Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Army Master Sgt. Robert M. Horrigan

40, of Austin, Texas.
Horrigan died in Al Qaim, Iraq, while conducting combat operations. He was assigned to Headquarters, Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Died on June 17, 2005.

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"In our short time together I learned a lot from Bob about what did, and did not work well on the M4 in combat. I also learned that Bob was a professional beyond anything I could have hoped to achieve in my career. Thank you for making everyone you served with a better fighting man. May God bless you and your family."
Fitz of Carson Valley, NV

"Brother Bob,
Happened across a photo of you and I and some of the Aco 1st plt "Swamp Ninjas" aka Glory Boys in Panama. Time has flown but just that photo takes me right back. Thank you Brother
For everything and for all of "us " that you helped Along the way. See you in Valhalla RLTW Doc Cheney"
Everett M Doc Cheney of Indianapolis In

"Bob H , brother just checking in. I saw your Mom wrote on here and it tore my heart all over again. Then I saw Steve Y. Posted as well. Steve if you're out there and read this , email me it's been too long Ranger Buddy.. Bob ...you are part of every talk I have with every new firefighter assigned to me now that I'm a Chief officer. You will always be a living part of my life as a leader of men and as an American . Thank you for being in all our lives my friend..
UNTILL then.... RLTW Everett M "Doc" Cheney
Any of my 3/75 Brothers my email is
Emc110sfd@aol.com"
Doc Everett M Cheney of Brownsburg Indiana

"I am Bob's mother. I just discovered this site. Yesterday was hard, I miss him so much. Thank you all for writing about him. To know you cared means a lot."
Mary Horrigan of Dedham Maine

"Bob and I were in the same fire team and room mates at A 3/75 and Im so thankful for the friendship, mentoring and encouragement he gave me. A truly exceptional person."
Steve Y of Ca

"I was Bob’s first team sergeant in Special Forces on ODA 721 in 1st Bn of 7th Special Forces Group. It took about 5-minutes to determine that Bob was going to be an outstanding SF soldier. What I found out over the next few months was that he was a soldiers soldier, one of the best I ever had the pleasure to know. I saw Bob just a few weeks before he deployed for the last time. He was looking forward to the retired life and making knives. He spoke about his excitement to be spending more time with Denise and Courtney. I was a better soldier for just knowing him. It hit me hard when I heard the radio in my car tell that he had been killed in action. I had to pull over on the side of the road. I’m not ashamed to say there were tears running down my cheeks; I had lost a true friend and a SF Brother. Those of us who had the honor to serve with Bob and was able to find out a little more about the day he died are not surprised that he gave his life so others could live. I have photos of Bob on his first SF mission in Honduras and if any of his family would like I will be happy to e-mail them. Contact me at Ronjohn1969@yahoo.com .

Not to plug for a book but if you want to find out how good Bob was read “Not a Good Day to Die” by Sean Naylor. Bob is mentioned a number of times as Bob H and being one of the best recon guys Delta ever had. (No I am not "Speedy")

Ronald W. Johnson
Master Sergeant (Retired)
U.S. Army Special Forces"
Ronal W. Johnson of Charleston WV

"Back in the mid-1980s, as a young kid, I met Bob at Crockett HS, in Austin, TX.
Like my older brother at Crockett, I was a runner as well, and we both knew Bob in the Cross-Country and Track community.
I looked up to Bob, as he was a gung-ho, Hooah guy, and always displayed a great sense of humor, and a strong presence. I knew that he was destined for the military, but lost contact with him after his HS graduation (in '86?).
Now years later, I learned of Bob's passing from a fellow Crockett alum, and find his name on the rolls of the Fallen of OIF.
Maybe it is fitting that I, like him, became a career Soldier, and have also served our Great Nation in time of War.
So, as a fellow Solider, I honor my departed Brother-In-Arms, and greatly lament his passing, and I extend my most heartfelt condolences to his entire family. We mourn with you.
I am grateful that I knew Bob in life, when we were both in our youth, and that I remember his 'big brother' type of friendship, and his light-hearted nature.
God Speed, MSGT. You have the point, and we are travelling light, at the Ready, in Ranger File, following our azimuth to the Patrol Base on the horizon.
We have your back, MSGT. RLTW"
Drill Sergeant Alejandro Villalva of Dayton, OH

"Bob,
Thank you for being my wing man in Iraq brother.. Your professionalism and service was truly 2nd to none.. I pray you've been able to look over all those closest to you the last 5 years. You are a hero!!"
1SG Mike Thayer of Brunswick, OH

"Your dad and husband, Bob, is still my hero. He did so much with so little to help a people in dire need. His and Mike's ultimate sacrifice is a high price and your loss is huge. He would have turned 45 this week. With you, I mourn his loss but with you I celebrate the hero he is.
Hoo-yah!"
Chief Petty Officer Rob Wootton of Greenville, SC

"I had the very distinct honor to attend PLDC with Bobbie in the spring of 1991. For approximately 5 weeks, Bobbie took a dull school and made it so much fun I was sad to graduate! He was one of the finest men I ever had the privilege to serve with. He was always highly motivated, and set the example for all of us to follow. Although very late, I just recently found out of this very great loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends, very simply...He was the very best! RLTW!"
Marcus Hull of Germantown, MD

"Dear Family members,
An engraved brick has been donated to the Veterans Courtyard in Robert's honor.If you would like, please email Friends2@westbanklibrary.com,so we may tell you about it. With sympathy, Pamela Gilliam"
Pamela Gilliam of Austin, TX 78746

"To the family of "Bob"

We are still missing him, he was a friend of the Iraqi people; a hero to the Kurds. Bob and his family will always have a place in our hearts. We miss and love you brother!"
Roj of Suleimani, Kurdistan

"June 13, 2008
To the family of Master Sgt. Robert M. Horrigan:
Robert gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"It has been a long time since the Q Course. It was an honor serving with you there. All gave some, SOME GAVE ALL. Thanks for everything."
Scott M. of UTAH

"Bob was a true friend and comrade. I will miss talking to him. He was quick with a smile and encouragement. I wish the entire Horrigan my deepest sympathies.
"Thanks Brother.""
Pete Buffo of Tacoma, WA

"I knew Sgt. Horrigan when I was in 7th SFG (ODA-735). I was also a gun dealer at that time. We used to talk guns and hunting. You knew instinctively that He had a good heart and alot of mission focus. He will be sorely missed here on earth. He will be a blessing in heaven."
Bruce of Colorado

"came across the site again and wanted to say hi , hope everyone is holding up, we all have to keep remembering heros like Robert, ive got a trailer up and running on americanlion.com for our film about a ranger, here's hoping you like it, RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!!!"
jim joyce of l.a. ca.

"To the family of:Robert M. Horrigan I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"

"Denise,
This is Mary Asworth, your college roomate at Concordia.

I am so very sorry to hear of Roberts death. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

I am still in the Houston area. If you, by some miracle, see this, please contact me. (mary_hebert@yahoo.com) I believe God must have had a hand in me discovering this news.
Love you very much,
Mary"
Mary Ashworth Hebert Wilson of Pasadena, Texas USA

"Doc Horrigan, you will be sorely missed and affectionately remembered forever throughout the band of brothers and the elite Ranger community where you dedicated your life and faithfully served. You were my mentor. Why?...I owe my entire career to you...If I had only 1/2 the heart you had, I could have filled your boots. You are the epitome of a patriotic soldier and true friend. May we all rendezvous at the old Ranger PB in heaven. God bless you and your family.
SFC Greg Hammer
1st PLT. Aco. 3/75th Ranger Bn. 1987-91"
Greg Hammer of Fort Irwin, CA

"I came to 3rd Ranger Bn.as a newbie medic and landed in "Aco."1st platoon with a then E-5 Sgt. Horrigan He took me under his watchful eye and helped square me away and kept me from being a danger to myself and others. His sense of humor and giving nature was much appreciated and all these years later is still fresh in my mind. May God Bless his family and welcome our brother into the kingdom until we all meet again , rest in peace my brother and friend. Everett M Cheney Doc Cheney Aco 3/75 Rgr Bn."
Everett Cheney of Speedway Fire Dept . EMS Coordinator Speedway IN.

"To the Horrigan Familey

Our thoughts and prays are with you. Wertz Familey"
Ronald Wertz of Fayetteville NC

"we dont know if it helps or not, but my wife and i are producing a film about 2 brothers who are rangers, its a pro u.s. film and story and though we are in hollywierd we are not of it, i personally would like to say thank you to you and guys like your brother who gave the ultimate , you guys keep us free,look for us at www.americanlionthemovie.com"
jim riley joyce of l.a. ca.

"To Denise, John & Pat and all who loved Robert: We are so very proud of the service and sacrifice that Robert has made for our country. We send our deepest condolences to all of you and pray that God will give you strength each day. Robert will always be honored and remembered for his bravery, sense of duty and love of his family and his country.

With love, Jim, Bonnie and Doug Jarvis"
Bonita Jarvis of Wautoma, WI USA

"He shall grow nor old,as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary him,nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning-I will remember him,we will all remember him."
Frank_Jasek@baylor.edu of McGregor, Texas

"To Robert's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice as we mourn the loss of yet another of Texas' sons. Our boys are truly heroes!

By His Grace,

Gloria Caldas
Proud Mother of Fallen Hero
Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas
"The Big Ern", 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
San Antonio, Texas
gcaldas48@aol.com"

"To Robert's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Thank you Robert Horrigan, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Master Sgt. Robert Horrigan:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Robert for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Master Sgt. Robert Horrigan:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Robert, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on