WASHINGTON (Map, News) - Capt. Darrell C. Lewis, 31, of Washington, who was killed Saturday in Afghanistan, was determined to be the best at whatever he attempted, his mother said — whether defending his country or caring for his family.

“He was determined at an early age that he be successful and was willing to work hard for it,” Hannah Lewis said.

He was killed in Vashir City, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit with rocket-propelled grenades, mortars and small-arms fire, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.

Lewis grew up in Southeast and attended Washington Ethical High School and Wittenberg University in Ohio, where he studied international business, Hannah Lewis said.

After graduating, Lewis worked as a retail manager but decided to join the Army Reserve in June 2002 because he wanted to “lead men and serve his country,” his mother said. Lewis was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division of Fort Riley, Kan., and was first deployed to Afghanistan in January.

Hannah Lewis said her son, whom she described as “loving and family-centered,” called his family once a week while he was in Afghanistan. He had recently married his wife, Elizabeth, of Texas, and had two children. She said he aspired to retire as a general officer and reside with his family in Colorado.

Lewis is also survived by his father, Stanley Lewis, his brother, Stanley Lewis Jr., and his sister, Louise Lewis, said Lt. Col. Stephen Kent, casualty assistance officer.

Funeral services will be held for Lewis at Arlington National Cemetery on July 11.