Milwaukie, OR, US
U.S. Army
CPL, CO C, 40TH ENGINEER BN, 1 BCT, (I MEF), BAUMHOLDER, GERMANY
06/17/2006, AR RAMADI, Iraq
One day after his Father’s Day letter arrived home, SPC Jones, a soldier from Milwaukie, became the latest soldier with Oregon ties to die in the Middle East. Robert was 22 years old.
According to Kathy Walker, a friend who spoke for the family, it was SPC Jones’s second tour in Iraq. He was supposed to be there for just four weeks to give other soldiers time off, after which he was expected to leave for Germany or Kuwait. In a letter that arrived Thursday, Jones wished Jerry Dowell a happy Father’s Day and told him he loved him. In the letter, Jones said that he couldn’t find a Father’s Day card. SPC Jones wrote to his father: “I couldn’t ask for a better father than you. I just want to say thank you.”
“We’re all grateful that he couldn’t find a card that day because he got to express his love for his father,” Kathy Walker added.
Kathy Walker explained that SPC Jones, who graduated from Rex Putnam High School, joined the military because he wanted to serve his country, and get money for college. Robert bought his mother a computer so that she could communicate with him overseas.
“No matter where Bobby went, he had a grin from ear to ear,” Walker added. “You just think about him, and there’s always a story to make you smile.” Robert was well known for his big grin and love of hunting and fishing.
Robert’s aunt Gloria Rehart stated: “He was a perfect child; a child anyone would love to have. He picked people up when they were down.”
Friends and family recall this soldier with compassion, kindness and love. This Legacy.com guest book entry is typical of the generous nature that defined SPC Jones.
“Jones, you’ll never be forgotten, you were the best friend anyone could ask for, thanks for being the first person to make me feel comfortable when I first got to Germany, best roommate, friend and soldier!!! Will always miss you and our crazy times we had!” Robert Overstreet of Missouri