SFC Lawson was a member of the brigade the 158 was assigned to in Iraq in 2006. In June of that year, he volunteered to join a 158 squad's convoy. He didn't have to, but he did. On June 5, 2006, the squad was ambushed near Baqubah and SFC Lawson was killed by an EFP. His sacrifice to his country was both admirable and tragic. SFC Lawson was not a member of the 158, but he served alongside them. He mentored them. And he volunteered to help them whenever they needed it. The men of the 158 will never forget that his ultimate sacrifice that night spared the life of a 158 soldier.
In 2016, the members of the OIL voted to name the NFC trophy in his memory. It was previously named for fantasy football legend Nathan Harrington.
The Lawson Memorial Trophy was produced by SculptureAlley.net.