Robert Augustine Seidel III

West Point, 2004

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Elizabeth B. Logan on August 23, 2007:

Scholarship Recipient: Elizabeth B. Logan 2006 Frank O’Neill Memorial Scholarship Name a person who had a significant influence on you and describe that influence. Dedication, respect, heart, leadership, belief and a love for life; these were the qualities of 1st Lt. Robert Seidel. I will always remember him. Robbie was killed in Iraq on May 18, 2006 but he left such a significant impact on my life. I met Robbie at West Point six years ago. Our family sponsored him when he was a cadet at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He always had a smile and a joke to tell. You could see and feel the love and pride he had for the Academy, his family, and his friends. He enjoyed everything about his life. It was an honor to have met Robbie and his family, and I admire all their courage to keep smiling every day. His funeral was the most moving event I have ever witnessed. The whole town came out to support his family, the Patriot Guard was there to shelter us from the protestors, and his friends came out by the hundreds. I distinctly remember the funeral ride through Robbie’s home town. The sight of the townspeople holding up the American flag, showing signs of prayers for Robbie and his family, and the pride and respect shown by even complete strangers, was a very moving event in my life. Because my father was in Iraq the same time Robbie was, he was honored to have done the eulogy. His words echoed throughout the church with the most respect and love a person could give such an honorable soldier. I remember looking around and not seeing one dry eye. Now and again, my family will make the drive up to Pennsylvania to visit with the Seidel’s. They are still mourning the loss of their beloved brother and son, but their smiles and open arms are still warming and comforting. Their lives have changed since that day, May 18, 2006, but not only did their lives alter, the impact of their son transformed mine. After Robbie’s passing, I began to look at my life in a different way. I wondered if one person could have such a significant influence on my life, what would happen if everyone made an effort to influence someone else’s life. I strengthened my leadership skills in PLOOM (Peer Leaders of Oakland Mills), wrote an editorial to the Baltimore Sun about our high school’s pride, and joined a new lacrosse club team to perfect my game. I signed up for Christmas in April (Habitat for Humanity) and plan on continuing to dedicate my time to helping others. Everyday I wake up with a smile and an eagerness to help someone. Robbie taught me that and I wish I could thank him.

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