U.S. Army Major General John Pollmann presented a Silver Star for the first time in his 37-year military career posthumously to SSG Patrick Lee Lybert at a ceremony in Ladysmith last week. SSG Lybert was killed in action on June 21, 2006, at age 28 while serving with C-Co., 3-71 Cavalry, 10th Mountain Division (Recon) near Gowardesh, Afghanistan.

According to witnesses. SSG Lybert was returning fire with his weapon at his shoulder when he received his fatal wound. Pat was this amazing person. Perfect combination of family member and friend. But what I remember most was his devotion to his family and his desire to protect those he cared about.

He cared more about other people then anyone ever knew. He was brave, he put his life on the line to save others, he fought with his last breath. But the one thing that I know is he brought life and happiness to places that no one would ever think there should be. His laugh was infectious and he was always quick with a joke.