Tyler Lingerman Visits Home Before Deployment

Friends and members of Sgt Preston Ashley Rock Hall American Legion gathered Friday afternoon on the front lawn of Post 228 to say thanks and goodbye to Tyler Lingerman as he prepares for next week’s deployment to Afghanistan.  Former Mayor of Rock Hall and Maryland State Delegate Jay Jacobs was on hand to recognize Tyler’s accomplishments, commitment and valor.

Tyler is the son of Chris Lingerman and Sara Bramble Lingerman and brother of Thomas Lingerman.  His grandparents are Charlotte Wilson Walbert, Alan Bramble and Jackie Lingerman.  He has a large and extended family and group of friends that include Brody Pierce, Brianna Pierce, Sheila Strong, Kathy Clothier Bramble, Donnie Bayne, Marty Brilz and his girlfriend Shannon Hart.  Tyler’s family members own Tolchester Marina, Rock Hall Village Hardware, Chester River Seafood, Rock Hall Diving and Tyler’s Lawn Care.

Tyler’s Girlfriend, Shannon Hart

Graduating from Kent County High School in May 2011, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and was in bootcamp at Parris Island, South Carolina by August 1st as a Private.

Tyler’s Swearing In With Brother Thomas and Mother Sara

Making Private First Class, he trained to be an infantry assault man and completed the School of Infantry at Camp Geiger in North Carolina.  For the past few months he has been stationed and in training at Camp Pendelton in California.  He was visited in Las Vegas earlier this year by his father Chris, Sheila Strong and Marty Brilz.

Marty Brilz, Chris Lingerman and Sheila Strong visit Tyler in Las Vegas

When learning of Tyler’s duty orders, his father Chris was given tickets on Father’s Day to fly out to meet Tyler before his deployment.  While visiting in California and learning that the deployment date had been moved up, Chris quickly and secretly formulated a plan to bring Tyler home to personally say goodbye to his family and everyone in Rock Hall.  What a surprise for his mother Sara when she opened the back door at Village Hardware to see Tyler standing with his father!  Sheila Strong was also caught off guard, when he she opened the back door of Chester River Seafood’s refrigerated truck to find Tyler amongst the crabs and fresh corn.

Not knowing that Tyler was coming home before he left for Afghanistan, his mother Sara’s side of the family did a photo and poster album for him at a recent family reunion.  Holding declarations of love, sentiment and missing you’s the album was posted on Facebook for Tyler and you may view it here below:

Tyler told me that in the past year he feels that he has learned and grown so much in his life and experiences.  He feels more respectful and appreciative and he has a better work ethic.  Although he is totally committed for five years, he looks forward to returning home to Rock Hall and joining the Maryland State Police and also working for Chester River Seafood.  I did ask him if he and Miss Shannon had any special and future plans….all I got was that famous Tyler Lingerman smile.   What does he miss most about Rock Hall?  Well that is simple …. family, friends and fishing.

Tyler Lingerman, from your hometown of Rock Hall, MD and the Rock Hall Wave…..thank you, be safe, we are so proud of you and we love you very, very much!  Rock Hall Mayor Bob Willis and Kent County Commissioner Ronnie Fithian were unable to attend Friday afternoon but send you all their best.