GRAFENWOEHR, Germany - Quiet sobs echoed through Vilseck Chapel July 27, as the community, both German and American, joined to honor 1st Lt. Robert Bennedsen, who was killed in action when he was struck by an improvised explosive device while conducting a vehicle recovery mission outside of Qalat, Afghanistan, July 18.
Assigned to 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Bennedsen was the first 2SCR Soldier lost during their Operation Enduring Freedom 2010-2011 deployment and that loss weighed heavily on the community as was evident by the large number in attendance.
Dignitaries from the German army and military reserves, German federal forestry office, German police and local mayors joined Bennedsen's friends and military family to mourn his loss.
A native of Vashon, Wash., was well known not only for his physical accomplishments in football and wrestling, but also for his intellectual abilities. He received a full scholarship to Seattle University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business in 2008. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army June 13, 2008.
Bennedsen had been with 2SCR since he joined the unit in Bulgaria in 2009. He was a logistical support team leader.
"I remember when I first met Lieutenant Bennedsen," said Capt. Augustin Ordonez, conveying comments made by Capt. David Spooner, chaplain, 2/2 SCR, in a previous ceremony in Afganistan. "He was half caked in mud with his hands covered in grease. I remarked to myself, 'there is a man who enjoys his work.' "
"When I joked with him about it," Ordonez continued, "he said, 'I've got to lead from the front, sir.' That he did. He was always out front putting the needs of his Soldiers before his own. That was his life and his death."
"Lieutenant Bennedsen thought more about the Soldiers than himself," said Ordonez, conveying words spoken by Chief Warrant Officer James Caetano, maintenance officer, 2/2 SCR. "Even before he came here, he had already coordinated with his family and friends back home to start sending care packages to Afghanistan for his Soldiers."
"They actually arrived before the Soldiers did and these were no ordinary packages," Ordonez added. "They each were different and packed carefully with thoughtfulness. We had all of the local products of his hometown. One even included a bottle of SpongeBob Bubbles with blower. It was labeled 'for stress relief.' "
That last part gleaned laughter from the somber attendees, giving them a chance to smile through their tears.
Bennedsen wasn't just liked by his Soldiers however, his commanders and peers also praised the way he lived his life.
"He made a great first impression on me and leaders and Soldiers across the squadron," said Maj. David McCulley, 2SCR regimental rear detachment commander conveying comments from Lt. Col. Omar Jones, commander, 2nd Squadron/2 SCR at the previous ceremony. "His positive attitude and his enthusiasm to train his Soldiers and support the squadron were infectious."
"I will always cherish the memories that I had with him, from training in Bulgaria, to our morning runs, to his always smiling face," said Ordonez, reading comments from Capt. Kevin P. Ryan, Commander, HHC, 2/2 SCR. "I will always remember him for who he was, how he lived his life, and how he led his Soldiers. We will honor Rob by continuing the mission, striving to do the best we can, and to use his example of selfless service to inspire and motivate our actions as we continue through our odyssey. "
Bennedsen was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, NATO medal and Combat Action Badge. His awards also include National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, his Airborne and Air Assault wings and the Overseas Service Bar.
Bennedsen is survived by his parents Scott and Tracy Bennedsen and his sister Jamie Bennedsen.
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