Livelsberger was known as the “Candy Man” for his humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan, where he earned the affection of local children by distributing sweets and supplies amidst the harsh realities of war, as reported by the Daily Beast.
Livelsberger’s journey reflects his acts of kindness and heroism in Afghanistan, his struggles with mental health after his return, and the tragic events that unfolded, including his involvement in controversial airstrikes.
‘Candy man’
Livelsberger’s work in Afghanistan quickly earned him the affection of local children, who called him “Candy Man” because of his generosity. His unit’s interpreter, Fardin Fetwat, recalled how Livelsberger would distribute sweets and supplies to Afghan children, helping them feel joy amid the harsh realities of war. “He love the kids and the kids love him,” Fetwat said.
Livelsberger’s story
In 2009, during his second deployment to Afghanistan, the then-22-year-old soldier from Ohio organised a charity drive for Afghan children. Along with his mother’s help in covering the shipping costs, he managed to send 200 stuffed animals, 100 notebooks, and 50 sets of crayons and pencils to Forward Operating Base Airborne in Wardak Province.
Livelsberger pledged to distribute the donations to children in need. In an email to his local newspaper, The Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum, Livelsberger wrote, “I promise you it will be in the hands of a child in need that would not receive it otherwise.”
He was determined to make a difference, despite the risks of operating in a combat zone. “You get shot at in some places, so they must come to you,” he said according to the Daily Beast.
Heroic acts in combat
During intense combat missions, Livelsberger put his life on the line to protect others. One of the most memorable moments was during a mortar attack, when he rushed to wake Fetwat, who didn’t know danger was near. ‘He saved my life,’ Fetwat said, recalling how Livelsberger kept him safe from explosions and attacks
A mentor beyond battlefield
Livelsberger’s acts went beyond kindness. He recognised that Fetwat, although a skilled translator, couldn’t read or write in English. He took it upon himself to teach him. “He bought it for me with his own money,” Fetwat remembered about the computer Livelsberger gave him. “He will teach me one hour a day how to read, how to write.”
Struggling with trauma
Despite his strong bonds with the people of Afghanistan, Livelsberger’s life took a darker turn after his deployments. In 2011, after returning from the Republic of Congo, he seemed to struggle with personal issues, including a divorce. His mental health worsened, and he sought help for depression, especially after the stress of his time in conflict zones.
In 2019, Livelsberger returned from a deployment to Georgia and was stationed in Germany by the end of the year. Although he had a successful career and earned five Bronze Stars for bravery, the psychological effects of war began to affect him. He struggled with PTSD and traumatic brain injury from the many explosions and combat he had endured.
‘I needed to cleanse my mind’
During a holiday break in Colorado Springs, Livelsberger began to spiral. He spoke to a former army nurse who recognised the signs of PTSD and traumatic brain injury. In the last moments of his life, Livelsberger wrote about his mental struggles, mentioning the many brothers he had lost in battle. “I needed to cleanse my mind of the brothers I’ve lost and relieve myself of the burden of the lives I took,” one note recovered from his phone said.
Livelsberger’ final moments
On New Year’s Day, 2024, Livelsberger took a rented Tesla Cybertruck and travelled to Las Vegas. Loaded with fireworks and camping fuel, he made a final statement by detonating explosives outside the Trump International Hotel, following it up with a fatal shot to himself.
The blast injured seven people, but miraculously no one died. “This was not a terrorist attack,” one note from his phone clarified. “It was a wake-up call. Americans only pay attention to spectacles and violence. What better way to get my point across than a stunt with fireworks and explosives?”
The toll of war
As Livelsberger’s tragic end unfolded, more details emerged, including his role in controversial airstrikes during his final deployment. In 2019, he claimed that he helped target methamphetamine labs in Afghanistan, which led to the deaths of 39 civilians, including 14 children. The United Nations later called the airstrikes illegal, sparking questions about the cost of Livelsberger’s actions during the war.
