Todd W. Lambka
First Lieutenant, United States Army
May 9, 1987 – August 1, 2012
Age – 23
Fraser, MI
Operation Enduring Freedom
1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, KS
Died of wounds suffered when he encountered an enemy improvised explosive device in Paktika province, Afghanistan
Todd Lambka graduated from Eisenhower High School in Shelby Township in 2006 and graduated in 2010 from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. He and his twin brother, Jordan, both demonstrated leadership skills as early as in their teens, their father said.
While he was a cadet at West Point, 1LT Lambka’s mother passed away, which was very difficult on him. He was later awarded the Robert Foley Scholarship of Honor which is awarded to a cadet that excelled despite personal hardships.
Jordan Lambka also joined the military, and Brian Lambka said they wanted to be a part of the fight against terrorism. “He wanted to lead men, his troops,” Brian Lambka said. “That was his whole goal. He didn’t want to direct a submarine or plane, but he wanted the asset to the men. He loved leading.”
“I think every parent is surprised when their son or daughter makes that decision, but their love of country is the reason why they’re willing to go over there,” Brian Lambka said. “He thought defending the country was very noble. This is what my kids were called to do.”
1LT Lambka was serving in Afghanistan with this twin brother, Jordan, who was in a different part of Afghanistan. His brother, Jordan, accompanied the body in a flight Thursday to Dover Air Force Base.
Lambka was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart posthumously. His other awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon and the Parachutist Badge. He also received posthumously the Basic NATO Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge.