Posted by Betty Rodden on March 5, 2004:

Robert M. Rodden?44 No. 14079 * 28 Jun 1922 ? 30 Mar 2002 Died in Fairfield, CA Interred in USMA Post Cemetery Robert Morris Rodden died March 30, 2002, after a lifetime of commitment and dedication to the nation he loved. Born in New Mexico as the only child of Robert and Pearl Rodden, he moved at the age of two with his family to Abilene, Texas, where the family opened and operated a photography studio. Bob spent his entire childhood in Abilene and developed a life-long interest in photography. During his last year in high school, Bob enlisted in the National Guard so he could experience the ?privilege? of riding horses. A year later his unit was called to active duty and he quickly found himself stationed with the First Cavalry on the Texas-Mexico border. Twenty months in this assignment satisfied his enthusiasm for horseback riding for the rest of his life. During his tour with the First Calvary, Bob continued to pursue his lifelong ambition to attend the United States Military Academy. Initially an appointment to West Point was not available, so he accepted an appointment to the Naval Academy. When an appointment to the USMA did become available just six weeks before the beginning of classes, Bob quickly transferred to the USMA Class of l945. This class was that reorganized and became a part of the class of l944 because of World War II. Plebe year was rough and he wrote home that they ?could expect him back by Christmas.? Once accustomed to the rigors of academy life, however, he had few difficulties. The one subject that truly perplexed him was French. He often would recall with a laugh how the professor would refer to him as ?l?homme de Texas? because of his unusual pronunciation. Bob was proud to choose an assignment to the Engineers and, after D-Day graduation, he completed the Basic Course at Belvoir before joining the 1346th Engineer Combat Battalion at Camp Polk, La. In March of 1945, the unit was transferred to Okinawa to prepare for the invasion of Japan. He was among the first American troops to enter and occupy Japan, an assignment that would last two years. In June of 1946, Bob was transferred to the 8th Engineer Squadron of the 1st Cavalry Division. He returned stateside in July of that year to marry Betty Schaaff in Washington, D.C. Betty was able to join him four months later in Japan for the balance of his two-year tour. While on leave between assignments, Bob received a change of orders sending him to the Armed Forces Special Weapons Project at Sandia Base, New Mexico. He unsuccessfully fought this ?tooth and nail? because he had his heart set on another troop command. Later, however, Bob felt it was one of the best things that ever happened to his career for it redirected his focus into the Special Weapons field. During the family?s three-year stay at Sandia, his two children, Robb and Betsy, were born 1951 to 1954 saw three years of schooling: one year at the Naval Postgraduate School, two years at the University of California, Berkeley. In 1954 the University of California, Berkeley, awarded Bob an advanced degree in Bioradiology. He was subsequently assigned to the Atomic Support Agency in Washington, D.C. Bob?s duty at the Pentagon spanned six years, broken up by one year at the Command & General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth in 1957. It is likely that, of his entire career, he most enjoyed his years at the Pentagon. It was during that time that he felt he truly was making a specific, worthwhile contribution to the defense of the nation. In 1960, Bob was assigned to the Army Standardization Group in London where he supported efforts to standardize methods and equipment with the British and NATO forces, though he felt the successes were few. As his tour concluded in 1964 orders came for the National War College, but with two children facing college, Bob felt it was best to turn down the commitment. This was a decision he seconded guessed for the rest of his life. Instead, he was assigned to go to Lawrence Radiation Laboratory in Livermore, California, where he worked on nuclear weapons delivery systems. In 1965 Bob retired as a lieutenant colonel, receiving the Meritorious Service Medal, and began a second career with Stanford Research Institute. He became Director of the Institute?s Center for Resources and Environmental Systems Studies, supervising a staff that included over 50 research professionals. Betty organized and operated her own learning disabilities education center. In 1977, Bob left SRI and established RMR Associates, an energy consulting firm specializing in cogeneration. During the late 70?s and early 80?s, he consulted for U.S. petroleum producers and the Venezuelan oil industry, doing feasibility evaluation and preliminary design for small electric power plants. In 1982, Bob and Betty moved to Carmel-by-the-Sea where ?We have a great view of the Carmel Bay and the Pacific Ocean, and enjoy watching ships and whales go by.? Bob maintained his consulting business until 1990. Bob enjoyed golf at two clubs, was Treasurer of Meals on Wheel, and helped with fund raisers for the Monterey Museum of Art, and Monterey Institute of International Studies. In 1992 Betty and Bob moved to the Cypress in Hilton Head, S.C. In spite of being diagnosed with Parkinson?s, Bob enjoyed his newfound freedom, travel, and the opportunity to walk out his back door and play golf. However, in 2000, with his entire family on the west coast, he felt it was time to move back to California and he and Betty relocated to Paradise Valley Estates near San Francisco. Tragically, one month after the move he had a disabling stroke. Bob was an ardent and life-long supporter of the Army and West Point. He upheld with pride its traditions throughout his life. Reunions and time with classmates always had priority. He was active in Rotary, Seniors in Retirement, and Army Navy and Quail Country Clubs. His interests were many, but foremost were his love of family?his wife, Betty, his children Betsy and Robb and their spouses, and his grandchildren, Bobby, Christina, David and Beth. He was a loving husband, proud father, doting grandfather, and a true friend. He will be sorely missed. When Bob passed away, his enduring wish to return to West Point was granted. He was buried in the USMA cemetery on the 24th of June 2002. Bob surely lived the West Point motto; Duty, Honor, Country. Rest in Peace. Betty Rodden, Robb and Betsy

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