Posted by Joanne Quinn Collins on July 23, 2000:

"When he was hit, he was performing his duty to the fullest extent with the zest and enthusiasm which was prominent in every thing he did. Those of us who knew Roger were treated to something really quite rare." These words written by a friend and classmate of Roger's say it all and so simply. Roger was born in Steubenville ,Ohio and moved with his parents to Portsmouth, Ohio during his high school years. His appointment to West Point filled his family with great pride. Encouraged by their love and faith in him, but with butterflies in his stomach, he began his four years with reasonable record, determination to succeed in his career, and store of wonderful friends, he left it. After the Armor Officer Basic Course, Ranger School and Airborne School, Roger had his first assignment with the 3d Cavalry Regiment , Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. As a platoon leader h hist each task head-on and took pride in being a soldier. He then went to Korea with the 9th Cavalry, and after trudging its hill for fourteen months, happily arrived at his next duty station, Ft. Carson. We had Marlyn at Meade,, Allan during Korea, but we outdid ourselves at Carson. Our twin, Sean and Heather, were born. Roger then had the honor of being chosen to attend the Royal Armored Corps School of Tank Technology in Covington Camp, Dorset England. He was a first rate ambassador of good will. His warmth of personality and high regard for all people won him much admiration and many friendships. No one could help but learn to love Roger; he had that way about him. Roger thoroughly enjoyed our next stop, Germany. We were with the 3d Battalion, 70th Armor at Munich. Roger was picked by his Battalion Commander for Company commander of the year, and had the top tank crew. He worked hard and did well. At the Associate Advanced Course he graduated an honor student. In the field or in the classroom he trove to excel. Roger put his all into everything he tackled, always putting forth his best effort. This conviction went with him to Vietnam, first with the 11th Cavalry Regiment and finally as S-3 of the 3d Battalion, 5th Cavalry. On 3 April 1968, he was shot during an assault mission and died. He had only two months to go in Vietnam. Roger possessed great sensitivity towards the world; he was champion of mankind, always worried about the oppressed and the underprivileged. He bore no prejudices and was incapable of unkindness; he was a tender husband, a thoughtful father; he was a good soldier; a fine human being. --His wife

admin