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In Memoriam - Andre D. Tyson

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In Memoriam - Andre D. Tyson

by Michael Mandaville

Andre D. Tyson
(1970-2004)

The tragedy of warriors is that they too often die for their cause. It is with great respect and sadness that we report the loss of one of our students, First Lieutenant Andre Demetrius Tyson, who was serving with the California Army National Guard.  Students remember him as enthusiastic, good-natured and friendly, and always offering encouragement to others. He was already an excellent role model for his fellow students, and would have been an outstanding instructor. He was 33.

Lt. Tyson, with Company A, 579th Engineer Battalion, died as a result of wounds received during an ambush while on patrol in Baquer village, 85 miles north of Baghdad, Iraq.  Andre was remembered as a diligent and respectful student who loved his country and his friends. He had a kind, gentle demeanor in contrast to an imposing, athletic physique.

As an officer, Lt. Tyson had to not only lead his men but set an example. One can’t help but think that his interest in Kenpo was mutual. He was interested in the Art as much as the Art would have benefited from him. The American military needs men and women who are fair, hard-working, just and diligent. These are qualities lived by Kenpoists. The Kenpo Artist is always working on his greatest potential achievement ­– his own life.  Physical confrontation is one aspect of Kenpo but, but even greater still, is the ability to confront one’s own fears and limitations to become greater - better than one would ever believe possible. 

The California National Guard website notes that Lt. Tyson could “see past the harsh conditions and dangers lurking nearby and peer into the hearts and souls of the people he was helping.”  He knew that the torture chambers, massive human rights abuses and murderers of thousands of innocents under Hussein’s brutal regime were silenced because of the American military and their dedication. He exemplified the scholar-warrior because he understood the power of knowledge and the willingness to fight injustice. Lt. Tyson was buried in the Riverside National Cemetery.

Coincidentally, I shot a documentary there about old soldiers who volunteered their time, money and energy to give soldiers on their final departure what they were promised ­- A rifle salute, a flag ceremony and taps. Surprisingly, there were also teams of young men and women, many teenagers, who recognized the freedoms of America and the honor due the American soldiers, sailors and airmen. I was touched by their devotion in a world where such appreciation is often derided by pop culture icons who mistake fame for wisdom. I videotaped dozens of these ceremonies, with veterans who scaled the heights of Point-du-Hoc to take German heavy batteries at Normandy, with men who carried their buddies to safety through the jungles near Khe Sanh, with men who suffered the bitter cold of North Korea against the Chinese communist onslaught so that part of Korea today is free. In these and countless other stories, I was told that courage is not the absence of fear, but doing what needed to be done. And doing it just a little longer than most.

I am certain that Andre Demetrius Tyson stands as a giant among them.

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