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: