Army Spc. Anthony D. Hebert

Died June 21, 2007 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom

19, of Lake City, Minn.; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany; died June 21 in Baghdad of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Also killed were Sgt. Alphonso J. Montenegro II,Sgt. Ryan M. Wood, Pfc. Daniel J. Agami and Pfc. Thomas R. Leemhuis.

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Parents of soldier killed in Iraq say irreplaceable treasure lost

The Associated Press

LAKE CITY, Minn. — The parents of a 19-year-old Army infantry machine gunner from Lake City who was killed in Iraq said June 23 that they’re proud of their son.

Tony Hebert’s parents, Robert and Laurie Hebert, issued a statement thanking people for their support as they cope with the loss of their son, who they said died June 21 during combat.

“If the sorrow we now feel is the price that has to be paid, we accept it to have had the privilege of having known him for the last 19-plus years,” they said. “He will be missed, an irreplaceable treasure lost.”

The Heberts said their son was proud to be a soldier and said they are proud of the honorable man he had become.

Robert Hebert declined to discuss details of how his son died until the military releases a formal statement.

Funeral services, to be handled by Mahn Family Funeral Homes in Lake City, can’t be scheduled until the soldier’s body is brought home.

Hebert, a 2005 graduate of Lincoln High School in Lake City, is remembered by friends and coaches as a leader and competitor.

Steve Randgaard, a fifth-grade teacher and Hebert’s high school golf coach, said Hebert was a dedicated person who was an excellent golfer, was very coachable and took a keen interest in helping the younger players on the team.

“He had a really good work ethic,” Randgaard said. “When he was determined to do something, he would go to it. He was just a quality, classy kid. It’s a tough loss.”

Friends said Hebert was excited about the benefits and opportunities he would encounter in the military and was passionate about becoming a part of the Airborne unit in Iraq.

But golf teammate Spencer Halder remembers his guidance the most.

“I met him when I was in eighth grade,” Halder said. “He was easy to follow as a leader and was positive about everything. We played together for a while and advanced to sections. That’s when we became good friends.”

Hebert is the 61st person with strong Minnesota ties to be killed in connection with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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Lake City buries Spc. Hebert

The Associated Press

LAKE CITY, Minn. — A Lake City man who felt compelled to join the military after the Sept. 11 attacks was laid to rest July 2, with hundreds of people filling a church and hundreds more standing outside holding American flags.

Spc. Tony Hebert, 19, died June 21 in combat in Baghdad.

About 800 people attended his service at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

“He would appreciate this deeply, but he would be embarrassed,” his father, Bob Hebert, said before the service. “He was very, very proud to be a soldier.”

Members of Hebert’s high school graduation class draped trees, signposts and light posts with yellow ribbons. Across town, flags were at half-staff and some business had signs that said “Freedom rings. Thank you, Tony.”

“I don’t know him ... but you just need to show respect,” said Margo Barstad of Lake City as she stood along the route, clutching a flag.

Several residents said they hoped Hebert’s sacrifice would raise awareness about current affairs and give the upcoming July 4th holiday more meaning.

“It’ll be more than just a picnic,” one onlooker, Tom Kennedy, said of the holiday.

Hebert was the 61st person with strong Minnesota ties to be killed in connection with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.