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”.

"ALL THAT'S HOLY"

Father, Son and Holy Ghost,

I went to church today, twenty below, minus thirty wind-chill. The rest of this household opted out "too cold" . "If our soldiers in the Afghanistan Mountains can protect this country I can make it two miles to church".

Bundled in double polar fleece and silks sent back to me from Afghanistan; once worn by my Fallen Soldier Son, I warm the restive engine of my car and chug my way to town.

Boy Scout Sunday. I had forgotten. I recall my boys, young Scouts at my side.

The Scout Law has three points: Duty to God and Country, Duty to Other People, Duty to Self.....

Scouts are present in uniform , the same Leader who led my sons. There have been twenty five Eagle Scouts since he led this Troop. Two have been mine, one my Fallen Soldier.

Sons of mine raised their hand, pledged the Scout Oath: "I will do my best.....to do my duty....to God..my Country.....to help other people at all times...." . I see their faces in every Scout there.

This "duty" led my Fallen Soldier to the Army, to shout the Infantry Creed. Both pledges he pledged. Both oaths he lived. Both he died for.

In Church today, the sermon: a story, a picnic, cottonwood seed not snow, an old soldier knowing but lying because it's safer to lie than tell the truth? Suddenly the sermon swings and America is "bombing third world countries", commingled with the word "lie"?

The warmth I felt flees, my heart stills frozen, fighting anger feeling confusion, hurt, tears collect ready to spill held in check by sheer determination.

How can you? My son pledged to honor God, Country, to help people. Our soldiers ARE helping! Do you not know?

My Eagle Scout, My Soldier, My Son shot, in the head. Defending and aiding the oppressed. The enemy shot first!

My Scout, My Soldier, My Son fell defending his men in battle, defending his country, defending freedom to preach, to worship, gather, vote, educate, Scout.

In the mountains of Afghanistan; roads being carved , water piped to isolated villages, food provided to the starving, power stations, medical aide, schools built. The oppressed presented a chance to let freedom ring.

Young boys and girls in schools built by American Soldiers. Women and little girls protected from rape.

Young men in distant countries gifted opportunity to defend, protect homes, family, country, their right to worship their God, by the blood of My Scout, My Soldier, My Son.

A jubilant birth far away in Afghanistan. A baby boy, his mother, saved by U.S. Army medical staff and soldiers from My Scout, My Soldier, My Son's Brigade. "I have his photo" I want to scream. "He and his mother would not be alive!" This innocent has a chance for peace, for a life without terror.

My son is gone but this child, this mother and many more will live their lives because my son died.

I drove to church today, frozen, looking for warmth, comfort, healing for my soul.

I received communion in my Fallen Soldier Son's polar fleece and silks sent back to me from Afghanistan. There was a Gold Star on my collar, an "Honor the Fallen Pin" on his polar fleece jacket.

It was Boy Scout Sunday. He was an Eagle Scout, a Soldier, My Son,

Father, Son and Holy Ghost.....

It was very cold in church toady.

Yet, I believe the sun is shining in Heaven, for Sons, Scouts and Soldiers

Flags, Eagles, and Psalm 23

I finalized the agreement for Patrick's memorial stone today. This is one of the harder things I have had to do. I considered many designs and options. What seemed most important was this must reflect something about Patrick. I knew his father and older brother wanted a Flag and an Eagle. I didn't want it to be like everyone elses.
So began the search for just the right Eagle and Flag. I found it. No one else has had it etched that I am aware of. A very special artist granted permission to use his artwork for Patrick's granite etching.
The Eagle and the Flag are important for obvious reasons. Some know that when Patrick entered Woodlawn the Patriot Guard Riders Flags stilled. After Patrick past, they again blew in the breeze. There were those who have told and written about two Eagles seen flying overhead during the service, one breaking away. A lone Eagle sat in a tree along the roadway as we left. (" On Eagles Wings" was also sung for Patrick's service.)
I was not yet satisfied. I needed a Christian reference for this son of mine who insisted he found God outside and battled having to sit in a pew. As I pondered I thought how many times I had prayed Psalm 23 , many times for Patrick during his deployments. This also had been my paternal Grandmother's favorite Psalm. The ribbon mark is there in her large print Bible, that I now have.
In retrospect it seems written for Patrick's Afghanistan experience. We have photos of green pastures, beautiful mountains, a river he fished there (the look on his face fishing is one of pure joy, just like when he was a little boy ).
It is our understanding this battle took place in a valley, early evening, obviously in the presence of enemies: "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies, thoug anointest my head with oil;my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
The title "Psalm 23" will be simply etched flowing below the Flag.The entire Psalm feels fitting. The lines I have bolded are what jump out at me. I so pray the Lord was there for Patrick during those last moments as he faced the enemy steadfastly defending his fellow soldiers, not giving one inch. I pray our Lord, prepared that table, gave Patrick mercy and now my son dwells in the house of the Lord, forever.
There is additinal wording on the base, front and back. I leave that for those concerned to come and view when they spend time with Patrick.
Sometime this spring Patrick's granite memorial marker should be finished and placed. I hope it will turn out to be a fitting tribute for my son.
A mother blankets her babies, dresses her children to keep them warm. . Instead of blankets, there is a grave. Instead of warm clothing there will be a memorial stone, and tears. Many, many tears.

SSG Patrick L. Lybert proudly served his Country with the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New York. First assigned to the 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 CAV. Patrick deployed to Afghanistan Feb. 12, 2006, where he re-enlisted for another five years. His military education includes Warrior 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. SSG Lybert was killed in action by enemy fire as he fiercely defended his friends and position. SSG Lybert made the ultimate sacrifice for America and departed this world on June 21, 2006.On 20 February 2007 SSG Lybert was awarded the Silver Star. His family received nofication on March 11, 2008 and the Silver Star Medal presented to SSG Lybert's family 2 April, 2008. He was our rock,mischief maker,steady shoulder to lean on, Our soldier and hero. He is survived by his Mother Cheryl and Stepfather, Two brothers, His Father David and Stepmother, Maternal Grandparents, Paternal Grandmother, many loving Aunts, Uncles, cherished cousins and friends. His cousins who lived not more than 4 miles from our home adored him and looked to him for guidance in all the ways of life, including mischief, swimming, tree climbing, learning to drive truck in the back field . Patrick was the heart of all our family and the world stopped when he came home on leave to his cherished home in Wisconsin. His community, His school athletic teams (wrestling, baseball, cross country, football) all carry his memory. An accomplished scout, he earned Eagle Scout. Patrick was patient, understanding and firm with his Special Needs Brother who has Asperger Syndrome (Autism) and multiple challenges. Patrick's goal was for Mom and Stepdad to hold onto the forty and home in Wisconsin as after a few years in the military he planned to retire here and become caretaker and Guardian for his Special Needs Brother's future. How much we have lost. He had plans to marry his fiance. We all knew she was the one.His older Brother grieves and misses his best friend. Patrick believed in America, his Army, The 10th Mountain Division, and his Mission. God Bless our Patrick. May God watch over his Comrades in Arms still serving with the 10th Mountain Division and safeguard all our soldiers.