Comments on: SSG Rob Thornton, R.I.P.

By: Larry Maxwell

Larry Maxwell — Tue, 16 Nov 2004 06:18:00 +0000

I was also stationed with him at Ft. Lewis. I was in C co. with 1st Sgt Dugay.

I ran across this site doing some research on 1/32.

I didn't know him very well, I knew of him. I am grateful for that.

This saddens me deeply and I am thankful for the service that he has given to this country.

Many thanks and prayers to his family and the other soldiers of 1/32ar for the sacrifices they have given us.

By: Jeff and Suzy Bradley Brother & Sister in law

Jeff and Suzy Bradley Brother & Sister in law — Mon, 15 Nov 2004 03:30:32 +0000

If you every had the chance to meet Robby he made a lasting impression your life forever. He was just that type of person. He loved life, his family, his country and was fully dedicated to the United States Army. He never had any regrets for what he did or had to do. He made this world safer for not only his kids to grow up in but for mine too. He is the hero that my girls will forever have to look up to. Whether he is with us on earth or as our very own guardian angel now we know that the sacrifices he made on August 23, 2004 in Iraq made a difference to us. Not many people would give up the chance to see their kids grow up to go and protect other peoples lives in another country. Robby would do it in a heartbeat and he did. I lost a best friend, a racing buddy, and a brother. But thanks to his dedication, we all sleep a little safer at night knowing he guards over us all the time now!

By: Terrell Fielland

Terrell Fielland — Sun, 14 Nov 2004 11:21:54 +0000

Can someone please tell me if this is Rob Thornton from Tampa Florida? If so, he was my best friend for years when we were little kids. We lost touch by the time we were in highschool. He went to Jesuit and I went to plant high. The Rob I knew had two brothers, and one was named Scott. I have not seen him in the past 20 years but from the photo it looks to me like it could be him. I like to hope it wasn't him but regardless I am very sorry for Ellen Thorton's loss. He was a wonderful kid I'm sure he turned out to be a fantastic father. I will never forget him!

By: Ellen Thornton PROUD WIFE of SSG Robert Thornton

Ellen Thornton PROUD WIFE of SSG Robert Thornton — Sun, 14 Nov 2004 02:45:46 +0000

Rob was my husband and has been my best friend and "soul-mate" for the past 14 years. I think I know him pretty well and I am confident that he did not die in vain. He was a career soldier and knew very well the sacrifices of war. Still he went willingly into battle out of loyality to his country and his brothers-in-arms. He was a true soldier and he gave 110% all the time. Yes, I'm sure that he would have preferred to come home and watch his children grow, but I also know that even if he had known that he would not come back from that last mission, he would have gone anyway. That was the type of person he was. He died with dignity and honor preserving the freedoms we enjoy today. That is what I will tell my children and grandchildren when they ask about their dad/granddad. Please do not diminish his death by questioning his dedication to his Country, Unit or Fellow Soldiers. He is a hero who sacrificed everything for his country. He deserves your respect.

By: Wm Santos

Wm Santos — Tue, 02 Nov 2004 05:00:27 +0000

I knew Robert Thornton as SPC Thornton when I was his Platoon Sergeant at DCO 1/32 Armor, FT. Lewis, Washington. I found out last week what happened and was deeply sadened for Thornton and his family.

Our Armor unit was small and we were all like family. Thornton was a squared away soldier and an awesome guy to meet in life. You could not ask to have a better attitude from a soldier and a friend.

I plan to contact his family and offer any asistance I can possibly offer. I may also have some photos of Thornton which I would like to send his family. I hope his wife remembers me. If anyone can help me with getting in touch with her I would be thankful. Once again I can't say enough good things about him. I know he impressed everyone in my unit.

I wished I could have been there to watch his back...

I will never forget my memories of Specialist Robert C. Thornton, my friend / my family.......

By: Beckii

Beckii — Sat, 30 Oct 2004 22:11:52 +0000

He was a very special person and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

By: Jade

Jade — Thu, 28 Oct 2004 03:59:21 +0000

May he rest in peace...

Will keep his family and friends in my prayers.