My Family’s Veteran

My great-uncle Robin Willey entered the Vietnam War when he was just 19 years old.He was my Great-Grandma Jo's baby and she didn't want to let him go. Robin grew up in Grangeville, and was the youngest of 6 children.

He dropped out of the University of Idaho to enlist in the Army. Robin started his tour April 26, 1968 as a specialist 5 assigned to the 84th Engineer Battalion. He was responsible for building bridges and roads to enable his fellow soldiers to go where they needed to go.

He stepped on a land mine March 26, 1969, in Phu Yen province in the former South Vietnam and died May 10, 1969, in a hospital in Japan, just two months shy of his 22nd birthday.

My Great-Grandma Georgia and Grandpa Vern never got over the loss of their son. I never had a chance to meet him, but I'm honored today and everyday to be related to such a brave young man who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Thank you to all who serve.