Lubavs was commissioned as a Second lieutenant in the United States Army, Infantry. He was initially assigned in Germany with various assignments in the Berlin Brigade. In 1965, he was assigned to the Military Assistance Command Vietnam, Special Operations Group (MACV SOG) where he advised Vietnamese combat units in the field.
In February 1966, Captain Konnie Lubavs was killed by enemy forces during a fierce battle in Quang Tri, South Vietnam. It is not confirmed, but sources dating back to his internment ceremony indicate he may have been the first Kalamazoo resident to die in Vietnam.
Lubavs was well loved by his fraternity brothers while attending WMU and a training room in the WMU ROTC program is dedicated in his memory.
Fifty years after his death, the Delta Upsilon alumni will gather at his grave site for a remembrance and to honor his sacrifice and memory. Lubavs' sister will be present with alumni spanning multiple years at WMU.
The WMU ROTC department will provide an honor guard for the occasion and fraternity brothers who are also Vietnam veterans will be present and officiate. There will also be a wreath laying ceremony.
The community is invited to attend and members of the media are welcome. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. and last about 30 minutes. Riverside Cemetary, Section 18, Lot 140 (North east corner adjacent to Borgess Hospital).
The image of Captain Lubavs is from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Click here to view more.