RICHFIELD, OH, US
U.S. Marine Corps
GYSGT, CO G, 2D MSOB, II MEF, CAMP LEJEUNE, NC
06/28/2005, BETHESDA, UNITED STATES
Gilbert, a Revere High School graduate, was on his fifth tour of duty of the Middle East and his second tour in Afghanistan when his platoon was ambushed. Gilbert had a bad feeling about the latest tour in Afghanistan. ”He thought the Taliban was after him and his days were numbered,” Anthony Maroon a family friend explained.
The Facebook site ”GySgt Robert Gilbert — A miracle in the making” has attracted nearly 8,700 members. Bob Gilbert posted an update on the site that included this: ”I raised and enjoyed my son while he was stationed in his ‘temporary home’ on Earth and I am privileged and honored to embrace GySgt Robert as he exits this world . . . ”
Robert joined the Marine Corps when he was 18 and at 21 became the youngest Marine ever promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant, Maroon said. ”He’s always been wanting to fight for his country,” Maroon added.
Rob Gilbert loved life. He also loved the Marines and put his life at risk each of the five times he was deployed overseas. “My last words to my Robert were, ‘I Love You. Thank you for being my son. I enjoyed the twenty eight years, to the month and day, we have shared together” which his father posted on Facebook. GySGT Gilbert died on his 28th birthday.
Gilbert was a 2000 graduate of Revere High School. He was assigned to Camp Lejeune.
Remember me and smile, for it’s better to forget than remember me and cry.