I Got The News Today (IGTNT) is one of the oldest continuous series on Daily Kos. It is a way for our community to pay respect to those who have died while in service to our nation.
Sergeant First Class Elliot J. Robbins
Although he was born in San Diego, Elliott Robbins spent most of his childhood in North Ogden, Utah. He had six siblings, and his family attended the Saint James the Just Church in Ogden. He went to Weber High School and joined the military in June of 2006.
Elliot was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, and deployed with them to Iraq in 2007.
After completing Special Forces qualification, Robbins deployed to Afghanistan in 2017. He was sent overseas to Afghanistan again in January of this year, shortly after his son was born in December. Robbins was with Special Operations Command. As a Green Beret medical sergeant, he was assigned to D Company, 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Airborne Group based in Fort Carson, Colorado.
Sergeant 1st Class Elliott J. Robbins died Sunday, June 30th from “non-combat related injuries” in Helmand province, Afghanistan. The cause of death was not released and an investigation is ongoing. He was 31 years old.
The news of his passing was shared by two soldiers who knocked on the front door and spoke to Elliot’s father. According to a Salt Lake City news station:
"I knew it was not good news. I was hoping it was — maybe he was wounded or something?" said his father, Freeman Robbins, who also served in the Army. "You know, the thought into my mind — maybe Elliott followed me, and in consequence, now he's not coming back to us. Maybe that's partly my fault."
Elliott Robbins' little sister, Beatrix Robbins, was out of town for a wedding when she found out.
"I had this weird feeling come over me, and I just really missed him, and I texted him that I missed him, and two hours later my dad called us with the news," she cried. "I hugged him so many times, but I didn't realize that it was going to be the last time I saw him. He was coming home in three weeks."
The remains of U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Elliott J.Robbins arrived at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Tuesday, July 2, 2019. His family was present to witness the honor guard solemnly complete the transfer ceremony. Utah Governor Gary Herbert said flags across the state of Utah will be lowered to half-staff on the day of the funeral, which has not yet been announced.
Some of the awards and decorations given to Sergeant Robbins include the Army Commendation Medal with Combat Device and one Oak Leaf Cluster; Army Achievement Medal with one Silver and two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters; Valorous Unit Award; and Army Good Conduct Medal with Bronze Four Knot Device, the release states.
Robbins also received the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Robbins also earned the Special Forces Tab, the Ranger Tab,the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, and the Parachutist and Military Freefall Parachutist Badges.
Sergeant 1st Class Elliott J. Robbins is credited with saving the lives of many US soldiers and those of their Afghan partners. He is survived by his wife, baby son, and a large family.
Please bear in mind that these diaries are read by friends and family of the service members mentioned here. May all of our remembrances be full of compassion rather than politics.