Ryan Neil Roberson

West Point, 1994

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by 1LT Lee Pearson on November 30, 2005:

It was through divine intervention that I came to know MAJ Roberson. I was assigned to his first MPOBC class. He was tough, brazen, sarcastic and hilarious. But mostly, he was correct, insightful, and respectable. I carry with me the lessons that I learned from him. Not so much the tactics of carrying out a mission, although he did a fine job at teaching them. But more so the techniques of working with soldiers - training them, leading them, and being respected by them. It is said often, but I feel it is more than fitting - If I can only be 1/10 of the soldier and officer that MAJ Roberson was, then I will have done something amazing in my career. I recall that when he was selected for promotion, I wrote to congratulate him. I also told him that I await the day when I can say that General Roberson was my Small Group Leader. Unfortunately I will not have that opportunity. However, his memory and life will remain with me always. Thanks be to God that he sent Ryan Roberson to this earth to enrich the lives of so many. There are so many stories that I can pull from OBC about this man. But what I remember most is the incredulous way that he would tear down an OPORD while in a group, but then take you aside and build you back up. I know he was doing it to accomplish two things: 1) To help us learn the proper way to earn the trust and respsect of soldiers through proficieny, and 2) To let you know that maybe, just maybe, you weren't too much of a Chucklehead. You will forever be a hero to me. Thank you, Sir.

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