August 6, 2012

Everyday We Are Reminded...

Everyday we are  reminded of the courage and sacrifice of our brave men and women serving our country in uniform.

On a daily basis, we have the privilege of sharing their stories and today as a family we wanted to share that of 1st Lieutenant Todd Lambka, who wrote in part '' I will serve humbly and honorably to the best of my ability in Peacetime and in combat leading soldiers in our Military, representing the greatest Nation''


Todd with his twin brother Jordan who also serves and father Brian.
Todd graduated with honors from the United States Military Academy in 2010 and we were lucky enough to be introduced to him when he received the 2010 Robert Foley Scholarship of Honor.

His life has always been an example of personal determination, a true role-model for his family, friends and the men and women he lead in battle.


Sadly, on August 1st, First Lieutenant Todd W. Lambka was killed along with Private First Class Jesus J. Lopez of San Bernardino, CA while on patrol. They died in Paktika Province of wounds sustained during an attack with a roadside bomb and another improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, out of Fort Riley, Kansas.

Paying tribute to 1LT Todd Lambka and PFC Jesus J. Lopez 
After Todd received the scholarship, he wrote a very long, heartfelt letter, part of which included:

"I am humbled and extremely honored to be chosen to receive this significant award, the LTG (R) Robert Foley Scholarship of Honor, and I am equally touched that I can now be part of the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation and can only promise that I will serve humbly and honorably to the best of my ability in Peacetime and in combat in part to honor the memory of Brian and all that he did on earth, as well as continue the proud tradition in joining the Long Gray Line and living “DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY.”

Today, I finish a significant chapter in my life, graduating from West Point, but I begin to embark on a more significant chapter… leading soldiers in our Military, representing the greatest Nation… indeed, as I begin my life as an Officer in the Profession of Arms… it is clearly evident to me… the “Journey is the Reward!”--2nd Lt. Todd W Lambka, 22 May 2010.

We too are humbled and promise to honor and remember you now and always.

 Doug , Renee and Kim LaViolette

2 comments:

Dave Jones said...

Doug, Renee, and Kim,

Thank you to you and your Foundation for honoring Todd's sacrifice in such a touching way with this message! Certainly, Todd's own words, that you have so wonderfully captured, communicate best his maturity, professionalism, and humility in serving soldiers, the US Army, and our great Nation. He was a special man, who truly lived West Point's motto "DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY!"

Todd Lambka, you will be missed, my friend. "Be thou at peace!"

Respectfully,

LTC(R) Dave Jones
United States Military Academy
West Point, NY

Bill Limebrook said...

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” John 15:13. These are the words of Jesus Christ spoken in anticipation of His death on the cross. How much does God love us? It is truly incomprehensible. It is this kind of love that First Lieutenant Todd W. Lambka had for his family, his men, and his country, when he laid down his life on the field of battle. I stand in awe of Lieutenant Lambka, men like him, and of their families who’s sacrifices literally extend to the heavens. As a citizen of these United States I am soberly aware that Lieutenant Lambka laid down his life, in part, for me and my posterity. He laid down his life to defend the inalienable rights, intended for everyman, as given by our Creator, that we might live free. With tears of deepest gratitude toward the sacrifices of Lieutenant Lambka, his family, and others who have given their lives, their sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, I dedicate my life in return to the service of maintaining the worthiness of this blessed nation, so that their lives in no wise will have been given in vain.

Greater love has no man than this, than to lay down his life for his friends. I only know of Todd through one who has known him and his family, but I humbly consider Todd to be my friend. Thank you is not enough, but unbridled thanks I give. God bless you Lieutenant Lambka. God comfort the broken hearts left behind. God help us who remain to stand worthy. Amen.

Most sincerely,
Bill Limebrook