Local soldier dies in combat

BY INNESS ASHER
THE DAILY IBERIAN
Published/Last Modified on Thursday, October 29, 2009 3:25 PM CDT

Sgt. Patrick Williamson, 24, a New Iberia native, was killed Tuesday while serving with the 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division in southern Afghanistan.

Williamson was killed along with seven other members of his unit when their eight-wheeled Stryker vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb.

Patrick’s mother, Sybil Williamson, said this this morning that joining the U.S. Army was something he really wanted to do.

Patrick Williamson, center, was one of seven soldiers killed by a roadside bomb Tuesday in Afghanistan. He is pictured with his family, from left, his mother, Sybil Barras Williamson, brother Max, his father, Buddy, and sister Betsy Williamson. - Submitted photo

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“Patrick was serving his country very proudly,” Sybil Williamson said through a family friend. “It was his choice to enlist and we are very proud of him for doing so.”

Debbie Miller, Williamson’s aunt, said the soldier was a graduate of St. Thomas More High School in Lafayette, and had been in Afghanistan for three months. Williamson had been promoted to sergeant prior to leaving for Afghanistan, and received the rank once he arrived.

“He was a hero,” Miller said. “He died an honorable death.”

Miller said the body is currently in Delaware and will be taken by military plane to Lafayette within the next few days. The family is currently waiting for news from the military for specific information.

“They’re distraught. They just have to wait for the military and whatever information they have,” she said. “It was his lifelong dream to serve his country in the military. He was a very, very patriotic young man, so he was doing what he loved.”

Copyright © 2009 The Daily Iberian

Comments

    son deployed wrote on Nov 5, 2009 2:25 PM:

    " My heart goes out to this family...my stepson is currently deployed in Afghanistan and we pray each and every day that he returns safely. I would like to thank your son for serving this country and protecting it...good luck to your family and my prayers are with you.... "

    DEBI CHACHATI wrote on Nov 5, 2009 10:35 AM:

    " Personal Sacrifice- No greater gift to this Nation!! My Prayers are with you and your family. I can not tell you enough how my Heart breaks for you all at this difficult time. Patrick has been on my mind and heart everyday since I heard the news, and the Donaldsonville Community is holding you and your family in prayer. Debi Chachati(Donna Barras Sister) "

    mama knws wrote on Nov 4, 2009 3:40 PM:

    " I donot know your son or his famliy, but my heart gos' out to all of you. How brave of Patrick to go and fight for all of us to remain free. I have three sons' and I don't want them to go to war. Patricks' mother, my heart gos' out to you, you've lost one of your babies,and I'm sure your heart is hurting, god & Patrick are watching over you all. "

    SHEILA wrote on Nov 4, 2009 2:12 PM:

    " My deepest sympathies for the loss of your brave and courageous son. It takes a very special person to volunteer to serve our country and it takes a very special family to support him. May God bless Patrick and his family and friends. "

    Regina A. Maraist wrote on Nov 2, 2009 10:28 AM:

    " I grieve for this family. I did not know Patrick who willingly sacrificed his life so we could be free. He is a true hero. His grandmother, Flo, is a very dear friend of mine, and a relative. To Patrick's parents, sister and brother, Flo, and the rest of the family I add my own condolences of those already expressed by other caring individuals. "

    No greater love has no man. . . wrote on Nov 1, 2009 5:50 PM:

    " I am so sorry for your loss.

    With deepest gratitude for the freedom this young man so unselfishly provided for my family, I pray for God's strength for your family. "

    JACKIE wrote on Nov 1, 2009 2:13 PM:

    " To the family:
    I wish to extend my deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. I would like to also express my thanks for your son support in serving his country. I work on Ft. Lewis and I am so very proud of our men and women that fight for our country.
    Jackie "

    Fellow Citizen wrote on Nov 1, 2009 11:15 AM:

    " I would like to recognize this young mans awesome display of courage. There are few things in this world more powerful than personal sacrifice to your country. While I did not know this young man, I have deep respect for him and all others who put their life on the line to serve this country. To the family of this soldier, he participated in a very noble endevour. He helps to keep ME safe, and I really appreciate that. I will keep this great soldier and his family in my prayers. I am VERY sorry for your loss. "

    Tony Velazquez USMC Vet wrote on Oct 31, 2009 12:04 AM:

    " My thoughts and prayers go out to you in this tough time. Your son is a true patriot and I thank GOD everyday for my freedom that your your son has so graciously provided to all of us. "

    Lynn wrote on Oct 30, 2009 6:04 PM:

    " My condolences to the family of this wonderful young man. Thank you to him for his service and thank you to his family for their sacrifice. God Bless all of you! "

    A Brother wrote on Oct 30, 2009 4:51 PM:

    " Patrick, like many of my brothers, knew that death was a possibility when he enlisted, yet he did it anyway.
    He, like many of my brothers, was a patriot and willing to endure the loneness and sacrifice that all soldiers endure because he believed it was the right thing to do.
    He, like many of my brothers, likely would shun the title of hero that many of you assign to him.

    I never knew Patrick, but he was part of my family and I grieve for him, as I do for thousands of others. "

    Soldiers Angel in La. wrote on Oct 30, 2009 4:31 PM:

    " I'm deeply saddened by your loss.

    "MAY NO SOLDIER GO UNLOVED,
    MAY NO SOLDIER STAND ALONE,
    MAY NO SOLDIER BE FORGOTTEN,
    TIL THEY ALL COME HOME"

    Another "HERO" loss, but NEVER FORGOTTEN!!!!!!!!!!!

    Please visit soldiersangels.com TO SUPPORT OUR TROOPS... GOD BLESS!!!!!! "

    Tonya wrote on Oct 30, 2009 1:45 PM:

    " My condolences to the family. Your son died fighting for our country and I know you are so proud of him. I am serving in the military myself and I know first hand that it is not an easy thing. But remain strong and keep the faith because GOD will always be by your side. "

    Mindy wrote on Oct 30, 2009 1:41 PM:

    " THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to Patrick for his service to our country....He was remembered at SCS today we had a program at school and I was truly touched that they honored him...from the bottom of my heart my deepest sympathies and be proud for he died for our freedom. "

    Judy wrote on Oct 30, 2009 12:41 PM:

    " I woud like to express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of our young soldier. May God Bless your family by wrapping your family in his heartfelt hug during your tragic loss. My sincere thanks goes out to Sgt. Patrick Williamson and to all the men and women that serve, so we all may be free. You all are in my thoughts and prayers! "

    MomofONE wrote on Oct 30, 2009 12:11 PM:

    " THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU'VE DONE FOR US PATRICK!!!
    My sincere condolences to the family and friends of this fine young man. May God bless all of you... I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. "

    Jimmy Poisso wrote on Oct 30, 2009 11:16 AM:

    " My sincere condolences to the family if this young soldier. May God bless you all. "

    Lucy wrote on Oct 30, 2009 10:36 AM:

    " I would like to extend my condolences to the family and let them know in my heart and my familys heart, Patrick was a hero and we are very proud of him for serving his country especially knowing the conseqences. We will always remember him and our prayers go out to him and his family.
    Thank you Patrick. "

    Donna wrote on Oct 30, 2009 9:15 AM:

    " To Patricks Family, I wish to offer my heatfelt condolences to you. This young man died honorably that we may have a safe place to live. You should be proud of giving of your son this way. May God Bless you and your family and know that he holds a very special place in our hearts. "

    Kim Spiker wrote on Oct 30, 2009 7:32 AM:

    " Of course I cannot offer you any more than anyone else here has. But I do offer you my prayers! You truly had a wonderful son, soldier, brother, cousin. My prayers are with you to endure this. May Sgt. Williamson rest in peace! Thank you for serving our country! "

    Roy - Retired AF wrote on Oct 30, 2009 6:26 AM:

    " May God be with you during this horrible time...he will always be remembered for his honorable service to his country. My thoughts and prayers are with you. "

    Old Soldier Infantry wrote on Oct 30, 2009 4:59 AM:

    " My heartfelt condolences To Sgt Williansons family and friends. Soldiers like Sgt Williamson Who fight for our most basic freedoms are heros and may he rest in peace. My prayers are with you. "

    Better Recognize wrote on Oct 29, 2009 11:33 PM:

    " My condolences to your family. I served 12 years in the military and had a few friends loose their lives in service to our country. During viet nam not many people appreciated the sacrifices we were making and it hurt. I just want you to know that there are many out here that do appreciate the sacrifice your son has made for freedom, fair play and opportunities for all that work and sacrifice for them. I salute your son and your family. "

    DAVID wrote on Oct 29, 2009 9:31 PM:

    " CONDOLENCE TO THE FAMILY . May GOD comfort you at this time . "

    Terry Hays wrote on Oct 29, 2009 8:44 PM:

    " My deepest sympathy goes out to the Williamson Family.Even though I do not know your family I will still have you in My thoughts and prayers. How proud you must be of this brave young man. "

    annoymous... wrote on Oct 29, 2009 8:38 PM:

    " my prayers and thoughts go out to his family...hope GOD will give them strength to get though probally the hardest time in their lives...but know GOD only takes the best ...and yet we have another angel watching over us... "

    Katie wrote on Oct 29, 2009 7:43 PM:

    " My condolences go out to the family of young Sgt Williamson along with prayers that the pain of their loss will quickly subside and the memories of the joy he brought to their lives and the noble position he held will take over. God bless you all and God bless all of our troops. Thank you for your sacrifice! "

    neworleanscajun wrote on Oct 29, 2009 6:53 PM:

    " How very, very sad. Patrick is a true hero...the best of the best. God bless the family. "

    DAVID A BRIGGS wrote on Oct 29, 2009 6:50 PM:

    " MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY.IT IS NEVER EASY TO LOSE SOMEONE, HE TRULY IS A HERO IN MY EYES. I THANK PATRICK AND HIS FAMILY FOR THEIR SACRIFICE,THAT MAKES EACH AND EVERYONE OF US SAFER.THANK YOU. "

    Deborah C. White wrote on Oct 29, 2009 6:44 PM:

    " I want to thank this family for the service their son was committed to giving our country. My prayers are with you during your time of sorrow. Although your son is gone, I know you are very proud of him. God bless your family. My heart aches for you. "

    lucy bernard wrote on Oct 29, 2009 6:01 PM:

    " may GOD bless this family. my prayers are with you guys. i don't know you, but i feel your pain. yes, your son is a hero. may he R,I,P "

    Kim wrote on Oct 29, 2009 5:23 PM:

    " God bless you and your family. You gave your life for others to have freedom. I remember why the soldiers are there even though so many have forgotten. Your son is a true hero to all and will not have died in vain. "

    KH wrote on Oct 29, 2009 5:04 PM:

    " To the Williamson Family:

    Please accept my condolecenes. Thank you for raising such a fine person who was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. May God give you peace.

    Keith Hale
    USMC 1966 "

    ETEE wrote on Oct 29, 2009 4:41 PM:

    " My sincere condolences to the Williamson family. I can assure you that the entire Veteran community shares your loss. "

    Rebecca wrote on Oct 29, 2009 4:39 PM:

    " Sgt. Patrick Williamson is my hero, my cousin, and a wonderful human being. Our family has suffered a tremendous loss, yet we are all SO very proud of him. Patrick will always be loved, remembered fondly, and missed very much. To Patrick... thank you SO much for doing such a greatl job for all of us. To Buddy & Sybil... you raised a WONDERFUL man, and I feel so blessed to have you all as family. To Max & Betsy... I cannot imagine the loss of a sibling, but know that he loved you both very much. "

    Chad wrote on Oct 29, 2009 4:27 PM:

    " My thoughts and prayers go out to this young hero and his family. "

    theresa Ledoux wrote on Oct 29, 2009 4:25 PM:

    " to the family.. my condolenses... my prayers are with you. "

    USA Civilian wrote on Oct 29, 2009 4:05 PM:

    " My thoughts and prayers are with this family. I do not know them, but feel the pain. May they have some comfort knowing he was doing what he loved. He gave his life for this country.
    RIP Sgt. Patrick Williamson, I will remember your bravery always. "

    Wife of a Soldier wrote on Oct 29, 2009 4:03 PM:

    " My thoughts and prayers go out to this family and their son. He has a special place in Heaven. -Wife of a Soldier Deploying in January "

    sc wrote on Oct 29, 2009 3:41 PM:

    " I did not know this young man, but I would like to offer my condolences to the family. He is a hero in my eyes for serving his country proudly. God Bless the family he leaves behind. You are in my thoughts and prayers. "

    kmd wrote on Oct 29, 2009 3:37 PM:

    " This is a very sad time for everyone. We lost someone that was fighting for our freedom. I would like to thank Sgt. Patrick Williamson for allowing me to be free. May God bless this family at this difficult time and keep them safe. I will keep this family and Patrick in my prayers. "

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