Iowa Soldier, Too Quietly, Laid To Rest

Flag flown from fire engine ladder trucks along the route to lay Sgt. Robert Briggs to rest. (photo submitted)

Keokuk, Iowa – Sgt. Robert Briggs was laid to rest on Monday, July 11th, 2011. Briggs was wounded by shrapnel from an insurgent artillery round while serving in Ramadi, Iraq on April 16, 2005. Before his passing the doctors had to remove one of his eyes, and the other one was damaged, which left him partially blind in that eye. He was also paralyzed on his left side, with metal remaining embedded in his body.

Briggs was taken to Germany and then to Walter Reed Hospital where they performed an operation that removed part of his skull, which caused the need to wear a helmet to bed.

Before Sgt. Briggs went off to war, he worked for the State of Iowa in the Department of Transportation where he was an equipment operator at the Mt. Pleasant garage. “Bob is one of our best,” said Highway Maintenance Supervisor Brad Steinhart. “He’s one of those guys you can always count on.”

All of this loss, of Iowa’s bravest, is since the beginning of the year. Along with Sgt. Robert Briggs, there have been 7 other Iowans who have died from injuries while serving our country overseas. The others include: SFC Terryl Pasker, Cpt. Matthew Nielson, SSG James Justice, Spc Donald Nichols, Staff Sgt. Joseph Hamski – Air Force, Sgt Brent Maher, Spc Andrew Muhr. All of these others were treated as the heroes they are.

Briggs was laid to rest a hero, but his was different than the other 7 Iowans killed in the line of duty. Since the injuries he died from stem back to that shrapnel wound he received back in 2005, there were no flags at half staff in his honor. There was no press conference or other formal announcement about his death. Yet, he died of injuries he sustained directly on the battlefield. The only difference being that his death was a few years later versus being killed instantly or being in the hospital for only a few weeks or months before passing.

I question what the difference is.

Concerned Oskaloosa resident Shelly Spaur had this to say about the passing of Sgt Briggs, “On June 28, 2011, Sgt. Briggs, who was medically retired from the Iowa National Guard due to an injury received in Iraq, tragically succumbed to his injuries. Members of the Guard were notified that his death had occurred. As far as I know, there was no official memo released to the press from the Iowa National Guard [stating] that this soldier died as a result of his injury received while serving in Iraq [so as] to give the State of Iowa the opportunity to celebrate this soldier’s ultimate sacrifice. This has felt like the silent death of a hero. Bob and his wife had done much advocating for the State of Iowa and for wounded veterans; which could be anyone’s son or daughter. Yet, as much of a legacy as he left, the flags were not flown at half-staff, the press was not notified to report on the life and death of the soldier, and his wife received no casualty assistance officer. If this soldier had died from his injuries on April 16, 2005 when wounded, the Guard would have made an announcement and talked about the life and legacy that this soldier left. His wife is a survivor, she’s not just a retired soldier’s spouse, yet it appears to me that the State of Iowa has forgotten this family. This is something that we can not allow to happen again. Everyday, we have soldiers returning from service with injuries that may later take their lives. These soldiers deserve to be celebrated for their sacrifice and service and these families deserve the love, respect, and gratitude owed to them for not only sacrificing their soldier, but for the love, attention, and time put into helping this soldier live out what time he had left. We CAN NOT FORGET!”

While Sgt Briggs was still alive, he and his wife fought for the rights of other disabled veterans and their families who have given up so much, and lost so much. Many times, just as in the case of Sgt. Briggs, a spouse has to leave a job in order to help take care of the wounded warrior. They fought for the Veterans Affairs to provide more training to primary caregivers of our severely wounded soldiers. The soldiers that were certified would be eligible for health benefits and receive a small sum of money to help provide care. The alternative for many families would be to send their loved one off to a soldier’s home to be cared for. Bob also helped to co-found the English River Outfitters, a resort that offers all of our veterans ~past, present, and future~ a solitude outdoor recreational resort, at no cost to them, where they can camp, fish, hunt, hike, and enjoy a campfire in an enjoyable relaxing atmosphere. They provide a safe outdoor experience with other veterans to help promote healing and closure and where the veterans can realize their strengths and independence.

In response to this tragic situation, Shelly Spaur is attempting to create “The Rights and Dignity of Wounded Warriors Foundation”. This foundation will help to ensure that no soldier or family is ever forgotten.

I think it’s time this never happens to one of our heroes again. I really wanted to place my disappointment with the Governors Office but, in searching for more information on this, I can’t determine who is responsible for this sad neglect of one of our own. We are supposed to leave no man behind. Contact these people and tell them how you feel about this.

Governor Terry Branstad
1007 East Grand Ave.
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Phone: 515.281.5211

Congressman Leonard Boswell
Iowa District Office
300 East Locust, Suite 320
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 282-1909
Fax: (515) 282-1785
Toll Free Phone: (888) 432-1984
Hours: 8am-5pm (CST)

Congressman Dave Loebsack
125 South Dubuque Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone: (319) 351-0789
Fax: (319) 351-5789

Senator Chuck Grassley
721 Federal Building
210 Walnut Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 288-1145
Fax: (515) 288-5097

Senator Tom Harkin
210 Walnut Street
Room 733, Federal Building
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 284-4574 Phone
(515) 284-4937 Fax