44, of Roseville, Illinois.
Rovinski died in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, as a result of enemy action when his HMMWV was struck by an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 25, Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. Died on June 5, 2006.
Please send information, photos, and corrections for Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Gary T. Rovinski.
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"To Gary’s Family,
Today I chose Gary’s name tag to wear during a memorial walk in Saucon Valley, PA. I am honored to wear his name for all to see. I am sorry for the loss of Gary and also thankful for his service so all Americans may have the freedoms they live with."
Jim Millick of Binghamton, NY
"God bless you and your family, you will not be forgotten."
SFC Tom Peeler
"June 5, 2009
To the family of Petty Officer 1st Class Gary T. Rovinski:
Gary 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
"Gary, I think of you every day, every moment, I saw you waiting for the Lord's hand that day, Rest in peace Gary.
Appliance lives forever, Viper2 lives forever."
CM1 R of Franklin Park
"I just learned of Gary's passing and while my heart is saddened by the loss I believe heaven is rejoicing. I knew Gary and his family from Biola Univ. days where he served on the staff. He was a genuine and loyal friend, and a steady leader. His love for his family was only second to his love for serving Christ. To his wife and children, you are in our prayers and thoughts."
Kelly & RJ Alvarez of Dallas, TX
"June 5, 08 - EO1 has not been not been forgotten and today we spoke of him on this day. We wish his wife and daughters well and remind them he will not be forgotten, especially a great Seabee like their Dad."
A Seabee of Camp Knott, Iraq
"May 25th,2008 To the family of:Gary T. Rovinski 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"
"AS ITS BEEN ALMOST A YEAR I THINK OF YOU GARY AND JAMIE AND JERRY EVERYDAY IM VERY PROUD TO HAVE SERVED IN THE SANDBOX WITH YOU !"
FELLOW DIRT SAILER of ILL.
"To Rover (nickname as I knew Gary), Family and friends:
Today I reflected on your deepest gift to us, freedom and liberty.
I remember the days when we were at St. Jude's and the outdoor activities you, Joe and I engaged in. I dedicated my work to you the day I found out you passed. It was one of the best wells I logged spiritually and professionally. I took a picture of a beautiful white cross and the Lord's image. After reading the article and memorials I know you were devoted to the Lord, your family church and country. I miss those days with you. You're on my mind frequently.
In hoc brother."
Don Button of Grand Junction, CO USA
"Gary,I pray for you and your family.I was on my way out of Al Asad the week God took you. We were friends in Mt. Top and neighbors.I commend you. May you have eternal peace.You are my hero."
SSG Thomas F. Peeler of Gowen City, pa.
"God Bless you Gary. You are missed by all of your friends and teammates on "Apliance". You will never be forgotten."
MA1 Susan Arndt of Kingston, Wisconsin
"It was with great saddness that I receently learned of the death of Gary. I went to college with Gary at College Misericordia and graduated with him in 1983. I will always remember his smile, his laugh,
and his positive attitude. His desire to serve in any capacity was evident when I knew him as well. I wish to thank his family for sharing Gary with all of
us and allowing him to serve and protect us in our time of need. Very few have the courage or character that Gary had. May God truly bless his wife and children."
Michael J. Dunleavy of Wasilla, Alaska
"Gary you are truly missed bye all of your co workers. May God Bless your wife and two daughters.
C/O R. Dustin Ford
Hill Correctional Center"
Dustin Ford of Galesburg, Illinois
"I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friends Gary and Jamie. By the hand of God ,I survived the same incident. I think of you often Gary, and will remember you always as a friend and room mate. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family."
UT1 Ken Hendrickson of Rosemount, Mn.
"Gary,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other sailor who was in that Humvee with you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike C. of El Paso, Texas
"To the Family of PO1 Gary Rovinski:
We have constructed a memorial to the service men and women from Wisconsin and Illinois who have died in Iraq. Our memorial includes, as of 8/28/06, 162 crosses and Stars of David. We would like your permission to put Gary's name on one of them. We have called our display "Arlington MidWest." It is our expression of mourning for the indescribable loss you have suffered for our country.
If you would like us to do this, please email me at arlingtonmidwest@yahoo.com.
We invite you to come to visit Arlington MidWest if you can. A friend has put us up on his website so you can see the memorial here:
www.williamgbecker.com/ArlingtonMidwest.html.
"As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.""
Marty Preston of Wisconsin Dells, WI
"I met Gary while I was a student at Monmouth College and involved with Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship on campus. I am a better person for knowing Gary and his walk with the Lord.I am saddened to learn of his passing in the line of duty. Thankfully we know he is with his Father in Heaven. My sympathies and prayers go out to Jen and the girls. Your in my thoughts and prayers."
Tammy Barber (Schrieber) of Henderson, NV/USA
"Petty Officer Rovinski shall be honored not only by those that knew and loved him, but by ALL United States Navy personnel; now serving and those yet to serve. It is a daunting task to put on the uniform of ANY of the branches of the United States Armed Forces. Petty Officer Rovinski carried out the highest traditions of the US Navy and of the Armed Forces of The United States of America. I, as are so many; am permanently indebted to this outstanding American Hero. HAND SALUTE! Rest now shipmate and forever dwell with our Lord."
MCPO West USN (Ret.) of AMERICA
"I am deeply saddened by the loss of a great seabee. I met petty officer Rovinski in the Seabee Instructor School. When I checked into the hotel in Colorado he was at the front desk. We talked for a min and it became obvious that we had similar backgrounds as far as both being army vets and now seabees. Although it wasnt written he automatically became the unofficial class leader. Everyone seemed look up to him because he was the kind of guy we all wanted to be but fell short. You could go to him with a problem and he would drop what he was doing and help at the expense of his own task. He was someone I admired and will always look up to. I can honestly say the world is a better place because of him. He made a difference! God bless you, and I am sorry for your loss"
CE2 Josh Ertley of Atlanta Ga
"I met Officer Rovinski while he served as a Corrections Officer at Hill Correctional Center. As a family member of an inmate, I was so impressed with the respect and courtesy that he showed all of us, in a situation where many are not so kind. I was truly sad to read of his death, and my thoughts go out ho his wife and children."
annon. of USA
"We are sorry for your loss. Our son, BU2(SCW) Jeff Dale is serving in NMCB 25. He relayed that Gary was a very nice guy.God Bless him and his family."
Marty Dale-Downing of Danville, Il
"We are sorry for your loss. Our son , BU2(scw) Jeff Dale nis serving in NMCB 25. He relayed that Gary was a very nice guy.Godd Bless him and his family."
Marty Dale-Downing of Danville, Il
""Rest in Peace, Shipmate. God Bless you for your service to our Nation, my family is indebted to you. Our thanks to your family for thier sacrifice. You have touched many and it will be my honor wishing you fair winds and following seas as you depart on your next journey.
You can rest your oars now Sailor, we have the watch""
Shipmate of FT Sheridan, IL
"RIP Shipmate"
US Navy Sailor
"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness,
and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief.
Our nations HERO, Gary will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana
May we always remember: FREEDOM ISN'T FREE! "
"Thank you Gary Rovinski, 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 Petty Officer 1st Class Gary Rovinski:
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 Gary 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 Petty Officer 1st Class Gary Rovinski:
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 Gary, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia