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<p>Those of us who knew <em>Philip Harold Scriber Jr.</em> studied with him, served beside him, or loved him understood that he was shaped by family, faith, and service. </p>
<p>Phil was born in Hollywood, MD into a family deeply rooted in community. His mother, Hazel Mae Tapp, was a well-known businesswoman. His father, Philip Sr., was a Korean War veteran who worked as a GS-15 civil servant in logistics at the Patuxent River Naval Station, modeling the discipline and dedication Phil replicated throughout his life. During Plebe Parent Weekend, Alan Andon, Phil’s roommate, met Phil’s father. Even five decades later, that powerful moment remains vivid. Phil, full of admiration, snapped to attention. His father, standing tall, beamed back with pride. The bond between them was unmistakable. It was an exchange of quiet, unspoken respect. </p>
<p>Phil met many of his friends through music. He helped form the original West Point Gospel Choir, and he played keyboard with the Sweet Harmony Hop Band. His empathy for others and his deep sense of humor shined through. </p>
<p>Phil’s love of music led to his meeting Pam. All his friends agreed it was more than a match made in heaven, and she became a part of the crew. Phil and Pam were a pair. Pam looked out for Phil by taking care of his friends and roommates. When Rick Rhinehart became his roommate firstie year, Pam made sure he was part of the crew too. She took him to the “Big Apple” to get him some “real” clothes. Rick came back dressed for disco. </p>
<p>Graduation day was also the wedding day for Phil and Pam. The first thing they did was head to Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Several of his classmates were honored to serve as saber bearers, wearing Dress Blues for the first time and partying in the train station afterward. It was now time for them to face the world side by side. </p>
<p>The Army shaped their early years. Phil went to Fort Knox, KY for the officer basic course, with Pam arriving later. New York City life hadn’t required her to drive. After a close call in Phil’s precious Firebird, he enlisted Kathy Rhinehart to teach Pam how to handle a stick-shift. On a lonely road, stalled on railroad tracks, Pam learned to breathe, focus, and move forward—a skill she would need as his wife and throughout their many military assignments. </p>
<p>Phil was first assigned to Fort Dix, NJ followed by Fort Hood, TX. Phil later branch transferred to Ordnance. He spent five years at Fort Eustis, VA, where he earned his master’s in logistics from George Washington University and soon after left on an unaccompanied tour to Panama during the Noriega years. </p>
<p>Phil and Pam returned to Fort Hood briefly, before he deployed as part of the advance party to Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. When asked how he earned his Bronze Star, he shrugged it off, though in truth it was awarded for exemplary logistical support that kept his troops equipped in combat operations. When he came home, he was ready for a change. They headed to Fort Richardson, AK. </p>
<p>After almost 19 years of active duty, Phil transitioned to civilian life. He turned his skills in ordnance and management into a successful career in logistics and plant management. Though he traveled often and found it hard, Pam said Phil loved the challenge. </p>
<p>Gerard Ousley knew that if he was traveling within a hundred miles of the Scriber home, he was expected to stop in to pay his respects. Pam would have a hot meal waiting, and Phil would have a strong drink ready for a weary traveler. Their home was a refuge, a place where laughter came easily and friends were treated like family. </p>
<p>Gerry also knew that Phil could always be counted on to help when needed. During their 30th class reunion, Gerry was responsible for helping run the class golf tournament. Phil assisted him in determining the foursomes for the tournament. Also, on the day of the tournament, he ensured each golf cart had a new box of a dozen golf balls. This simple act made the golf tournament a very special and memorable event for all participants. </p>
<p>Phil slowly began having physical issues, which were attributed to the Gulf War. Sadly, his sickness advanced and his soul left us on October 24, 2024. Phil and Pam never got to travel the country in an RV, as they had always talked about. Hopefully, they’ll do it in their next life together. </p>
<p>Phil’s greatest blessings were his wife, Pam; his sons, Philip Harold Edward Scriber III (Judah) and Stephen Michael Scriber (Lance), of whom he was immensely proud; and his granddaughters, Ona Marie and Libi Snow, whom he adored. Phil was an excellent officer who served his country with distinction. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Phil’s yearbook describes him as a loyal, trustworthy, dependable friend who could still laugh while successfully facing adversity. As he departs this world in his speedy Firebird, we wish the “Soul of West Point” Godspeed as he soars with the angels. You are much loved and missed, Brother. </p>
<p><em>— Pamela Scriber, Wife, along with Classmates and Friends</em></p>
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