Jason Workman was born on August 12, 1978, in Montrose County, Colorado. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on November 19, 2002, and began active duty and started basic training at NTC Great Lakes, Illinois, on August 11, 2003. After graduating basic in October 2003, Workman attended Surface Combat Systems training from October 2003 to January 2004, followed by Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training at NAB Coronado from January to September 2004. Petty Officer Workman next attended Jump School at Fort Benning, Georgia, from September to October 2004, SEAL Qualification training at NAB Coronado from November 2004 to March 2005, and then Naval Special Warfare Cold Weather training at Kodiak, Alaska, from March to April 2005. His first assignment was with SEAL Team TWO at NAB Little Creek, Virginia, from April 2005 to September 2008, and then with the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU) at Dam Neck, Virginia, from September 2008 until he was killed in action when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was aboard was shot down in Afghanistan on August 6, 2011. Chief Petty Officer Workman was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

His 1st (of 2) Bronze Star Medal w/Valor Citation reads:

For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as an Assault Team Member for a Joint Task Force in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM from 1 March 2010 to 1 July 2010. During this period, Petty Officer First Class Workman consistently and deliberately exposed himself to enemy fire while conducting several direct action combat operations that resulted in the elimination of numerous enemies and the detention of many others. On 4 April 2010, Petty Officer First Class Workman was the lead breacher during a daring nighttime raid targeting a heavily armed foreign fighter commander. While setting containment, he identified and engaged an enemy fighter who was climbing over a wall to attack the assault force. When the assault force came under heavy enemy fire from inside the target building, Petty Officer First Class Workman expertly breached the external wall of the room with explosives exposing the barricaded shooters. Through the hole in the wall, he employed multiple grenades, effectively neutralizing the barricaded shooters, resulting in the elimination of the enemy commander and members of his cell. By his extraordinary guidance, zealous initiative, and total dedication to duty, Petty Officer First Class Workman reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.