| Staff Sgt. Patrick Lee Lybert United States Army KIA 21 June 2006 |
| Tributes This Memorial Page Established by- Cheryl Lee Patrick SSG Patrick Lee Lybert DOB 09 September 29.1977 KIA 21 June 2006 Staff Sergeant Patrick Lee Lybert was born September 29, 1977, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin; son of David and Cheryl Lybert. His big blue eyes and captivating smile grabbed everyone’s heart from the moment birth. Patrick was given his mother’s maiden and middle name. Patrick, his brother Stacy, and their parents resided near the farm of Lee and Susie Riphenburg of Sheldon, Wisconsin where his father was employed. Early years were spent enjoying farm life with Dad and Lee. As a member of both the Marshall Marchers and Cloverland 4-H Clubs he enjoyed showing dairy cattle with his Grandparents Robert and Helen Patrick. In 1983 Patrick, his Mother, and Stacy, moved to Ladysmith. A student of Ladysmith–Hawkins School District, he graduated in 1996. An eager young boy, Patrick joined Cub Scouts and thrived in Scouting. He met every goal and requirement, ultimately achieving Eagle Scout. Throughout his educational career he excelled at his athletic activities. These included Footb! all, Wrestling, Cross Country, and Baseball. If competition was involved, he was there. Camping, Fishing, Hunting, Canoeing were all favorite past times he carried into his Adult years. Following high school, Patrick attended Winona State University, later transferring to LaCrosse Western Technical College, graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice in 2002. He was employed by Shopko as a Loss Prevention Specialist in both the Winona and LaCrosse stores prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army, August 1, 2002. He proudly served his Country with the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New York. First assigned to A Company 1-32nd Infantry when deployed to Iraq Sept. 2003 to Sept. 2004. He then returned to Fort Drum, NY volunteering for a new unit forming, the 3-71 Cavalry devoted specifically to Recon. Patrick deployed to Afghanistan Feb. 12, 2006 with 1st Platoon, C Troop, 3-71 Cavalry, 10th Mountain Division. On March 16, 2006 Patrick took his Oath of Recertification, ree! nlisting for another five years. His military education includes Warri or Leaders course, Combat Life Saver Course and Combatives Level 1 Course. Awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Course, Overseas Service Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, and Parachute Badge. . Patrick made the ultimate sacrifice for America and departed this world on June 21, 2006. Patrick is survived by his mother Cheryl Lee Patrick (Terry Nussberger) of Ladysmith; Father David (Janet) Lybert of Missoula, MT, Brothers Stacy Lybert of Las Vegas, Nevada and Noah Nussberger of Ladysmith; Fiancée Carola Hubbard of Felts Mills, New York; Grandparents Robert and Helen Patrick of Ladysmith; and Frances (George) Kettering of Glen Flora. He will be dearly mis! sed by many Aunts, Uncles, Cherished Cousins and Friends. Patrick was preceded in death by his paternal Grandfather Paul “Butch” Lybert, and his Aunt Denise Lyn Patrick. Following Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows of Ladysmith, Wisconsin SSG Patrick Lee Lybert was laid to rest Monday July 3, 2006 with full Military Honors at Woodlawn Cemetery, Sheldon, Wisconsin. A Memorial Fund is in place at Wells Fargo Bank, Ladysmith Wisconsin. Deposits can be made at any Wells Fargo, Bank. Specify “SSG Patrick Lee Lybert Memorial Fund”. This fund will be directed by family for support of the Rusk County, WI K-9 Law Enforcement Unit. ____________________________________ LADYSMITH NEWS, Ladysmith, WI January 17, 2008 Front Page: Camp Lybert named for local fallen hero By John Terrill You won’t find it on any conventional map, but there is a remote outpost in the Hindu Kush mountains of northeast Afghanistan (near the Pakistan border) named for a fallen soldier from Ladysmith who died June 21, 2006, fighting in the war on terror. Camp Lybert — referred to as the Edelweiss of Afghanistan because of its rugged mountain beauty — is named for SSG Patrick L. Lybert, who was on a reconnaissance mission with the 3-71 Cav 10th Mountain Division when he was killed. His squad came under attack from small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades near Gowardesh, Afghanistan. The men of his squad engaged the enemy at close range and managed to drive them back, but at a high price. Lybert and one other soldier were killed and two seriously wounded. One of the wounded was being hoisted into a medevac helicopter when the cable broke, and the soldier and medic fell to their deaths. That happened six weeks after a Chinook helicopter crashed while attempting to extract members of the 10th Mountain Division from a mountain ledge at night. The helicopter went down in a ravine, killing three soldiers from the Mountain Division and six crew members in the helicopter. It happened on May 5, the day SSG Nate Vacho of Ladysmith was killed in action in Iraq. Camp Lybert, located on the opposite side of the mountain where SSG Lybert was KIA, was built to keep border infiltration routes closed off to insurgents, who come over from Pakistan and then go back when the fighting gets intense. “Once we were informed that it would be a permanent post, we named it after Pat (Lybert) and I ‘manufactured’ a flag pole out of a 2x4,” wrote CPT Jeff O’Dell of the 10th Mountain Division. “After about a month I told our supply sergeant to get the largest flag poles he could find for the camp. Eventually two of the largest flag poles I could imagine showed up and very painfully we dug them into the stone to set them.” Work on Camp Lybert atop a 6,500 foot high mountain began in August of 2006. A site was leveled with a skid loader. Supplies were hauled up by donkey on narrow trails, by vehicles and by helicopter. Walls of the first structures were made from timbers rock and mud. Beams for the roof were cut with an ax. Since then, more substantial buildings have been erected using conventional framing and plywood. American soldiers in Afghanistan are always watching for Taliban or al-Qaeda coming across the border from Pakistan and do engage them in hostile fire fights. But much of their time is spent building rapport with the locals. They’ve facilitated the building of schools and hiring of teachers to instruct children of the area. They also see to it that locals get medical care, especially after hostile encounters. A Mountain Division soldier writing in an October 2006 newsletter observed: “It is two o’clock in the morning, the rooster has already begun his morning routine, much to the dislike of the rest of the camp . . we may have to eat him soon. The moon is waning and it is pitch black out. There is not a cloud in the sky and the temperature is in the mid 40s, the winds are gusting. Some of us are sleeping, the rest stand watch; all of us are on Camp Lybert, named in memoriam for our endeared fallen comrade. “During the last month Charlie Company moved out to a remote outpost .... Here, we will provide for the security of the surrounding villages, provide medical care and assist the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan extend its influence into areas that have not known a stable national government for decades. “The camp was initially started by Bravo Troop in August (2006). At that time all that stood of what is now the camp was a single barn and a dusty field located on a gently sloping spur that led off of a mountain. That mountain serves as the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Now after much effort from both Bravo Troop and Charlie Company, the camp has grown into an impressive site. The perimeter is close to two football fields long and one wide with a couple of observation posts that over watch it from the high ground nearby. Multiple mud and rock buildings are being constructed on the camp with the help of numerous local national contractors. We hope to have the first one completed by the end of October. “At 7:30 a.m. the locals start arriving to work on the camp. Most construction work consists of crushing rock, mixing mud, cutting timber and laying the foundations of what will soon be the camp barracks, aid station, command post and chow hall. The locals help us by carrying supplies up to the observation posts. Most of the work has come along slowly.... “At 9:00 a.m. the medics start their sick call for the local nationals. They see approximately 10 patients per day. Half are usually children, the other half adults. On this particular day they see three children: a six year old boy who had an ear infection in both years, a two year old girl whose teeth were badly decayed, and a four year old that fell off the roof of his house cutting his head and injuring his neck. The medics did their best to clean the wounds and provide antibiotics and pain medication. In the case of the toddler with decayed teeth, they gave her father a toothbrush and tooth paste and taught him how to brush her teeth to prevent any further damage. It is not out of the ordinary for a local to travel for a couple of hours to see the medics here.” Mountain Division soldiers at Camp Lybert enjoyed a 2006 Thanksgiving Day feast that was prepared elsewhere and flown to them. The menu included turkey with stuffing, ham, prime rib and “just about every other side dish you can think of.” “This Thanksgiving reminded us all of our families and brought back memories from holiday gatherings past. No one can take the place of our wives, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters or grandparents. however please know that his holiday, the Gladiators found themselves smiling, talking, eating, sharing and celebrating on a mountain top in Afghanistan with their second family — Happy Thanksgiving,” wrote a soldier in the November newsletter. After the 3-71st Cavalry returned to the United States in June of 2007, Camp Lybert was turned over to the 173 ABCT 1st Squadron of the 91st U.S. Cavalry. In their October 2007 newsletter received by Cheryl Lee Patrick, mother of SSG Patrick Lybert, the base commander wrote, “Camp Lybert had a fun and interactive month. We had a basketball competition, heavy arms range, cross-training with the Afghan Security guard and new facilities being constructed. “One of the benefits of being at Lybert is that we are in direct contact with Afghan Security Guards (ASG). Every week Sgt... and a few soldiers plan training events with 50 ASG soldiers here on Camp Lybert. The past month they conducted 1st aid training and an M4/AK-47 range. The range is an opportunity for our soldiers to fire AK-47s. The ASG is crucial because they assist with the fortification of the perimeter of the FOB and our safeguard against enemy attack.” The camp has a new dining hall (the original one washed away) and a gym was to be completed before winter. Soldiers at the camp had a Halloween party on Oct. 31 and enjoyed Christmas away from home. Soldiers have been teaching English to local Afghan children. In a 2008 New Year’s message, the captain wrote, “We received 45 children up from the local towns the other day to learn English on Camp Lybert. It was amazing! We actually received a teacher from Kabul to teach the students during the winter months.” Lybert’s mother is pleased. “This is important so that those children are not subject to Taliban influence, encouraging them to take rifles and shoot our soldiers.” Life goes on day-by-day at Camp Lybert, as does the real fight against terror in the remote mountains of Afghanistan where Bin Laden may be hiding. April 29, 2008 Cheryl Lee Patrick SILVER STAR AWARDED SSG PATRICK LEE LYBERT On April 2nd, 2008 at the Ladysmith, WI VMA, SSG Patrick Lee Lybert’s home town of Ladysmith, WI, Veterans, Military Friends, Friends and Loved ones gathered together as U.S. Army Major General John Pollmann presented a Silver Star for the posthumously to SSG Patrick Lee Lybert. SSG Lybert was killed in action on June 21, 2006, at age 28 serving with C-Co., 3-71 Cavalry, 10th Mountain Division (Recon) near Gowardesh, Afghanistan. Written statements of Soldiers with SSG Lybert during action relate SSG Lybert was returning fire with his weapon at his shoulder when he received his fatal wound. Representatives of the 10th Mountain Division of Fort Drum, New York were not able to be in Ladysmith, WI. Representing the U.S. Army Major General Pollmann, who heads the 88th Regional Readiness Command based at Ft. Snelling, handed the Silver Star to Patrick’s grandfather, CPL Robert Patrick of Ladysmith, who in then presented it to his daughter and mother of Patrick, Cheryl Lee Patrick. Patrick had requested his Grandfather Robert Patrick present the Blue Infantry Cord when “Turning Blue” at his graduation from basic training , Fort Benning on Nov. 15, 2002, 50 years after he (Robert) had served there. Near the podium for the presentation were his mother Cheryl Lee Patrick, maternal grandparents Robert and Helen Patrick of Ladysmith; his paternal grandparents, Frances and George Kettering of Glen Flora; and his brothers, Stacy Lybert of Nevada and Noah Nussberger of Ladysmith. Patrick’s father David Lybert was unable attend the ceremony, and a Silver Star was presented to him in Montana where he resides. Also gathered at the Veterans Memorial Association Hall were many of Patrick’s cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, fellow, Veterans, Active Military, Boy Scouts and former Brothers in Arms. All present heard “Patrick’s actions on that day in June were those of honor, loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, integrity and personal courage . . . values that we as soldiers strive to live out everyday,” said General Pollmann. “His were the actions of a hero exemplifying all that America has stood for and held dear since the birth of our nation.” “The Silver Star is reserved only for an elite few who epitomize these values no matter what the cost. First approved on July 19, 1932, the Silver Star is awarded for gal-pantry in action against an enemy of the United States, and of the 120,000 soldiers that have served in Afghanistan to date; only 101 have received the Silver Star.” Explained Major General Pollmann who continued on to say: “For SSG Patrick Lybert and for many others like him who have earned this prestigious award, we are unable to present it directly to them for their gallantry in action because they made the ultimate sacrifice . . . a sacrifice so great that it renders this medal as only a small token, but most importantly it rep-resents a tremendous symbol of honor bestowed upon Patrick from a forever grateful nation.” SSG Lybert, an Eagle Scout, joined the army in 2002 then deployed to Iraq in September of 2003. Upon his return to Fort Drum, NY he volunteered for a new unit, forming the 3-71 Cavalry (Recon), and then deployed to Afghanistan on Feb. 12, 2006. Command Sergeant Major John Vacho of Ladysmith (who has served with General Pollmann the past three years in the Headquarters of the 88th Regional Readiness Command and is also the Father of Fallen Soldier SSG Nathan J. Vacho KIA 05 May 2006, Iraq) explained to those there actions of SSG Patrick Lybert on 21 June 2006 when killed in action in eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border. CSM Vacho explained (as taken from the Incident Report) that K Team (a forward observer element) and members of C Company, 3-71 Cavalry, executed a two-day climb to assigned watch/hide position on a ridge approximately 4-5 miles from the Pakistan border. K Team took up a position along hill 1610, actually more of a small ridge which ran north to south. “They were to establish surveillance on the target area of a suspected enemy area/safe house operating in the vicinity,” said CMS Vacho. “The position also overlooked a trail with steep slopes in all directions. The cover on top of the ridge consisted of some boulders, some bushes and a few scrub trees. “On the 21st of June at approximately 1415 hours (2:15 p.m.) K Team, just recently supplied by helicopter, set up in three small groups along the ridge top. SSG Lybert was in the southern most group of soldiers on that ridge. “The soldiers had just finished packing away their supplies and started laying out their security plan by pushing further out up the trail when they came under a combined arms attack initiated by rocket propelled grenades, simultaneously accompanied by intense machine-gun and small arms fire. The direction of the attack came from a north to south direction running the full length of the 50 meter deep defensive perimeter set up by K Team.” The attack was so violent that one K Team soldier was immediately wounded by shrapnel from a rocket propelled grenade and simultaneously shot by small arms fire. “He said he knew if he stayed in his position he would die, and ran with the rest of the northern group of soldiers to where there was more cover (this was to the southern area of hill 1610).” One soldier said he was unable to return fire immediately as there were “friendlies” in that direction and it was a narrow sector along that ridge, and he got on the radio to call for indirect fire support from artillery and mortars. He went on to say, “I observed Lybert returning fire over the wall to my left.” Another soldier who didn’t have his rifle with him when the attack started said the gunfire was too heavy to reach for it, even though it was perhaps two feet from him on the ground. Another soldier observed Lybert was at one end of the formation firing and a second soldier was at the other end trying to peek over and call on the radio. One soldier remembers rounds impacting on the dirt all around him. He ran back to some rocks and took cover. “I was unable to grab my weapon due to the fact that rounds were impacting right next to it.” He went on to grab a wounded soldier and drag him to cover. “While looking for cover, I saw SGT Lybert who was returning fire. I watched as he engaged multiple targets. He was popping, popping up and over the rock wall and engaging the enemy and ducking back down again.” Another soldier said, “I reached for my weapon and when my hand touched it, it got shot out of my hand. I jumped behind a small bush and small rock. To my left was SGT Lybert. I yelled to him, ‘I need a weapon.’ He yelled back, ‘Where’s yours?’ “It got shot out of my hand,’ I said. Then he (SGT Lybert) looked behind him and then forwards, shooting and shooting.” The thrust of the enemy attack came on the left flank, which was the direction SGT Lybert was directing his fire, as documented in the incident report. CSM Vacho continued to describe the enemy launched its attack with violence and surprise. “But by stalling the attack or causing the enemy to take cover at a greater distance, you buy enough time to recover from the initial shock of the attack, gain momentum and are able to call in indirect fire to inflict casualties on the enemy and save the lives of your soldiers.” “By SGT Lybert’s quick reactions in the opening minutes of the attack, he accomplished just that,” said CSM Vacho. “He engaged targets close enough and returned fire long enough that others could recover from the ferocity of the enemy’s attack, return fire, treat the wounded and call in indirect fire from 120 mm mortars, 105 mm Howitzers and air support from A-10 fighter aircraft, C-130 Specter Gunships and B-1 Bombers.” Of the 17 soldiers there that day, two more would die on that hill with the additional death of a helicopter medic when the hoist on the helicopter malfunctioned. This bought the total number of Fallen during that battle to four. Also speaking at the ceremony were political leaders or their representatives: Karen Graff, the northern representative for Senator Russ Feingold, read a letter from Sen. Feingold, Marjorie Bunce, the northern representative for Senator Herb Kohl, conveyed Senator Kohl’s message, Doug Hill, representative for Congressman Dave Obey, relayed the Congressman’s sentiments, 87th District Assembly representative Mary Williams present commented on the awarding of the Silver Star to SSG Patrick Lybert, Master of Ceremonies, Iraq War Veteran, Shane Sanderson read a letter from Senator Russ Decker who expressed his admiration and respect for Patrick’s heroism. Senator Russ Decker, unable to be present, recalled attending Patrick’s Eagle Scout ceremony. Cody Lehman, of Boy Scout Troop 45 led The Pledge of Allegiance with fellow members of Boy Scout Troop 45 (the same Troop Patrick and his brother Stacy rose to the rank of his Eagle Scout). Jessica Hamilton , one of Patrick’s cousins led the singing of the National Anthem. A Final closing prayer was offered by Doug Sorenson. Daniel Linnihan, who was at Patrick’s side the day he was killed attended with his parents and brother. He described Patrick as “the greatest leader I have ever seen. He was a great guy and a good friend. He always put his men before himself.” The certificate along with the Silver Star presented reads “The Silver Star awarded to SSG Patrick Lee Lybert, United States Army "For Gallantry: in action on 21 June 2006 while deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Staff Sergeant Lybert distinguished himself against an armed enemy, while serving as a Recon Team Leader with 3d Squadron, 71st Cavalry (Recon). His professionalism and ability to accomplish the mission set him apart from his peers. Staff Sergeant Lybert's actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry, Combined Task Force Spartan, Combined Joint Task Force-76, and the United States Army." Dated 20 February 2007 SSG Lybert’s awards include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (1OLC), Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, and Parachutist Badge April 17, 2008 Mom April 17th, another birthday for me. There were always flowers from you Patrick. The last coming on my 50th when you were in Afghanistan - a basket of vines mixed with live flowers. Those flowers have long since gone, but the vines in that basket still remain as strong as my memories and love. No birthday will ever be the same, no day ever bright with your sunshine again. I miss you son. April 12, 2008 SFC Rod Brewer The family of Staff Sergeant Patrick Lee Lybert was notified March 11 that the Ladysmith, Wisconsin soldier has been awarded the Silver Star posthumously. The Silver Star will be presented to the family by Major General Robert Pollman at a ceremony open to the public at 5:30p.m. Wednesday, April 2, 2008, at the Veteran Memorial Assn., building in Ladysmith. General Pollman is commander of the 88th Regional Readiness Command, Fort Snelling, which includes the U.S. Army Reserve units in six states in the midwest. SSG Lybert was killed in action June 21, 2006, while serving with the 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan near the Pakistan border. www.ladysmithnews.com In Honor and Respect... This Buds for You Patrick.... SFC Rod... Jan 28, 2008 SFC Rod Brewer Staff Sergeant Patrick Lee Lybert. Christmas in Arlington... Rest easy, sleep well my brother. Know the line has held, your job is done. Rest easy, sleep well. Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held. Peace, peace, and farewell.... Pat, You Will Not and Have Not Been Forgotten... Rod |
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| Staff Sergeant Patrick Lee Lybert was awarded the Silver Star posthumously. |