Tonight, we honor a well-loved soldier from Texas. He gave his all. He was only 23 years old. Please take a moment to read about his life.
So far in 2011, 306 American troops have been killed in Afghanistan. Since 2001, there have been 1747 American troops killed in Afghanistan. Since 2003, there have been 4474 American troops killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom and 46 killed in Operation New Dawn. Please take a moment to honor their sacrifice.
Please bear in mind that these diaries are read by friends and family of the service members chronicled here. May all of our remembrances be full of compassion rather than politics.
DoD Announces Army Casualty
Spc. Michael C. Roberts, 23, of Watauga, Texas, died Aug. 27 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 561st Military Police Company, 716th Military Police Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, Fort Campbell, Ky.
Just last month, Spc. Michael Roberts arrived in Afghanistan, this was his second tour of duty. On Saturday, August 27, Spc. Roberts died from injuries sustained after a VBIED (Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device) detonated. His actions posthumously earned him the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, NATO Medal and Combat Action Badge. Spc. Roberts leaves behind his parents, two brothers, and numerous friends.
Capt. Anthony Douglass, commander, 561st Military Police Company, told the Clarksville Online:
“Roberts was a true hero who openly accepted burden so others would not have to,”
and
“He was a Soldier who smiled when no one else was smiling and he carried with him an infectious positive attitude that would brighten the most somber moment.”
From the Fort Worth Star- Telegram, his brother, Patrick Roberts:
"He wanted to make a positive influence," Patrick Roberts said in a telephone interview Sunday. "He was such a generous person."
Spc. Michael Roberts graduated Richland High School in 2006. He was on the wrestling team and played the tuba in the marching band. In 2007, he enlisted in the Army. In 2009, he deployed to Iraq. While in Iraq, he encountered and IED that blew up, he was lucky to get out unscathed.
Both of his brothers, Patrick and Brian, are serving in the Army. Patrick Roberts told the DFW- CBS Station:
“He wasn’t just another soldier who died, he loved and touched everyone,” brother Patrick Roberts said.
His mother told the station:
“He wanted to serve his country – contribute, make a big contribution to society and he felt by going into the army, he could do that,” mother Kathy Roberts said.
Spc. Roberts awards and decorations include: Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal and Driver and Mechanic Badge
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear ordered all flags to be at half-staff on the day of Spc. Robert's internment.
Over a thousand people have joined his facebook memorial page. Many shared their stories of laughter and happiness with him. Many shared a beer in honor of him. Spc. Michael Roberts touched many lives.
In Flanders Fields
by Lt. Col. John McRae, MD, (1872-1918)
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row
That mark our place, and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago,
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved,
and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
I Got the News Today is a diary series intended to honor, respect and remind. Its title is a reminder that almost every day a military family gets the terrible news about a loved one. Diaries about the fallen usually appear two days after their names are officially released, which allows time for the IGTNT team to find and tell their stories.
All of the U.S. fatalities can be seen here and here. They all had loved ones, families and friends. The DoD news releases are here. I Got the News Today is intended to honor, respect and remind. Click the IGTNT tags below for previous diaries.
Click the IGTNT tags to see the series, which was begun by i dunno, and which is maintained by Monkeybiz, Noweasels, Blue Jersey Mom, Chacounne, twilight falling, joyful, SisTwo, Spam Nunn, True Blue Majority, CalNM, Wide Awake in Kentucky, Maggie Jean, Jax Dem, Kestrel 9000, TheFatLadySings, Ekaterina, and me, Sandy on Signal.
Please bear in mind that these diaries are read by friends and family of the service members chronicled here. May all of our remembrances be full of compassion rather than politics.