Gloucester soldier loses life in Iraq

UNDATED, Va. - Mason Lewis lived the life he wanted to live.

"He had wanted to do this since he was a little boy. We used to call him little Rambo," says his mother, Lisa Lewis.

The 26-year-old Gloucester native had always wanted to be in the Army, and as a boy, he dreamed of one day being promoted to Sergeant.

"He was a proud, proud soldier. It meant everything to him," says Lewis.

Mason realized his dream, but he never knew it. His mother says his promotion was in the works, and the Army was ready to notify him any day, when he lost his life in a non-combat training accident.

"I've always been proud of my son. I'm proud of the man he became."

Lewis was in Baghdad, training Iraqi troops and making friends, when he died serving his country.

"He was a wonderful soldier. His battalion commander called me today and said he had touched many lives out there. He had many friends. He even had Iraqi friends."

Lisa Lewis made a memorial for Mason, for the moments shared and the memories made, before he deployed for the second time.

"We played Scrabble together. We had wonderful meals together. And we just spent quality time."

His mother and father, his brothers and sisters, his nieces and nephews are spending time together now, remembering the man who gave up his life, so other people could live their's.

Lisa Lewis says her son loved fully and unquestionably - a lesson for everyone.

"Let everyone know how much you love them because you don't know if you will get another chance. And Mason would say that too."

The Department of Defense says they are investigating the accident that claimed Lewis's life.