SOC Lance M. Vaccaro.

Birth: Sep. 4, 1972
Reading
Berks County
Pennsylvania, USA
Death: Mar. 6, 2008
Marana
Pima County
Arizona, USA

Chief Special Warfare Operator Vaccaro, (United States Navy SEAL), of Reading, Pennsylvania. Lance graduated from Oley Valley High School in 1990, attended Kutztown University for one year and enlisted in the Navy on May 29, 1991. He graduated from boot camp at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois, in August and began his first tour of duty aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) in Norfolk, Virginia. In April, 1994, he transferred to USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63) in Yokosuka, Japan, before entering Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in Coronado, Calif., in July 1996. Following graduation from BUD/S Class 210, Vaccaro attended advanced training courses and reported to an East Coast-based SEAL Team in June 1997. He continued to serve in various East Coast-based SEAL Teams the remainder of his career. He was a veteran of several missions to Afghanistan and Iraq. During his 12 years as a SEAL, he achieved the rank of chief petty officer. Lance died from injuries suffered while conducting parachute training operations. Lance is survived by his loving companion, Rebecca Whitbeck, Virginia Beach; his mother, Christine (Pohl) Vaccaro; his father, Joseph Vaccaro; his maternal aunt, Michele Pohl; his maternal uncle, Norbert Pohl and wife, Mary; aunts: Micaline, Clara, Angeline and husband, Leroy; Josephine and husband, Nick; Millie and husband, Mort; Jeanie and husband, Jack; and Antonette and husband, Bruce; and by uncles: Angelo, Samuel, John and Anthony and wife, Carol. Lance also is survived by a stepsister, Joel Watkins; two stepbrothers, John and Brian Watkins; and stepfather, Chuck Watkins.

His military awards and decorations include Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Joint Service Commendation Medals including one with Valor, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, two Combat Action Ribbons, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Navy "E" Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal Armed Forces Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, NATO Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Rifle Expert Medal, Pistol Expert Medal.


Burial:
Charles Evans Cemetery
Reading
Berks County
Pennsylvania, USA