Robb G Needham - Iraq War Heroes, Our War Heroes

Robb Gordan Needham

Vancouver, Washington

September 20, 2006

Age

Military

Rank

Unit/Location

Army

MSgt

Army Reserve's 1st Battalion, 356th Regiment (Logistical Support), 4th Brigade, 91st Division

Fort Lewis, Washington

Killed in Baghdad, Iraq, when his patrol came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire during combat operations.

For Memorial Pics, Click Photo Below

September 29, 2006

Master Sgt. Robb G. Needham
Robb G. Needham was always ready to lend a helping hand _ whether it be to an American or an Iraqi. During his second tour of duty, Needham befriended an Iraqi who lived next door to his base. A brigade commander wanted to move the man and his family so that the house could be used as officers quarters. But Needham would have none of that. He loved visiting the Iraq's house, bouncing children on his knee and passing the hookah pipe, said Maj. Fred Miller. "The people became the mission." Needham, 51, of Vancouver, Wash., died Sept. 20 in Baghdad from small-arms fire. He was assigned to Fort Lewis. He first enlisted in the Army in 1973 and joined the Army Reserves in 1981, serving in Oakland, Calif; Portland; and Vancouver. Over his 30-year military career, he worked many jobs, including as a human resources specialist, an infantryman and, most recently, a mechanical maintenance supervisor. "I am so proud of my husband," said his wife, Catherine. "He touched lives everywhere he went. And he loved being a soldier." He also is survived by his children _ daughter, Robi, and son, Dylan _ and two grandchildren.

Published online on Nov. 28, 2006