On Carrollton & Banks, he was deeply involved in the school community, participating in the band as a tenor sax player for four years, spending two years on the wrestling team, and contributing to the yearbook. His dedication to service began early—he recalls working with children with cerebral palsy as part of his junior service project. This service project left a lasting impression on him.

Thinking back on the experience, he said, “At Jesuit, service is about more than just accumulating hours. It’s about understanding what it truly means to serve others, especially those who face daily challenges.”

His work with these children fueled his competitive spirit to finish second in service hours at Jesuit for the 1980 academic year, but more importantly, it shaped his belief that servant leadership is foundational to building a strong, cohesive team—an ethos that would carry him through his military career.

Reflecting on this formative time, Liberto says, “Being a volunteer teaches you to become a servant leader, and that’s something that’s critical for the rest of your life.”

Liberto was awarded an NROTC scholarship to Tulane University, and upon graduating in 1984, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps. His first decade of active-duty service stationed him with the Fleet Marine Forces, Atlantic, where he held critical positions in Camp Lejeune, NC, including Infantry Platoon Commander and Heavy Weapons Platoon Commander. Liberto’s leadership skills propelled him forward as he became an Amphibious Reconnaissance Platoon Commander with the elite 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company. Over the next several years, he led Marines in some of the world’s most volatile regions, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Eastern Exit in Somalia, and multiple deployments throughout the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Arabian Gulf.

These missions required the coordination of land, sea, and air assets, and Liberto’s strategic mindset was crucial in ensuring that his Marines were ready for rapid-response scenarios. By the time Liberto transitioned from active duty to the Marine Corps Reserve in 1994, he had established himself as a leader and strategist.

Following the attacks on September 11, Liberto was twice called back to active duty. From 2001 to 2003, he served as the European and Central Command Desk Officer at U.S. Joint Forces Command, where he taught at the NATO School in Germany and led U.S. efforts to coordinate security for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. He also facilitated senior leader seminars and led mission rehearsal exercises for coalition forces heading to Iraq and Afghanistan.

In 2004, Liberto served in Iraq as the Future Operations Planner for Joint Task Force 6-26 and became the first Marine Officer assigned to 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment–Delta (Airborne) as Deputy Operations Officer.

Promoted to Colonel in 2006, Liberto led Marine operations globally, including overseeing exercises in Ukraine and commanding joint/coalition exercises across the European theater. His final role in the Marine Corps saw him return to Quantico, where he led the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Staff Training Program, preparing Marines for deployments in Afghanistan, Africa, and the Pacific. After 30 years of distinguished service, he retired in 2015.

In retirement, Liberto’s dedication to his country continues. Now living primarily in Washington D.C. with his wife, Rhonda, he serves as the Deputy Chief Information Security Officer for the USDA, overseeing cybersecurity operations to protect the nation’s food supply and infrastructure. He also holds a teaching role as an adjunct professor at Tulane University, continuing to shape future leaders.

Liberto’s deep commitment to his family mirrors his career achievements. His son, Ignatius II, serves as a 1st Lieutenant in the Marine Corps, currently attending Naval Flight School. His daughter, Coralie, works at Tasc in New Orleans.

As Jesuit’s 2024 Distinguished Military Alumnus, Colonel Liberto’s story exemplifies the Blue Jay spirit of faith, service, and leadership. His career, both in and out of uniform, has been one defined by a lifelong commitment to his country, his community, and his family.