The link below to article outlines what those of us experiencing loss and staying in tune with the reality of the situation in Afghanistan have long been aware of. Now if only it's acted upon swiftly before one more American life is sacrificed because we don't have enough boots and equipment on the ground to ensure the safety of our troops.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081001/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_afghanistan_14

We shall never forget: SSG Patrick Lee Lybert
KIA 21 June, 2006, Afghanistan

Son, today is the 31st date of your birth.How we miss you. Words cannot explain.When a babe you loved when I sang for you. You remain " My only Sunshine".

We shall never fail to speak your name, to remember the warmth of your smile, depth of laugh, twinkle in blue of your eye, bear hugs,strength of your conviction and sacrifice for all.

We continue our pledge to your memory to always advocate for troop support.

Your name and honor is remembered by many. Your expressed concern for the protection of your men in Afghanistan continues as we pursue on your behalf. Especially now as your 3-71 Cav 10th Mnt Div is about to redeploy to Afghanistan. There are men with that Brigade who knew you and will return. They have told us they feel your presence and your lead, taking great pride in having been a part of your history. They are Son, as we have come to realize your legacy.

You are with us each moment of every day.

You are loved. We shall never forget. We shall never let America forget.

Always and Forever,

Mommy and Your Brothers Stacy and Patrick

Link to Stars Strips Article re Camp Lybert Attack on 9/11/2008. Includes video interview of soldiers, sights and sounds. Are they closing because it's quiet? Or because we don't have enough boots on the ground to adequately man this post and we are yielding ground our troops build roads through, sacrificed life and injury for?

http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=57645&sendemail=1

I recieved and then accepted invitation to meet and greet Senator John McCain when he arrived in Green Bay, WI on 9/18/2008.

There's been some press and blogging about it. Some truth and some misconception.

For any of you having questions, here is the letter I wrote Sen. John McCain THANKING him for acknowledging my son and Afghanistan....... I wrote:

Dear Senator McCain,

I am the mother of Fallen Soldier SSG Patrick Lee Lybert who met you at the Green Bay, Wisconsin Airport on 9/18/08.There was no time to fully express my feelings to you.

I felt You, Gov. Sarah Palin and her husband to be the warmest, most sincere down to earth people one could hope to meet.

I cannot begin to explain to you the impact upon my heart when I looked into your eyes. I had my composure until that moment. I struggled to hold tears and maintain some dignity, but feel I failed miserably.

Here in front of me was the man I have held in such high esteem for so many years. A man my own son greatly respected, called hero or more reverently "The McCain".

Television and photo do not do justice to you Sir. Your face is so beautiful, a face of compassion, wisdom and light. A man not afraid to say God Bless you and I know you really meant it.

When you hugged me I thought my heart would break. I could barely speak. I was trying to hold back the emotion I felt.

For in my minds eye, as you came down those steps I was seeing that younger John McCain, the soldier I had watched on television return home in 1973 when I was but 17. I remember my heart breaking and tears running then wishing I could hug you and take your pain.

Now all these years later I stood before you as you walked off a plane, this time as Mother of a Fallen Soldier and you hugged me - my mind could barely assemble it all.

Thank you for accepting the gift I gave you, the Photo Dog Tags of my son, along with my note. And yes, they are meant for you to share if you wish, have no doubt of that! (The press seems to have misunderstood the type of dog tag. You clearly held them up and they were clearly photographed and videoed as photo dog tags.)

Our family is so honored!

The most important part is that you read my note, spoke of my son Patrick, and Afghanistan at the conclusion of your speech in Green Bay.

I had been unable to stay as I had to get home to my special needs son. ( I had a four hour drive).

When I walked in Noah ask me "did you give him the photo dog tags of my brother? Will he say my brother's name and talk about Afghanistan tonight?" I had told him I didn't think you would have time but that you had them and he nodded.

Then came the news and video clips. You gave such tribute and honor to Patrick. Noah is so happy!

I could hardly wait to convey the news on to the soldiers I'm in contact with at Camp Lybert in Afghanistan (they are from Fort Hood, Texas) - Then to my son's Comrades and 3-71 Cav 10th Mnt Div at Fort Drum - soon to redeploy to Afghanistan, again before January. Do you know they refer to this as "the forgotten war"?

They are so thankful to you for what you have done!

One said "what you did was to give SSG Lybert's (memory) and all of us who know what was lost out there HOPE!

There are of course those who have posted a dig here or there at you and I over this as they did not bother to get the full facts.

But please, Senator McCain, do not stop!

Know my family and I are so proud to back you! My son Patrick would swell with pride knowing you hold and acknowledge photo dog tags of him, and that you give attention to our troops in Afghanistan.

"It's not about the war, it's about standing behind the troops who stand in front of us".

Thank you Senator McCain,and again God Bless you.

I hold you in prayer.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Lee Patrick

Ladysmith, WI

Mother of SSG Patrick Lee Lybert

KIA 21 June, 2006, Afghanistan

_______

post script: equally blessed to have had Senator McCain acknowledge our request for troop support to Afghanistan and reference Patrick with such great respect on CBS 60 Minutes (aired 9/21/08). Remember, as Patrick's Mother my position is not about politics, being for or against the war. It's about standing behind the troops who stand in front of us.

"A Message from Our Loved Ones Who Have Gone Before Us:

To the living I am gone,
To the sorrowful I will never return,
To the angry I was cheated.
To the happy, I am at peace.
And, to the faithful, I have never left.

I cannot speak, but I can listen.
I cannot be seen, but I can be heard.

So, as you stand upon a shore,
gazing at a beautiful sea,

REMEMBER ME.

Remember Me in your heart, in your thoughts,
and the memories of the times we loved,
the memories of the time we shared.

for if you always think of Me,
I will never have gone."
-author unknown
* * * * *
We shall Never Forget. You are never gone from our thoughts, heart and memory.

Love,
Mommy and Brothers

http://www.ladysmithnews.com/full.php?id=4329

Silver Star presented to SSG Patrick Lybert
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 cere-mony 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. Ac-cording to witnesses. SSG Lybert was returning fire with his weapon at his shoulder when he received his fatal wound.

General Pollmann, who heads the 88th Regional Readiness Command based at Ft. Snelling, presented the medal during a ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Assn. building April 2. Gen. Pollmann handed the Silver Star to Patrick’s grandfather, CPL Robert Patrick of Ladysmith, who in turn presented it to his daughter and mother of Patrick, Cheryl Lee Patrick.

Robert had presented Patrick with his blue infantry cord upon his graduation from basic training at Fort Benning on Nov. 15, 2002, nearly 50 years after he (Robert) had served as an infantryman there.

Among other members of SSG Lybert’s family gathered near the podium for the presentation were his maternal grandmother, 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 in the audience of over 100 were Patrick’s cousins, aunts, un-cles, friends, fellow Boy Scouts and former comrades in arms.

“Patrick’s actions on that day in June were those of honor, loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, integ-rity and personal courage . . . those values that we as soldiers strive to live out everyday,” said General Pollmann. “His were the actions of a hero exemplifying all that Amer-ica has stood for and held dear since the birth of our nation.

“The Silver 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-lantry 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.

“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, who attained the rank of Eagle Scout, joined the army in 2002 and was deployed to Iraq in September of 2003. Upon his return to this country, he volun-teered for a new unit, forming the 3-71 Cavalry (Recon), which was deployed to Afghanistan on Feb. 12, 2006.

The actions of SSG Patrick Ly-bert the day he was killed in action in eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border were explained by 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.

CSM Vacho is the father of a fallen solider, SSG Nathan Vacho, who was killed in action when a roadside bomb (IED) detonated while he was on combat patrol in Iraq on May 5, 2006.

CSM Vacho said that K Team (a forward observer element) and members of C Company, 3-71 Cavalry, executed a two-day climb to their watch/hide position on a ridge approximately 4-5 miles from the Pakistan border. K Team took up a position along hill 1610, which actually was more of a small ridge which ran north to south.

“They were to establish surveillance on the target area of a suspected enemy area/safehouse 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 an 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 that 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, according to CSM Vacho.

He said 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 present that day, one other soldier was killed and four were wounded. It could have been so many more,” said CSM Vacho.

“In the battle that continued and the heroic actions that followed, some of these and other soldiers would go on to receive Bronze Star Medals for valor and a couple Silver Star Medals” including SSG Patrick Lee Lybert of Ladysmith.

Also speaking at the ceremony were political leaders or their representatives.

Karen Graff, the northern representative for Senator Russ Feingold, read a letter Sen. Feingold sent to Cheryl Patrick and David Lybert, parents of SSG Patrick Lybert. It said, “While I know you must still miss your son dearly, I hope you can take pride on the occasion of his being awarded a posthumous Silver Star. Your son’s gallant actions during a mission for which he volunteered are an inspiration, as are your ongoing efforts to honor his memory. Staff Sergeant Patrick Lybert served his country selflessly and with dedication to the concerns of his fellow soldiers. He is a true American hero.”

Marjorie Bunce, the northern representative for Senator Herb Kohl, conveyed the senator’s heartfelt wishes on the presentation of the Silver Star to SSG Patrick Lybert, who displayed heroism and love of his country, which is an inspiration to us all. He was a role model and was awarded the Silver Star for his bravery and courageous spirit. His sacrifice will never by forgotten, Senator Kohl wrote.

Doug Hill, representative for Congressman Dave Obey, relayed the Congressman’s thoughts on the presentation of this very special award to a brave soldier.

87th District Assembly representative Mary Williams commented in person on the awarding of the Silver Star to SSG Patrick Lybert for gallantry in action and expressed her thanks to his family and to Patrick.

In a letter, Senator Russ Decker expressed his admiration and respect for Patrick’s heroism. Decker, unable to be present, had attended Patrick’s Eagle Scout Badge ceremony more than a decade ago.

Shane Sanderson, a veteran of the Iraq War who is assistant public works director for the City of Ladysmith, served as the master of ceremony for the program.

The Pledge of Allegiance was offered by Cody Lehman, a member of Boy Scout Troop 45 — the troop Patrick had joined and rose to the rank of his Eagle Scout, as did his brother Stacy.

Jessica Hamilton a cousin of Patrick, led the assembly in singing of the National Anthem. The closing prayer was offered by Doug Sorenson.

Among those attending was Daniel Linnihan, who was with Patrick the day he was killed. 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.”

Refreshments were served following the public ceremony.
*LADYSMITH NEWS, Ladysmith, WI – Editor John Terrill Issue 4/10/2008

The Silver Star Awarded to SSG Patrick Lee Lybert

20 February 2007 the Silver Star has been 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 Distinquished himself against an armed enemy, while serving as a Recon Team Leaader 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 inkeeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry, Combined Task Force Spartan, Combined Jint Task Force-76, and the United States Army."

SSG Patrick Lee Lybert's family was notified on 11 March 2008. The Silver Star is to be presented to SSG Patrick Lee Lybert's family 2nd April, 2008.

CAMP LYBERT, Afghanistan "UPDATE"
Many friends have asked me about CAMP LYBERT built by 3-71 CAV 10th MNT DIV (LI) Recon. The camp built and then named for Patrick.

CAMP LYBERT continues and expands.

For current eye opening of the area and sacrifice soldiers endure in Afghanistan I cannot stress enough that you watch the following news clips:

Brian Ross of ABC aired November 2007

Ambush: Video Shows U.S. Troops Being Hunted, Killed
http://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2007/11/ambush-video-sh.html There are 4 short video clips, emotional but accurate.

Also well done and equally accurate is Anderson Cooper 360

"Ambush in Afghanistan" December 19 2007

http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/world/2007/12/19/robertson.afghan.ambush.long.cnn

You'll hear CNN reporter Nic Robertson " without enough resources they feel forgotten........They've been sent to the front line in the War on Terror. They have enough man power and weaponry for most of them to survive, but not all of them, and not enought to win."

Both news reports center around the area of CAMP LYBERT. From what I understand CAMP LYBERT is even further NE, more remote than what you'll view in those clips.

I of course only know details of CAMP LYBERT second hand. Either from dear soldiers who were there OR from News Articles and Newsletters. Here are some bits and pieces about CAMP LYBERT:

CAMP LYBERT in brief:
3-71 CAV 10th Mountain Division (LI) Recon built and named CAMP LYBERT for SSG Patrick Lee Lybert KIA 21 June 2006.

CAMP LYBERT sits a top the Mountain overlooking the Afghanistan Pakistan Borders, the same Mountain SSG Lybert was KIA on..

CAMP LYBERT sits between 6500 to 7000 feet in the sheer isolation of the Hindu Kush. "Once we were informed that it would be a permanent post we named it after Pat and I "manufactured" a flag pole out of a 2" x 4". After about a month I told our supply Sergeant, SSG Chambers, to get the largest flag poles he could find for the camp. Eventually two of the largest flag poles I could image showed up and very painfully we dug them into the stone to set them. The flag served as the only flag for over 90 days until my wife, Charity, could get some new flags to the mountain. The flag poles at Camp Lybert are at 6,985ft and are 55ft tall." End from CPT Jeff O'Dell 10th MNT DIV

"Camp Lybert was built to keep border infiltration routes closed off to insurgents" ........"They bring weapons and men over from Pakistan and then go back when the fighting gets intense….." quote SPC Timbo Harrell taken from www.salon.com Watching Afghanistan Fall wtitten by Matthew Cole Feb 2007

3-71 CAV 10th MNT DIV deployed to Afghanistan Feb. 2006 and returned 15 months later, June 2007.

June 2007 CAMP LYBERT – became home for 503rd IN, >Legion Troop, TF Saber, 173 ABCT 1st Squadron, 91st U.S. Cavalry.

CAMP LYBERT "The Edelweiss of Afghanistan" continues to grow and develop with the 503rd IN, Legion Troop, TF Sabor, 173 ABCT (1st Squadron, 91st U.S. Cavalry).

On Jan. 2, 2008 I received a message from the CPT currently @ CAMP LYBERT telling me "we received 45 children up from local towns the other day to learn English on CAMP LYBERT. It was amazing! We actually recruited a teacher from Kabul to teach the students during the winter months."

Follows excerpts taken from Watching Afghanistan Fall published
www.salon.com articles written in Feb. 2007 by Matthew Cole:

*Camp Lybert is named for Staff Sgt. Patrick Lybert, who fell in combat.

* From Kamdesh, a small outpost near the Pakistani border, to Naray, a larger base 25 miles south, to another border outpost called Camp Lybert, the 10th Mountain Division's 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry -- the so-called 3-71 -- was supposed to control a 220-square-mile triangle of territory.

*Places like Gowardesh, the site of Camp Lybert, and Kamdesh are crucial in America's war in Afghanistan. Their proximity to the areas of Pakistan where U.S. intelligence officials believe bin Laden and al-Zawahiri travel has created an instability U.S. forces are trying to counter. "Camp Lybert was built to keep border infiltration routes closed off to the insurgents," said Spc. Timbo Harrell. "They bring weapons and men over from Pakistan and then go back when fighting gets intense. We try to light 'em up if we can see them carrying the weapons. But usually weapons are hidden on donkeys and we're not allowed to engage."

But the troops in Nuristan have also suffered from sheer isolation and the topography of the Hindu Kush. At Lybert (altitude 6,500 feet), the 3-71's Charlie Company had gone 70 days without a hot shower or a hot meal. They have sustained deaths and injuries from hiking and falling. Soldiers who have served in both Iraq and Afghanistan before said their current living conditions are much worse. "Leadership doesn't care about us," said one officer, who requested that his name be withheld to avoid punishment for his comments. "We've gone on mission after mission after mission where we've gone black [run out] on food and water. They tell us, 'Pack light, your mission will only be four days tops.' But then we end up stuck on a mountaintop for two weeks. We didn't have anything, not even tents. If you can't get us off a mountain, don't put us on there…….end

(For more of Watching Afghanistan Fall search engine www.salon.com as written by Matthew Cole)

TURN BACK THE CLOCK TO JANUARY 4, 2006

Two years ago January , the 4th 2006 I drove you to your shuttle to catch your plane back to Fort Drum.

Two years ago I sat with you over a breakfast in a truck stop before your shuttle came. After I touched your face, held your hand, kissed your check and felt your tight bear hug as you wrapped yourself around me and I buried my nose into your neck.

Two years ago you told me not to look back, but I did through blinding tears and saw you bent with your hands on your knees fighting your own tears and I wanted to turn back. But I didn't because I felt I had to respect your request even though my heart was wretched in agony.

It was for the last time and I didn’t know.

I want that moment back. I want to tell you don’t go. I want to keep you by my side, warn you of what is to come. Somehow reach back and protect you.

I’m your mother. That’s what I was supposed to do.

The rawness of the pain with in my heart does not lessen.

It is a struggle daily to take steps to meet the basic demands of life’s routine without you.

My body moves forth, but my spirit is stalled.

Noah and Red remain just as lost as I. We search for answers we cannot find. Noah’s future so unknown now without you.

“Death is the end of a life, not a relationship”.

My relationship with you my dear son will never end. My tears are always streaming. Sometimes they just aren’t visible. The scream and rip of my heart is silent to those around me but deafening to me.

I try hard to do you proud. There have been opportunities to advocate for and pursue troop support and I have grasped on to each one in your memory.

Camp Lybert continues to flourish in Afghanistan. Missions being accomplished by soldiers continue under the severe conditions and shortages of supplies they need to successfully wage this war. Afghanistan children being taught at Camp Lybert , first by soldiers now number upwards of 45 and a teacher from Kabul has been sent.

They must speak your name. Even so far away from your home your name echo’s.

Yes son, you are remembered you are never forgotten. You are always loved.

“As long as I’m living my baby you’ll be”.