Soldiers, family and friends from the 168th Brigade Support Battalion gathered for a memorial service July 24 at Frontier Chapel to honor the memory of Staff Sgt. Laquita Robinson, who died July 16.
"Many of us were touched by her influence in ways we will never forget," said Chaplain (Capt.) James Roland, 2nd Battalion, 4th Field Artillery. "We can tell by the stories told today that she took the time, energy and motivation to enter into people's lives and lead by example."
Others spoke of her love and ability to perform well as a water purification noncommissioned officer, sharing memories of her building up junior Soldiers to perform to their maximum potential while caring for them on a personal level.
"Most Soldiers at 1700 [hours] can't wait to leave and not see their NCOs, but me, I went home and took a shower, changed and we would go over to Sergeant Robinson's house for dinner often," said Spc. Christopher Moss, discussing his mentorship from Robinson during the ceremony.
"There was always something to learn through our visits. I love her kids so much and her son became like a brother to me," he said.
Capt. Bryan Metcalf, A Company, 168th BSB commander, talked about her strength, determination and ability to overcome challenges.
"I remember the first glass of water she had purified and gave me," said Metcalf, discussing her big smile and heart that allowed her to not only change dirty water to clean water, but showed that she could see the good in any situation. He discussed her volunteer efforts that had her spending what little free time she had helping the homeless in the community.
An integral part of the "Make It Happen" Battalion, Robinson could always be counted out to do an outstanding job completing the mission, Metcalf said.
"She would help out people in the same manner that she would help that water, clearing the things that contaminated their lives so they could move on and live a pure and clean life," he said.
"There is no doubt in my mind that Sergeant Robinson will continue to serve the military for years to come as she has passed on life lessons to her Soldiers that will in turn pass down to their Soldiers," Metcalf said in his closing remarks.
Robinson was a native of Benton Harbor, Mich., and graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1991. In 2000, she joined the Army, completing basic training here. She moved on to Fort Bliss, Texas, where she was awarded the Military Occupation Specialty of 14T, a Patriot Launching Station Enhanced Operator/Maintainer. Most recently assigned to the 168th BSB here, Robinson held the MOS of a 92W, Water Treatment Specialist.
Robinson is survived by her two brothers, three sons, a daughter and a granddaughter.
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