Fallen Soldier's Body to Return Monday Afternoon

ANTWERP, N.Y., June 15  —  With honor and pride, a 10th Mountain Division Soldier who was killed in action in Kirkuk Province, Iraq on June 8, the community of Antwerp will be bringing home one of their own on Monday afternoon. 

Staff Sergeant Tyler E. Pickett, who resided in Antwerp,  was a member of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, at Fort Drum. He was killed when his unit was attacked by an improvised explosive device. 

His body will arrive 12:02 p.m. Monday at Fort Drum with a procession through the village of Antwerp to follow. 

He was a staff sergeant with the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, or "Triple Deuce" and was supposed to be home on leave at the time of his death, but his homecoming was delayed until June 30. 

Tyler was originally from Saratoga, Wyoming. He bought house in Antwerp about a year ago. 

He was the recipient of the Medal of Valor for stopping a suicide bomber in Iraq. 

At the request of Governor David Paterson, flags were lowered to half-staff at state government buildings across New York last Monday to honor those lost in the line of duty. 

Tyler's wife, Kristy Pickett, is an Antwerp Village Trustee and is Deputy Elections Commissioner for Jefferson County Republican Committee. 

Calling hours will be held 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Green Funeral Home in Gouverneur. A military service will be held following funeral services at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Catholic Church, Main Street, Antwerp. 

The community welcomes your support and attendance of the return procession and services.