GREENFIELD, MN, US
U.S. Marine Corps
LCPL, 2D CEB, (II MEF FWD), 2D MAR DIV, CAMP LEJEUNE, NC
07/12/2011, HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN
Lance Corporal Greniger was born April 1, 1990. Robert enjoyed snowboarding, karate, and baseball. He was a bat boy for his dad’s Rolling Twins softball team. He accepted Christ after basic training. Robert was a member of Village Evangelical Free Church.
Greniger joined the Marines out of Rockford High School, part of a pact with several fellow classmates who thought the military would be exciting and a way to serve their country. Julie Merila, an English teacher at the high school, described Greniger as a “terrific guy. Once he found what he was going to do, he would go after it no-holds-barred and be driven to do the best job possible.”
Lance Corporal Greniger’s mother, Teresa, explained that “her son was “very proud” to be a Marine and wanted to serve in Afghanistan.”
Nick Jacobs, Greniger’s high school guidance counselor described Robert as reserved yet respectful of others. Mr. Jacobs recalled Greniger’s drive to be a Marine. “You know, I think he knew what he wanted after high school, and you know, it was the military. I think he wanted to do good things for our country.”
Greniger displayed humility towards those who admired his comprehension of the IED threat and used down time to train other Marines so that they could take over if need be.
“He was very opinionated, had a lot of ideas, yet he was always very polite and tactful. He spent countless hours setting up our IED lane and training my men and I couldn’t thank him enough for that,” said 1LT. Luis E. Murillo. “We all looked up to Lance Corporal Greniger and admired his confidence to conduct his job without any mental reservation.” Greniger’s performance was recognized by his fellow engineers who also came to him for pointers when operating out of Wishtan.
“He was an instant hit with anyone that he met. Greniger also provided the Marines of 1st Platoon with non-stop entertainment. He was known for going off on random tangents that left Marines rolling with laughter. His sense of humor and unique personality also came in handy whenever someone was having a bad day.
“I think his youth fed his courage and his confidence, and it is his courage and confidence that brought so much comfort and peace to you as you stepped outside the wire,” commented Chaplain LT. David D. Kim
Kurt Greniger said his son”… talked about getting to know some people, especially some of the natives around the main base where he was at. He had met a little girl that looked just like his youngest sister, Greta, who’s 8.”
Mr. Greniger added that Robert was “a very unique, loving son. More than anything he enjoyed being around his friends. He had a big heart.”