Remembering Sgt. Thomas Lazzaro: A Green Beret’s Legacy
A tragic accident claimed the life of Sgt. Thomas “Tommy” Lazzaro, a Green Beret renowned for his bravery, compassion, and competitive spirit. Described by his father as a “warrior” and “the most compassionate, loving friend to anybody and everybody,” Lazzaro’s passing has left a profound impact on those who knew him.
Lazzaro, aged 27, was a weapons sergeant with the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne). His life was cut short by a stray round at a shooting range on Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, on December 22. According to Task and Purpose, he was on his way to assist a fellow soldier with car troubles when the accident occurred.
Before his military service, Lazzaro excelled on the football field as the starting quarterback for Central Michigan University. He played a pivotal role in leading his team to the Mid-American Conference Championship in 2019. His outstanding performance earned him the Kurt Dobronski Award and the nickname “Touchdown Tommy.”
Post-graduation, Lazzaro attempted a career in sales but yearned for the camaraderie he found in sports. His father recalled, “He just went, ‘Dad, I can’t do this. I gotta be with the boys. I gotta be doing something.'” This yearning led him to enlist in the Army under an 18X contract, a pathway to Special Forces.
Successfully completing the rigorous Special Forces Qualification Course, Lazzaro wore the coveted green beret with pride. His aspirations included attending the Army’s elite Ranger School, a dream his father shared, hoping to pin the Ranger tab on him.
Lazzaro’s leadership and tenacity were evident from his high school days when he led his team to two state championships. His university coach, Jim McElwain, reflected on his influence, stating, “When we took over the program, Tommy was truly our leader in so many ways.”
In his military career, Lazzaro’s contributions extended beyond the battlefield. During a deployment to Ecuador, he trained commandos and tier 1 police personnel, fostering strong bonds with his peers. His father shared a memorable moment when over two dozen trainees playfully attempted to toss the towering Lazzaro into a pool.
Col. Patrick Nelson, commander of the 7th SFG(A), expressed deep sorrow over Lazzaro’s untimely death, saying, “We deeply mourn the loss of U.S. Army Sgt. Thomas Lazzaro… His absence leaves a void that will be felt professionally and personally among those who had the honor of working with Thomas.”
Lazzaro’s life will be celebrated at a ceremony on December 28 in Florida. He is survived by his parents, Thomas Lazzaro III and Lisa Lazzaro; his sister Lexie; and his fiancée Kaley Lynch. His family has requested donations to the Green Beret Foundation in lieu of flowers, acknowledging the support they received from the community.
Reflecting on his son’s life, his father said, “He was full of joy and just loved life to the fullest, and was always just the life of the party, [a] consummate warrior, consummate teammate and protector of his sister and mother.”
