Festus R-VI Hall of Fame Inductee - PFC Andrew J. Habsieger
PFC Andrew J. Habsieger
2019 Festus R-VI Hall of Fame Inductee
PFC Andrew J. Habsieger, the 2019 Inductee into the Festus R-VI Hall of Fame, was born on November 25, 1985, to Brenda and Mike Habsieger. PFC Habsieger gave his life for his country in Baghdad, Iraq, on March 24, 2008, at the age of 22. Everyone who knew him testifies to his leadership, character, service and contributions to society.
A 2004 Festus High School graduate, PFC Andrew Habsieger excelled in football in school. He was a member of the Regional Radio Dream Team in both his junior and senior years. He played his entire senior season with a broken foot. He was also a baseball catcher, an A+ Scholar and a member of Renaissance Club and the library staff.
Immediately after graduation, PFC Habsieger tried to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps, but because of a history of migraine headaches, the Marine Corps rejected his application. Undeterred, Habsieger turned to the Army. But, there too, he encountered obstacles. Army recruiters told him he must be migraine-free for at least a year before he could be accepted. After enlisting the help of a doctor, and after a relentless letter-writing campaign to Congressmen, Senators and military leaders, the Army finally accepted him, and he entered boot camp in February of 2007, nearly three years after graduation.
PFC Habsieger arrived in Iraq in October 2007. Just six months later, on Easter Sunday 2008, while on a “routine” patrol in Baghdad, Habsieger’s unit came under fire. The Bradley Fighting Vehicle he was in was destroyed; Andy lost his life in the attack.
The memory and legacy of PFC Andrew Habsieger lives on beyond his 22 years on earth. The Andrew Habsieger Memorial Scholarship has provided more than $125,000 in scholarships to 87 students since it began in 2009. The Fisher House at Jefferson Barracks, a house where military families stay free of charge while a loved one is in the hospital, collected more donations in Andy’s name than in the name of any other veteran. Speaking of the Habsieger Foundation, Andy’s mother commented, “As long as they are out there doing what they are doing, Andy won’t be forgotten.”
PFC Andrew Habsieger always championed the underdog and went out of his way to confront bullies. Classmates tell countless stories of how Andy helped students being bullied or harassed by other students. After his death, a fellow soldier told his parents how Andy stood up for him in front of other soldiers who ridiculed him for his small stature and lack of English-speaking skills. Andy’s friends say that’s just who he was.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior said, “The true neighbor will risk his position, his prestige, and even his life for the welfare of others.“ PFC Andrew Habsieger risked his position and prestige standing up to the bullies. He ultimately gave his life in the fight against terrorism. The English clergyman Robert South once said, “If there be any truer measure of a man than by what he does, it must be by what he gives.” PFC Andrew Habsieger gave his life, by that measure; he is a great man, a role model for students in the Festus R-VI School District and for our entire community. Now, as the 26th person inducted into the Festus R-VI Hall of Fame, PFC Andrew J. Habsieger will forever be a shining example of what it means to serve your community and country.