In memory of
ALL FALLEN HEROES
and
Dedicated to the men and women of The United States Armed Forces

Inspired by
Robert Mark Horrigan

Master Sergeant
United States Army Headquarters
Special Operations Command
KIA Al Qaim, Iraq
June 17, 2005

Robert M. Horrigan
January 13, 1965 - June 17, 2005

Master Sergeant Robert (Bob) Horrigan was born January 13, 1965 in Limestone, Maine to an Air Force family.  His address changed frequently until his family moved to Sunset Valley, in Austin, Texas when he was in the third grade.  Robert graduated from David Crockett High School in 1984 and enlisted in the United States Army.  He served as a Ranger Medic and Fire Team Leader in 3^rd Battalion, 75^th Ranger Regiment at Ft. Benning, GA.  During a brief separation from active duty, Robert received his EMT Certification from Austin Community College, his Nursing Assistant – Long Term Care Certification, and his Lifeguard Qualification.  In January 1990, he reenlisted and was assigned to the 5^th Ranger Training Battalion in Dahlonega, GA, where he served as Ranger Instructor and Team Leader.  In February 1991, Robert volunteered for Special Forces and graduated from the Special Operations Weapons Sergeant Course in September.  He was then assigned to the 1^st Battalion, 7^th Special Forces Group, Airborne, at Ft. Bragg, N.C.  In September 2004, Robert received a Bachelor of Science with a Major in Business Administration Degree.  His last assignment was with Headquarters and Headquarters, United States Army Special Operations Command.  Robert had completed three tours in Afghanistan and was completing his fifth and final tour in Iraq.  Robert died in Al Qaim, Iraq, on June 17, 2005 with his comrades beside him after receiving mortal wounds during an early morning raid on known enemies of the United States.  He was “the best of the best” serving his country while protecting everyone’s right to life and liberty.  Every man dies, but not every man lives.  Robert truly lived --- for family, for nation, and for the guys next to him.  He was an avid outdoorsman and loved turkey and deer hunting, as well as fishing.  He was an accomplished Bladesmith and his knives are cherished by many throughout the world.  Robert was planning on retiring to Texas with his family after this deployment. 

Robert is survived by his wife, Denise, daughter Courtney of Marble Falls, Texas and his mother, Mary Horrigan, Dedham, Maine. He leaves a sister, Lisa Shine of Wimberley, Texas, twin brother John, of Burnet, Texas and a younger brother, Daniel of Sunset Valley, Austin, Texas. He leaves five nephews, John Matthew Horrigan, Jack Shine, Paul Schwenk, Daniel and Timmy England; along with eight nieces, Karissa Reed, Sarah Brown, Kacey Schwenk; Jenny, Kate and Tori Hassmann and Danielle and Krystal Horrigan who all admired him.

Even though Robert was humble in what he accomplished, we would like to share with you some of his awards and decorations:

• The Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device & oak leaf cluster
• The Defense Meritorious Service Medal
• The Meritorious Service Medal
• The Joint Service Commendation Medal
• The Army Commendation Medal
• The Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters
• The 6th award of the Army Good Conduct Medal
• The National Defense Service Medal with bronze star service
• The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
• The Afghanistan Campaign Medal
• The Iraq Campaign Medal
• The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Campaign Medals
• The Humanitarian Service Medal
• The NATO medal
• The Ranger Tab
• The Special Forces Tab
• The Combat Infantry Badge
• The Expert Infantry Badge
• The Military Freefall Jumpmaster Badge
• The Master Parachutist Badge
• The SCUBA Diver’s Badge
• The Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral three
• The Presidential Unit Citation
• The Army Superior Unit Award
• The Driver and Mechanic Badge
• The German Parachutist Badge
• The Danish Parachutist Badge
• The Honduran Military Airborne Badge
• And Two Overseas Bars
• Posthumously awarded the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device, and the Purple Heart

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Operation Honor Our Heroes
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