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This was posted in the blade discussion forum but I don't know if anyone saw it here. http://www.horriganknives.com/
Robert Horrigan...partime bladesmith, and brother of John Horrigan MS....killed in Iraq June 17, 2005
Godspeed brother!
Horrigan was killed in combat operations on June 17. The Army reported he died in Western Iraq after being attacked with enemy small-arms fire during combat operations.
He earned more than 30 honors, including two bronze stars, a meritorious service medal and ajoint service commendation medal.
Also killed was Master Sgt. Michael L. McNulty, 36, of Knoxville, Tenn.
Both men were stationed at U.S. Army Special Operations Headquarters in Fort Bragg, N.C.
Horrigan grew up in Sunset Valley where some of his family remains. Horrigan's family declined to be interviewed.
"Your support is appreciated as we mourn the loss of a loving husband, devoted father, caring son and selfless soldier. We are sincerely touched by your concern and interest in Robert's life, his career and his sacrifice for our country," a statement released by the family read.
He is survived by his wife, Denise, daughter Courtney, his mother Mary, his sister Lisa Shine, twin brother John and brother Daniel.
Horrigan's life was remembered Tuesday by the small Sunset Valley community where the flag at City Hall flew at half-staff.
Across the street from the Horrigan's home, another family feels the pain.
"Oh gosh, this is very sad for me. It's a tragedy," neighbor Carmen Vallejo Castillo said.
Her sister's grandson, Austin Marine Nicholas Perez was killed last September.
"Everytime we'd see him, he'd greet us with a hug and kiss and we'll never forget that. Everytime we see Nick's picture, he's right there for us," Castillo said.
Actions of love and words of support now spread across the street.
"Pray, that helps a lot," Castillo said.
Horrigan began his Army career in May 1984 as an infantryman. He previously served with the 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, Ga. He left active duty and re-enlisted and was assigned as a team leader and Ranger instructor at the 5th Ranger Training Battalion.
After eight months of training, he graduated from the Special Forces program and was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) where he was weapons sergeant.
Horrigan's awards and decorations include:
2 Bronze Star Medals: one with Valor Device
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Army Commendation Medal
3 Army Achievement Medals
6 Army Good Conduct Medals
National Defense Service Medal with bronze service star
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
NATO Medal
Combat Infantryman's Badge
Expert Infantryman's Badge
Military Freefall Jumpmaster Badge
Master Parachutist Badge
Scuba Diver's Badge
Ranger Tab
Special Forces Tab
Statement from Horrigan family
The Horrigan family would like to thank friends and members of the Special Operations Community for their sincere expressions of sympathy during this very difficult time. Your support is appreciated as we mourn the loss of Robert who was a loving husband, a devoted father, a caring son and a selfless soldier.
We are sincerely touched by your concern and interest in Roberts life, his career and his sacrifice for our country. He gave his life for this country protecting our freedoms, our families and Americas way of life. Those with whom he served are willing to do the same. Robert always expressed the utmost respect and pride for his fellow brothers-in-arms.
We appreciate you keeping us, and all the other families who have endured the loss of a loved one, in your thoughts and prayers during our time of grief. May God bless the troops who serve to keep us safe.
Robert Horrigan...partime bladesmith, and brother of John Horrigan MS....killed in Iraq June 17, 2005
Godspeed brother!
Horrigan was killed in combat operations on June 17. The Army reported he died in Western Iraq after being attacked with enemy small-arms fire during combat operations.
He earned more than 30 honors, including two bronze stars, a meritorious service medal and ajoint service commendation medal.
Also killed was Master Sgt. Michael L. McNulty, 36, of Knoxville, Tenn.
Both men were stationed at U.S. Army Special Operations Headquarters in Fort Bragg, N.C.
Horrigan grew up in Sunset Valley where some of his family remains. Horrigan's family declined to be interviewed.
"Your support is appreciated as we mourn the loss of a loving husband, devoted father, caring son and selfless soldier. We are sincerely touched by your concern and interest in Robert's life, his career and his sacrifice for our country," a statement released by the family read.
He is survived by his wife, Denise, daughter Courtney, his mother Mary, his sister Lisa Shine, twin brother John and brother Daniel.
Horrigan's life was remembered Tuesday by the small Sunset Valley community where the flag at City Hall flew at half-staff.
Across the street from the Horrigan's home, another family feels the pain.
"Oh gosh, this is very sad for me. It's a tragedy," neighbor Carmen Vallejo Castillo said.
Her sister's grandson, Austin Marine Nicholas Perez was killed last September.
"Everytime we'd see him, he'd greet us with a hug and kiss and we'll never forget that. Everytime we see Nick's picture, he's right there for us," Castillo said.
Actions of love and words of support now spread across the street.
"Pray, that helps a lot," Castillo said.
Horrigan began his Army career in May 1984 as an infantryman. He previously served with the 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, Ga. He left active duty and re-enlisted and was assigned as a team leader and Ranger instructor at the 5th Ranger Training Battalion.
After eight months of training, he graduated from the Special Forces program and was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) where he was weapons sergeant.
Horrigan's awards and decorations include:
2 Bronze Star Medals: one with Valor Device
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Army Commendation Medal
3 Army Achievement Medals
6 Army Good Conduct Medals
National Defense Service Medal with bronze service star
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
NATO Medal
Combat Infantryman's Badge
Expert Infantryman's Badge
Military Freefall Jumpmaster Badge
Master Parachutist Badge
Scuba Diver's Badge
Ranger Tab
Special Forces Tab
Statement from Horrigan family
The Horrigan family would like to thank friends and members of the Special Operations Community for their sincere expressions of sympathy during this very difficult time. Your support is appreciated as we mourn the loss of Robert who was a loving husband, a devoted father, a caring son and a selfless soldier.
We are sincerely touched by your concern and interest in Roberts life, his career and his sacrifice for our country. He gave his life for this country protecting our freedoms, our families and Americas way of life. Those with whom he served are willing to do the same. Robert always expressed the utmost respect and pride for his fellow brothers-in-arms.
We appreciate you keeping us, and all the other families who have endured the loss of a loved one, in your thoughts and prayers during our time of grief. May God bless the troops who serve to keep us safe.
