Service members, friends, family grieve for loved one

Courtesy Photo | Shana McAuley, biometrics network engineer, visits the memorial of Col. Jon M. Lockey during his memorial service held at the Victory Chapel, July 11. Lockey, who passed July 6, is survived by a wife and two children. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Darhonda Rodela)  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

07.13.2007

Courtesy Story

28th Public Affairs Detachment

By Marine Cpl. Darhonda Rodela
Multi-National Corps-Iraq Public Affairs

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq -- "His desire to serve his country in Iraq, his leadership, his character and his enthusiasm are traits we will all remember," said Army Lt. Col. Michael Hildreth, biometrics operations officer Multi-National Corps-Iraq.

Col. Jon M. Lockey, biometrics section chief, was mourned by service members and friends during a memorial service July 11 at Victory Chapel. Lockey passed away July 6 after a heart attack.

Tears were shed as the service elaborated on the life he led prior to his death.

Navy Cmdr. Jon Lazar, Multi-National Corps-Iraq, C-3 biometric deputy chief, worked with Lockey for more than a year and was aware of Lockey's well-known work ethics.

"We worked in the Pentagon," Lazar remembered. "I was on a joint staff and he was on an Army staff while we were supposed to work on the Quick-Look Capabilities Base Assessment for Biometrics. I expected him to have a 'straight Army agenda' for the job. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised he was a team player. It was important to him to work with (Department of Defense) and play fair," Lazar said.

Although Lockey has passed, his legacy in Iraq will not.

"He had a tremendous vision for biometrics in Iraq ... and he was making them happen," Lazar added. "He was just that kind of person. If he wanted something to happen, he would make it happen."

As the memorial service came to an end, solemn salutes were rendered to a rifle, helmet, boots and identification tags.

While some gave slow, considerate salutes, others paused for a moment of silence and a last goodbye to the well-known leader.

"If I could see him one more time, I would tell him, 'thank you for the opportunity to work with you,'" Lazar said. "He's had a big impact on my life."

Lockey graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1985 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. Lockey dedicated 22 years of his life to the Army. His hobbies included astronomy, vintage cars and knife collecting.

"I am going to miss all of his stories about his adventures with his family and friends," Lazar said. "And his knife buying in the (Post Exchange)," added Hildreth with a smile.

• Date Taken: 07.13.2007
• Date Posted: 07.13.2007 00:13
• Story ID: 11246
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ