Fallen Soldier: Lyle W. Rymer

Specialist Lyle W. Rymer, 24, of Fort Smith, Arkansas died January 28, 2005, when he was shot by a sniper in Baghdad, Iraq. He was killed while guarding an area in central Baghdad while engineers were setting up barriers.

SPC Rymer studied small engines at a vocational tech school half a day during his junior and senior years in high school. He might work on lawn mowers, chain saws, go karts or motorcycles – anything mechanical.
SPC Rymer was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star for meritorious service during combat operations and the Arkansas Distinguished Service Medal from the Arkansas National Guard for exceptional meritorious service.

Sgt. 1st Class Ralph Ferguson said SPC Rymer planned to make a career of the Army and was considering enrolling in airborne school. He also had a reputation for cheering up fellow soldiers and always wanted to do more than was asked of him.

Rymer is survived by his wife LaTisha, a son Sean, and a daughter Jasmine.