built within his family.

United States Army Colonel Jason M. Lafferty is survived by his devoted wife, Beth, and four beloved children.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the Lafferty family home through the Gold Star Family Home Program.