Capt. Sean E. Lyerly

Hometown: Pflugerville, Texas, U.S.
Age: 31 years old
Died: January 20, 2007 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Army National Guard, Texas Army National Guard’s 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, 36th Infantry Division, Austin, Tex.
Incident: Killed when the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter he was in crashed in Baghdad.

CPT Sean Edward Lyerly In Loving memory of CPT Sean Edward Lyerly who passed away in Iraq on Saturday, January 20th, 2007. He was doing what he loved, flying a Blackhawk. Sean was a beloved son, brother, grandson, a devoted husband and father, and a great friend. He touched the lives of many and was admired by all who knew him. He gave his best to his family, friends, and ultimately to his country. Sean was born in Lafayette, LA and grew up in Houston, TX, where he attended Episcopal High School for three years. He moved to Brazil for a short time then returned to Houston where he graduated from Stratford High School. He went on to attend Texas A&M University and interned at Disney's Epcot Center, where he met the love of his life, Csilla. Sean graduated in 2000 with a bachelor's degree in Horticulture and a minor in Landscape Architecture and moved to the Austin area. He and Csilla were married in Sedona, AZ on April 27, 2002. As an officer in the National Guard, Sean attended Chemical Officer Basic Course in 2003, in Saint Robert, MO and flight school in 2004-2005 at Fort Rucker, AL, where he excelled as a pilot. Sean's natural instinct for flying was put to use as he volunteered to fly support missions in Texas and Louisiana in the aftermaths of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. He loved flying and he had a greater love for helping those in need. Sean lived life to the fullest each day. He took nothing for granted and always found something to smile about. Sean inherited a love of gardening from his mom; in his spare time, he enjoyed working in his yard where his natural 'green thumb' was evident. He looked forward to spending time and hunting at the ranch with his brother and their father. His love of flying was echoed in the joy he found riding his beloved Hayabusa motorcycle. Perhaps his greatest love the love he held for his family. His wife, Csilla, was his best friend and soul mate. He delighted in taking time to teach their three year old son, Zackary, about everything! He loved the life he lived, his family, his friends and the beloved Pooh Cat. To his wife he was an amazing husband and a devoted father of their son. The loss of Sean has brought deep sorrow to his family and his family of friends. Sean is survived by his loving wife Csilla Lyerly of Pflugerville; son Zackary Lyerly of Pflugerville; mother Deborah Russo-Blakeman and husband John of California; father George Edward Lyerly and wife Monica of Bryan, TX; grandmothers Virginia Lyerly of Caldwell, TX and Elvina Rachal Russo of LA; brother George Edward Lyerly Jr. of Bryan and godfather Louis Russo of LA. He is also survived by so many other relatives and friends and of course his dear cat Oscar "Pooh".

Published in the Austin American-Statesman on 1/27/2007.

For a complete listing of all soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, please visit this link: The Washington Post