The Virgin Islands National Guard (VING) announces the passing of Brigadier General Leayle Gerard Galiber, who died on Oct. 28 at 92. Galiber’s contributions to the VING have made a lasting impact on the organization and its legacy.
Galiber served as the first Acting Adjutant General and United States Property and Fiscal Officer for the VING from July 1973 to July 1974. His leadership helped establish the foundation of the VING, according to the press release.
As a veteran, Galiber completed two tours of duty in Vietnam and received the Bronze Star Medal with an oak leaf cluster. He was also awarded the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal, first class, reflecting his service, the press release stated.
In recognition of his achievements, Galiber was promoted to Brigadier General on Oct. 14, 2023, during the VING’s 50th Anniversary Military Ball on St. Croix, the release stated.
As the VING mourns the loss of one of its founding figures, Galiber will be remembered not only for his military achievements but also for his unwavering commitment to the service and people of the Virgin Islands, it said.
Tributes from fellow service members and community leaders have poured in, emphasizing the impact of his service to both the military and the Virgin Islands community.
“My deepest condolences go out to the entire Galiber family,” said Maj. Gen. Kodjo S. Knox-Limbacker, the adjutant general for the Virgin Islands National Guard. “It was disheartening to hear of his passing at the remarkable age of 92. I am so thankful for his supportive family and his role in shouldering the responsibility that laid the foundation for the high-performing, ready, relevant, and responsive VI National Guard we have today.”
“Brigadier General Galiber was a pioneer and patriot whose commitment to the Virgin Islands and the United States was matched only by his extraordinary leadership and service,” said Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. “His contributions to the establishment of the Virgin Islands National Guard and his distinguished military career set a foundation of excellence that continues to inspire us all. On behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. His legacy will forever live on in the strength and readiness of our National Guard.”
“Brigadier General (Hon) Leayle G. Galiber brought the historical beginnings of the VING to life during our many discussions in the summer of 2023,” said Lt. Col. Dante P. Galiber, nephew, physician and former VING member. “He appreciated his promotion to Brigadier General, recognizing his military and civilian contributions to the US Virgin Islands.”
“We will continue to honor him with a legacy of a National Guard like no other that continues to exceed the standards, both locally and globally. May God bless his eternal soul and continue to be with his family in this difficult time of loss,” Knox-Limbacker expressed.
Galiber is survived by his former wife, Kirsten, a retired librarian and Spanish teacher who resides in Severn, MD; his eldest son, Leayle Jr, a software engineer who lives in Los Angeles, CA; and his second son, John, a retired Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer and current aircraft mechanic who resides in Severn, MD. He also leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and a brother, the release stated.
