Dear Mr. & Mrs. Mariano
Words cannot express the hurt that you and your family have experienced in the past two weeks. I want you to know that many times we have lifted you up in prayer. Only God can heal the hurt that tragedy has brought to your family.
Robbie was truly an incredible soldier; he loved his job and took pride in what he did. No matter what the circumstance, Robbie was able to have a positive attitude. In his spare time, Robbie was known to be doing one of three things: cleaning his weapon, playing his guitar (everyone in our battalion also knows about Robbie's love for the guitar), or working out in the gym.
Robbie was responsible for manning a Mark 19 automatic weapon. Robbie took great care in fulfilling his duty; every day he cleaned and serviced his weapon. You would never find Robbie's weapon in sub-par condition. Before we left
After his death, I knelt beside Robbie's body and prayed. Also, our battalion Catholic Eucharist Minister offered prayer as well. On 10 January, we held a memorial service for our five fallen heroes. SPC John James, Robbie roommate, gave the memorial tribute for Robbie. We will never forget the sacrifice Robbie gave on behalf of his country.
I consider it an honor to have served with Robbie. His life exemplified the soldier who "more than self his country loved, and mercy more than life." He is a true American Hero. May God's eternal blessing and perpetual light always shine upon you and your family.
God bless you,
Jason B. Blake
Chaplain (CPT),
Battalion Chaplain
Chappy. He and (then) PFC Forrest were right on the scene, as well as the three QRFs (Quick Response Forces) from Bravo 3-16 and other 2BCT convoys.
Chaplain Blake and the multiple other speakers at the "military" wake (James, amongst many others) were all wonderful in their eloquence and kindness towards our lost brothers.
The roll call by 1SG Williams was definitely one of the five saddest moments of my life. I think it might have trumped the actual funerals, if I would've been blessed enough to attend them.
God rest you all .... William, another Cardinals world series. Captain Petty .... another year with the missus, Oliver and Owen. Seargant FC "NASTY PRIVATE!!!" White .... a happy retirement oh-so-on-the-cusp with family. SGT Peralez .... that Pre-Med program at U Texas in full, with several Longhorn big wins. Robbie, a nice wedding with your fiance and lots of guitar and beer-addled Austin trips.
Miss ya all. Way more than words can express.