Todd J. Robbins
Sergeant, United States Army
February 16, 1970 – April 3, 2003
Age – 33
Hart, MI
Operation Iraqi Freedom
C Battery, 3rd Battalion, 13th Field Artillery Regiment (Multiple Launch Rocket System) Fort Sill, OK
Killed when a bomb struck the rocket launcher he was manning
Robbins was killed when a bomb, possibly launched by coalition forces, struck the rocket launcher he was manning. SGT Robbins was a reconnaissance sergeant in the Multiple Launch Rocket System.
Todd was a 1988 graduate of Hart High School and served in the Navy during the 1991 Persian Gulf War. After his discharge, he studied criminal justice at West Shore Community College where he got a degree in criminal justice. He was anticipating a law-enforcement career but chose the Army instead at the age of 29. Turns out the Army is what he loved the most – he lived, ate and slept the Army. Todd was an avid sports fan, especially the University of Michigan’s football team. He leaves behind his wife, Laura, and his 13-year-old son, from an earlier marriage, who is now a student at the same high school Todd graduated from. Even if an investigation determines his death was the result of “friendly fire,” Todd J. Robbins would never want anyone to blame fellow U.S. soldiers, his mother said. “If my son were here, he’d say, ‘Everyone, hold on. That was my Army buddy.”
Robbins had served in the Navy during the 1991 Persian Gulf War. He joined the Army when he was 29.“He lived, ate and slept the Army. He just loved it,” said his father, Dale Robbins.
He was remembered by his military brothers as follows.
“Today at church service, our minister had those who had served to stand up, and then stated if we have served with anyone that has fallen. I stood there and wept uncontrollably. All I could think about was you and Scott. I hope your family is doing well and know I miss ya Brudda! God bless!”
Ric Munoz (SSG, med retired) of Lawton/Ft. Sill, Ok
“I just wanted to say how privileged I was to call Todd my friend. Through the crazy field problem in Kansas where the tent burned to the ground to the time spent together in Iraq he could always make things better. I am no longer in MLRS but I remember SGT Robbins not only as a great Soldier but also a great man. To all his loved ones you should be proud Todd was, is, and always will be someone who is special. I truly miss my friend.”
Ronnie Wallett of San Antonio, TX
“Dear Mr. and Mrs. Robbins it is with great regret that I leave you this message. I was stunned to learn of the fate of your cherished son Todd. Todd and I served together on the USS Wasp. Being both from Michigan we bonded right away. We worked out together and cliff jumped and snorkeled the reefs of Palma Spain together. He was a great person and his ambition inspired me to work out all the time as he did. Being on the ship together and hanging out in ports during leave was a treat when Todd and I were together. I remember once when in Italy, Rome actually Todd got pick pocketed! we found the ones who did it and Todd and I threatened enough for them to give him his wallet back! it was truly a funny story that one had to be there to witness. I have a picture of Todd and I in Haifa Israel. we were guests of a very generous family that had adopted us for an excellent dinner. they had us wear those little beanie hats and he and I tried to contain our laughter. the dinner was fantastic and he and I returned to the ship with a great memory! I haven’t seen Todd since he left the wasp. I have great memories of him. I was saddened by the news of his death. I feel that the navy was never enough for him. it never truly represented what he wanted out of the service. I had the same feelings. we often thought of our lives as a soldier in the marines or the army! I can’t begin to empathize your loss as a parent. please know that there are people like myself that would gladly trade places with him right now to give him the second chance he rightly deserves! He is a hero! and although it’s been forever since I’ve seen him he will always be a hero in my eyes! I hope the world recognizes the sacrifices that all our veterans have made whether alive or dead they are the reason that our beloved country has the freedoms we have. my friend Todd Robbins will be missed but never forgotten!”
Craig Pohutski of Dearborn heights, Michigan
“I’ll never forget serving with you in Iraq. We stood outside the vehicles late at night talking about stupid stuff like TV shows and wondering when we were going to come home. How this would all play out and if we were gonna need those damn gas masks. Turns out we didn’t. Didn’t need those stupid pills either. If there’s a God I hope he rewards the measure of a man by his heart because you deserve comfort for what you endured. You were a good man and a good friend to your fellow soldiers. You are missed.”
SPC Anthony Frenzel of Fargo, ND