TOP CHARACTER STRENGTH

ZEST

United States Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Scott Dayton lived life as large and loudly as he could by utilizing his character strength of Zest in every facet of his life. From his job in the Navy to his relationships with his friends and family he approached life with full energy and enthusiasm. Even when balancing work, family, and friends, Scott made time to embrace life’s adventures. Scott would take any opportunity he could to go surfing early in the morning, turning wrenches on his jeep, fishing with his friends and family on their boat, spending quiet time in a deer stand in the country or cheering on his son and daughter at soccer games. Scott was never letting life pass him by but he instead was making the very most of every minute while setting it all to an eclectic soundtrack from bluegrass to reggae.  Scott made sure that everyone around him was living life and making the absolute most of moments from the quiet ones to the loud and crazy ones. 

Scott was a 23-year veteran of the United States Navy where he served as a member of an elite Navy Special Operations community as a Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician.  He was a true patriot and highly regarded by his peers in the EOD community, deploying multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve. Scott’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, and 10 Joint Service/Navy and Marine Corps Commendation and Achievement Medals. Scott was killed in action on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2016, while assigned to Special Operation Forces in Northern Syria, supporting Operation Inherent Resolve in the US-led mission against ISIS.