256th Soldier honored with Purple Heart

-- Published Article (9.16.05) --

He stood at attention, hand raised in salute as national anthem played.
Despite the Louisiana heat, friends, family and fellow Soldiers gathered to honor Spc. Robert Anderson, 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, 256th Brigade Combat Team, Louisiana National Guard, as he received the Purple Heart Sept. 9 for injuries sustained during a deployment to Iraq. He is a native of Dubberly, La.,
On June 29, 21-year-old Anderson and his squad members were tasked with escorting detainees to a detention center in the Gazalia District of Baghdad when the M-113 armored personnel carrier where he was gunner was attacked by multiple improvised explosive devices, detonating on either side of the vehicle.
Shrapnel from the explosion struck his Kevlar helmet resulting in blunt force trauma to the brain. The concussion of the IEDs caused him to be thrown from the vehicle, striking his head.
“I was just doing my job,” he said quietly as he sat beside his wife and 3-month old son. Anderson added that he doesn’t consider himself a hero.
But Brig. Gen. Michael Barbero, commanding general of the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk, said Anderson was just that.
“We are here to pay tribute to a Soldier whose service illustrates the highest ideal of selfless service and love of country,” Barbero said.
“Since December 2001, thousands of Fort Polk and Louisiana Soldiers have deployed to support the Global War on Terrorism and the 256th Brigade of the Louisiana National Guard is just now redeploying from one tough year of combat in Baghdad in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“Specialist Anderson, you are a member of an elite group of Soldiers, heroes who have been in the midst of the Global War on Terror for more than a year,” he added.
“When I first met Specialist Anderson a few weeks ago as he arrived here, I was impressed with his attitude and humility,” Barbero continued.
“He embodies the American patriot described by Thomas Paine at the birth of our nation (when he said) ‘I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. ‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.’
“Specialist Anderson, we know you are still healing from your wounds and I know you and the other members of the Louisiana National Guard are facing additional challenges visited upon southeast Louisiana by Hurricane Katrina.
But take comfort in the knowledge that we are inspired by your selfless service and those of your comrades,” Barbero stated.
He added that Soldiers of the 256th should be honored for their sacrifices on America’s behalf.
“They put their lives on hold to answer their nation’s call, some with their lives, to help others live free,” Barbero said.
Anderson said he has no plans to leave the military, but instead chooses to continue serving his remaining three-year commitment. This was his first deployment. He has been with the National Guard for three years.
Samantha, his spouse, said she was notified of the attack by her mother-in-law, adding that it was about a month before he returned to the United States and his family was able to see him.
During a year-long deployment, 35 Soldiers of the 256th died and others were wounded, including Anderson.
Spc. Robert Anderson (second from right), 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, 256th Brigade Combat Team, Louisiana National Guard, is awarded the Purple Heart in a ceremony Sept. 9 for injuries sustained during a deployment to Iraq. (Brig. Gen. Micheal D. Barbero, second from left, commander of the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk presents him with the award.)