Part I - One year ago, I lost you, the love of my life, I have tried but I still cannot imagine that God could possibly need you more than Michael and I do. I miss your smile,your laughter,and your warmth. The way you used to hold me and all of my troubles would disappear in your arms. I miss our little jokes, the ones no-one else would understand but us. I miss the way we could just look into each other’s eyes and know what the other was thinking. I miss your love.

Bob was my classmate at U of F in ROTC. He always told a great story that lightened the room and put people in the mood to laugh. He was the kind of person you always hoped the best for... and he did the same for everyone else. His memory will always bring a smile.

There was never a day over the past year when I din't think of you - sometime with tears, sometime with a laugh over a remembered joke, always with love

To all of the Dish's family,
I hope your tears have started to be replaced with smiles and giggles as you think of Dish and all of the love and friendship he shared every moment of his life.

Dish & I became friends at UF in the late 80's (his second time at UF) in AFROTC Det 150 and Billy Mitchell Drill Team together. He was one of my closest friends, always there for me, always ready to make me laugh.

I have so many fun memories of Dish. The funniest has to be the way he would lick his finger and stick it in whatever you were eating and ask "Are you gonna eat that?"

I met Bob while a member of the AFROTC unit at the University of Florida in the early 1980s. He and I were both on the Billy Mitchell Drill Team (a rifle drill team). He was always happy, smiling, and quick with a funny story. He was devoted to ROTC and rarely missed a practice or function (probably at the expense of his grades!). I will always remember his friendliness and his lighthearted approach to life. He'd do anything you asked him to do and would smile when he did it.

We are very sorry for your loss. In 2005, we lost my husband's brother, 1st Sgt. Alan N. Gifford, in Iraq and know the heart ache you are going through. Our prayers are with you. God Bless.

Lou, (the other Lou from Thelma and Louise) I am just reeling with the news of Dish (Bob) he was such a beautiful person, and I will class myself as very priviledged to have known him - I remember how excited you were when you first met him - that darned Keller Bar:):) Then we were the 2 Lous and 2 Bobs for a while:) Your son Michael will be proud when he's older of the wonderful man his father was - full of chivalry and kindness for everyone...........big love and hugs to you and Michael - rest in peace Dish - we will miss you.
Love Lou, Doug, Heidi & Owen xoxoxoxo

Recently we were able to visit Arlington National Cemetery and visit Bob's last resting place. His marker has been placed among all the others who have valiantly served our country. It is said that a true hero is measured not in how one loses his life but in how one lived his life. Bob was a true hero in every sense of the word.

I had the honor and priviledge of working with Bob for the last two years of his military career. If ever there were an individual that made one look forward to coming to work, it was Bob. His humor and quick wit could always put a smile on my face. It saddened my wife and I to hear of his passing. He will be deeply missed.

Jeff and Angie

It was an Honor and a Privilege to play my bagpipes for Bob at Arlington National Cemetery. I've played for numerous Heroes over the years; Police Officers, Firefighters and Soldiers alike but found that this time it was very hard to keep my breath as I played "Amazing Grace". As a Viet Nam Veteran and a family member myself, I held a special bond with you and regret I never got to shake your hand. You are indeed a hero .