Robert Gilbert was deployed to Afghanistan for his 5th tour of duty. He was only 27 years old, but had served the country he loved in the marine corps for the last 9 years. This last tour, and the life of this brave soldier was cut short by a mortal wound to the head. Robert served his first tour in Iraq at age 20 as a combat engineer, and was one of only three sergeants his age in the Corps. He was a natural leader who had joined the Marines right out of high school. By his second deployment to Iraq, he was part of the elite Special Operations Team as an Amphibious Force Recon Marine. Deploying to Afghanistan for an additional 3 tours, and having been promoted to Gunnery Sergeant, Robert believed in what he was doing. “I believe in sacrificing for freedom and I love America”, he wrote in a letter to his father, Robert Gilbert, Sr. That letter had sat on a desk in the family home since Robert Jr left for his first deployment. In a son-to-father talk, Robert had specifically wanted his dad to know that he believed in risking his life for his country, and in his own words, “if we can’t ride motorcycles, drink a beer, and smoke a cigar together, you let me go.” On March 8th, 2010, Robert Gilbert, Sr received a phone call from Marine headquarters in Quantico, VA. His son, GySgt. Robert Gilbert II had been mortally wounded and arrangements were made for his father to be by his side in Germany. The surgeon stated that Robert’s brain trauma was extensive and his chances for recovery were non-existent. After transport to Bethesda Naval Hospital, GySgt. Robert’s ventilator was removed on March 14th, but he continued to breathe on his own. Robert apparently had one more date to reach, his birthday, March 16th. One hour before Roberts 28th birthday, 15 family members, Marine Brothers and friends prepared to toast Roberts birthday with small pill containers filled with Jack Daniels. At midnight, they sang Happy Birthday and Robert Sr rubbed Jack Daniels on his son’s gums just like he did some 27 years ago for teething. The Recon brothers sang the Recon Song and they all took shots. At 9:08pm on his birthday, with his sister at his side, and his father’s hand on his heart, GySgt. Robert Gilbert Jr took his last breath and the heart of this brave soldier stopped. The family returned to Ohio to a hero’s welcome for GySgt. Robert from Cleveland Airport to his home town of Richfield. Through this tragedy, Robert Gilbert Sr believes he was given a bittersweet gift-being by Robert’s side when he took his last breath. Robert L. Gilbert II Memorial Fund was created in order to provide emergency travel support for families of wounded military members in Ohio. Proceeds from the ride as well as private donations go to sustaining this fund.
