Robert Snap Spot

Tag: remembrance

  • Memorial Day 2025: Honor the Brave!

    Memorial Day 2025: Honor the Brave!

    This Memorial Day 2025, Our Fallen, We honor!

    I will always remember and honor my friends, my brothers with this post!

    A soldier in uniform stands in front of Club Stewart, a military building, with trees and landscaping in the background.
    Me, SSG Robert Smith, at my Retirement 2009

    It is very hard being the soldier who returns home to a hero’s welcome when your battle buddy, comrade, friend, brother does not!  Warriors Walk, fallen soldiers, 3ID  (3RD Infantry Division), Fort Stewart, Georgia.

    A pathway lined with trees and American flags, leading through a memorial area honoring fallen soldiers at Warriors Walk, Fort Stewart, Georgia.
    A close-up of a military dog tag with the name SPC Norris, details of service, and a bronze star, held in a hand against a blurred background.

    We the soldiers, leaders, active duty and retired, and our families from Alpha Company, 3/7th Infantry gathered at the Warriors Walk to remember our fallen Cottonbalers 2017.

    A group of veterans gathered at the Warriors Walk in Fort Stewart, Georgia, to honor their fallen comrades on Memorial Day 2025.

    Trees were planted along the Warriors Walk for each soldier KIA (killed in action) from the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID). 469 Trees lined the walk.

    https://home.army.mil/stewart/index.php/my-fort/community/warriors-walk

    This is my tribute to those I served with, who didn’t come home.

    A memorial bracelet engraved with the name 'SGT. GLENN DALE HICKS JR.' and 'D CO. KIA APRIL 28, 2003', resting on a stone, surrounded by red mulch and a decorative star.
    A small angel statue sitting on mulch, with its wings raised and hands clasped as if in prayer.
    A soldier sitting on a bench along a pathway at Warriors Walk, lined with trees and memorial flags, amid a serene landscape.
    A soldier seated by a memorial, surrounded by trees and flags, reflecting solemnly during a memorial service.
    Two brick columns marking the entrance to Warriors Walk, each with a plaque and a decorative light on top.
    Plaque on a brick column displaying the words 'WARRIORS WALK' as a tribute to fallen soldiers.

    Posted by

    SSG Robert J. Smith Jr., Retired

    They are sons, brothers, husbands, fathers! They are missed!

    Alpha Company, 3-7 INF (1999-2009),  Theses are My Brothers, My Friends

    Tree # 81-CPL Pfister,

    Two soldiers posing together in military gear, one in a camouflage uniform and glasses, shaking hands in an indoor setting.

     Tree # 82-SPC Wessel,

    Two soldiers sitting inside a military vehicle, wearing camouflage uniforms and looking directly at the camera.
    Three soldiers in camouflage uniforms pose together in a military setting, smiling and showcasing camaraderie.
    A soldier wearing military camouflage gear and a helmet, smiling while seated inside a helicopter, with a forested landscape visible below.
    Two U.S. Army soldiers standing in military uniforms, one wearing a beret with a name tag 'Wessel' and the other 'Kingery', in a barracks setting.

     Tree # 415-SSG Dawson, 

    A close-up portrait of a soldier in military uniform, appearing serious and thoughtful.
    Photo from Warriors Walk website

    Tree # 416-SGT Durbin, 

    A soldier in military uniform stands confidently next to a military vehicle, wearing sunglasses and gloves, with fellow soldiers and supplies in the background.
    A soldier in camouflage gear and sunglasses, seated and focused, with military equipment in the background.
    A group of soldiers gathered outdoors, with one soldier holding a football, amidst a casual setting.
    Four soldiers in military gear standing in a wooded area, looking directly at the camera.

    Tree # 417-SSG Phillips Jr.

    Soldiers in camouflage uniforms engage in a discussion, highlighting camaraderie and teamwork.
    A group of soldiers in camouflage uniforms gathered at an outdoor military facility, with one soldier sitting on a bench while others engage in conversation and preparations.


    Tree # 411-SPC Norris,

    Person standing at a baseball field wearing sunglasses and a dark shirt, with others in the background.
    Close-up of a soldier wearing camouflage gear and protective eyewear, with 'NORRIS' printed on the chest area.

    All brothers are commemorated back at Fort Stewart but these are photos from the ceremony while we were deployed after SPC Norris died.

    A tribute display featuring a soldier's combat boots, a rifle, and a helmet, flanked by American flags, symbolizing remembrance of fallen soldiers.
    A memorial service in a military setting with soldiers gathered to honor fallen comrades. A banner reads 'COTTONBALERS BY GOD' and flags are displayed, creating a solemn atmosphere.
    A U.S. flag stands prominently as soldiers march past during a nighttime ceremony.
    Two soldiers in military uniforms participate in a ceremony at night, one adjusting a boot while the other kneels in a solemn pose, with other soldiers seated in the background.
    Three soldiers in military uniform saluting during a ceremony at night.
    Two soldiers in uniform embrace during a ceremony, conveying a sense of camaraderie and support in a somber atmosphere.
    A solemn military memorial ceremony with soldiers gathered, listening to a speaker in front of a tribute display featuring an empty pair of combat boots and an American flag.
    A memorial pamphlet in honor of SPC Kyle Phillip Norris displayed on a black chair, featuring his photo against an American flag background.
    A solemn memorial display featuring a framed photo of a fallen soldier above a helmet resting on a rifle, flanked by combat boots and military medals on a table.

    I’ll always remember you! Supply 4 Out!

    #memorialday2025 #FortStewart ##Georgia #Cottonbalers ##OIF ##Deployment #Honor ##Fallen ##ACo ##AlphaCompany ##battlebuddy ##comrade ##friend ##brother ##returnhome ##sadness #WarriorsWalk #remembrance ##families ##soldiers ##leaders ##retired ##activeduty ##heroswelcome ##treesplanted ##tribute #CPLPfister #SPCWessel #SSGDawson #SGTDurbin #SSGPhillipsJr ##commemorated #SPCNorris ##ceremony ##hegaveall ##infantry ##instamemorialday ##instahonor ##instaveterans ##observance ##veterans ##honor ##memorialday ##usa ##america ##love ##thankyou ##freedom ##military ##veterans ##army ##family ##navy ##remember ##instagood ##marines ##airforce ##monday ##neverforget ##redwhiteandblue ##veteran ##holiday ##robertsnapspot

  • Memorial Day Tribute 2025

    Memorial Day Tribute 2025

    CPL Pfister, SPC Wessel, SSG Dawson, SGT Durbin, SSG Phillips Jr , SPC Norris, Soldiers, Brothers my friends.

    Close-up of an American flag with other flags in the background during a commemorative event.

    They did not return home to a parade or family standing on a field with flowers and hugs. This is why we honor them on this day.

    Watch a while. Return and watch another time. Share our loss and their memories, stories!

    #relaxingmusic #memorialday2025 #aftermemorialday #FortStewart ##Georgia #Cottonbalers ##OIF ##Deployment ##Fallen ##ACo ##AlphaCompany ##battlebuddy ##comrade ##friend ##brother ##returnhome ##sadness #remembrance ##families ##soldiers ##leaders ##retired ##activeduty ##heroswelcome ##treesplanted ##tribute #CPLPfister #SPCWessel #SSGDawson #SGTDurbin #SSGPhillipsJr ##commemorated #SPCNorris ##ceremony ##hegaveall ##infantry ##instamemorialday ##instahonor ##instaveterans ##observance ##veterans ##honor ##usa ##america ##love ##thankyou ##freedom ##military ##army ##family ##navy ##remember ##instagood ##marines ##airforce ##neverforget ##redwhiteandblue ##veteran ##holiday ##robertsnapspot

  • Memorial Day Tribute Relaxing Music

    Memorial Day Tribute Relaxing Music

    Watch a while. Return and watch another time. Share our loss and their memories, stories!

    #relaxingmusic #memorialday2024 #aftermemorialday #FortStewart ##Georgia #Cottonbalers ##OIF ##Deployment ##Fallen ##ACo ##AlphaCompany ##battlebuddy ##comrade ##friend ##brother ##returnhome ##sadness #remembrance ##families ##soldiers ##leaders ##retired ##activeduty ##heroswelcome ##treesplanted ##tribute #CPLPfister #SPCWessel #SSGDawson #SGTDurbin #SSGPhillipsJr ##commemorated #SPCNorris ##ceremony ##hegaveall ##infantry ##instamemorialday ##instahonor ##instaveterans ##observance ##veterans ##honor ##usa ##america ##love ##thankyou ##freedom ##military ##army ##family ##navy ##remember ##instagood ##marines ##airforce ##neverforget ##redwhiteandblue ##veteran ##holiday ##robertsnapspot

  • Memorial Day 2024: All Gave Some, Some Gave All!

    Memorial Day 2024: All Gave Some, Some Gave All!

    This Memorial Day 2024, Our Fallen, We honor!

    I will always remember and honor my friends, my brothers with this post!

    Me, SSG Robert Smith, at my Retirement 2009

    It is very hard being the soldier who returns home to a hero’s welcome when your battle buddy, comrade, friend, brother does not!  Warriors Walk, fallen soldiers, 3ID  (3RD Infantry Division), Fort Stewart, Georgia.

    We the soldiers, leaders, active duty and retired, and our families from Alpha Company, 3/7th Infantry gathered at the Warriors Walk to remember our fallen Cottonbalers 2017.

    Trees were planted along the Warriors Walk for each soldier KIA (killed in action) from the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID). 469 Trees lined the walk.

    https://home.army.mil/stewart/index.php/my-fort/community/warriors-walk

    This is my tribute to those I served with, who didn’t come home.

    Posted by

    SSG Robert J. Smith Jr., Retired

    Alpha Company, 3-7 INF (1999-2009),  Theses are My Brothers

    Tree # 81-CPL Pfister,

     Tree # 82-SPC Wessel,

     Tree # 415-SSG Dawson, 

    Photo from Warriors Walk website

    Tree # 416-SGT Durbin, 

    Tree # 417-SSG Phillips Jr.


    Tree # 411-SPC Norris,

    All brothers are commemorated back at Fort Stewart but these are photos from the ceremony while we were deployed after SPC Norris died.

    I’ll always remember you! Supply 4 Out!

    #memorialday2024 #FortStewart ##Georgia #Cottonbalers ##OIF ##Deployment #Honor ##Fallen ##ACo ##AlphaCompany ##battlebuddy ##comrade ##friend ##brother ##returnhome ##sadness #WarriorsWalk #remembrance ##families ##soldiers ##leaders ##retired ##activeduty ##heroswelcome ##treesplanted ##tribute #CPLPfister #SPCWessel #SSGDawson #SGTDurbin #SSGPhillipsJr ##commemorated #SPCNorris ##ceremony ##hegaveall ##infantry ##instamemorialday ##instahonor ##instaveterans ##observance ##veterans ##honor ##memorialday ##usa ##america ##love ##thankyou ##freedom ##military ##veterans ##army ##family ##navy ##remember ##instagood ##marines ##airforce ##monday ##neverforget ##redwhiteandblue ##veteran ##holiday ##robertsnapspot

  • A Memorial Alley Garden Memory

    A Memorial Alley Garden Memory

    Every city has its hidden gems – one of Savannah’s is an alley tucked away from the mainstream touristy routes. Just off Abercorn Street and around the corner from Colonial Park Cemetery lies a magical place that its residents find a cool breeze after work. Sheer intoxication of fragrance bodes relaxation amongst the floral overload that somehow absorbs the troubles of the busy day which are just past either entrance to the alley.  Never truly having the harsh light of day exposing its contents to hot Savannah, the alley envelopes those lucky few who find her in a refreshing calm most of the day.

    Ferns, flower pots, and tropical leaf plants almost hide the pale blue seats, tables and even the swinging bench that bid on-lookers a closer, deeper investigation.  Pails containing an assortment of bottled “aahhh!” are within reach of the nearest table shaded by another fern plant.  Hanging in artistic fashion, pane-less window frames allow seekers a clear view into a glimpse of an urban Eden not placed here by God but by a lovely Savannah transplant affectionately named “Pinky”. She lovingly tendsthe garden, introducing weary trespassers to her blissful corner of Savannah.


      
      

    What caught my attention as I passed the familiar respot on my way to a favorite coffee spot that morning was the symbol of our nation’s strength and freedom draped splendidly from the flowering vine and plant-laden steel catwalks of the ajoining apartment complexes which share the alley.  I had to stop as I did a double take before being drawn again to the oasis of rest I had shared with close friends and my soulmate. Morning sun rays pierced the flag’s woven polyester and nylon threads that reminded me soberly of the sacrifice given by brave men and women.  Yet that very day other Americans effortlessly, thoughtlessly, irreverently carried out their plans of backyard fun, meat-laden grilling, beer drinking and beach frolicking in the name of “Happy Memorial Day!” Happiness not earned nor in memory given to those fallen.

    Yeah, it gets my goat! But I know true service and the burden it lays upon the families of those who lost loved ones and brothers-in-arms.  As I pointed my camera upward taking the picture, I thanked God and Pinky for my Memorial Alley Garden.

    #urbanscene ##hiddengem #alley ##robertsnapspot ##mainstream #magicalplace ##magical ##floral #memorial #FOTD #Pinky ##glimpse ##Eden #garden ##blissful #MemorialDay #theFallen  
    #memorialday2023 #Honor ##Fallen ##sadness #remembrance ##tribute ##CPLPfister ##SPCWessel ##SSGDawson ##SGTDurbin ##SSGPhillipsJr ##commemorated ##SPCNorris ##ceremony ##neverforget ##redwhiteandblue ##holiday

  • All Gave Some, Some Gave All! Memorial Day 2023

    All Gave Some, Some Gave All! Memorial Day 2023

    Our Fallen, We honor! Memorial Day 2023

    It is very hard being the soldier who returns home to a hero’s welcome when your battle buddy, comrade, friend, brother does not!  Warriors Walk, fallen soldiers, 3ID  (3RD Infantry Division), Fort Stewart, Georgia.

    We the soldiers, leaders, active duty and retired, and our families from Alpha Company, 3/7th Infantry gathered at the Warriors Walk to remember our fallen Cottonbalers 2017.

    Trees were planted along the Warriors Walk for each soldier KIA (killed in action) from the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID). 469 Trees line the walk.

    https://home.army.mil/stewart/index.php/my-fort/community/warriors-walk

    This is my tribute to those I served with, who didn’t come home.

    Posted by

    SSG Robert J. Smith Jr., Retired

    Alpha Company, 3-7 INF (1999-2009),  Theses are My Brothers

    Tree # 81-CPL Pfister,

     Tree # 82-SPC Wessel,

     Tree # 415-SSG Dawson, 

    Photo from Warriors Walk website

    Tree # 416-SGT Durbin, 

    OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

    Tree # 417-SSG Phillips Jr.


    Tree # 411-SPC Norris,

    All brothers are commemorated back at Fort Stewart but these are photos from the ceremony while we were deployed after SPC Norris died.

    I’ll always remember you! Supply 4 Out!

    #memorialday2023 #FortStewart ##Georgia #Cottonbalers ##OIF ##Deployment #Honor ##Fallen ##ACo ##AlphaCompany ##battlebuddy ##comrade ##friend ##brother ##returnhome ##sadness #WarriorsWalk #remembrance ##families ##soldiers ##leaders ##retired ##activeduty ##heroswelcome ##treesplanted ##tribute #CPLPfister #SPCWessel #SSGDawson #SGTDurbin #SSGPhillipsJr ##commemorated #SPCNorris ##ceremony ##hegaveall ##infantry ##instamemorialday ##instahonor ##instaveterans ##observance ##veterans ##honor ##memorialday ##usa ##america ##love ##thankyou ##freedom ##military ##veterans ##army ##family ##navy ##remember ##instagood ##marines ##airforce ##monday ##neverforget ##redwhiteandblue ##veteran ##holiday ##robertsnapspot

  • Our Fallen, We honor! Memorial Day 2021

    Our Fallen, We honor! Memorial Day 2021

    Memorial Day 2020

    It is very hard being the soldier who returns home to a hero’s welcome when your battle buddy, comrade, friend, brother does not!  Warriors Walk, fallen soldiers, 3ID  (3RD Infantry Division), Fort Stewart, Georgia.

    We the soldiers, leaders, active duty and retired, and our families from Alpha Company, 3/7th Infantry gathered at the Warriors Walk to remember our fallen Cottonbalers 2017.

    Trees were planted along the Warriors Walk for each soldier KIA (killed in action) from the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID). 469 Trees line the walk.

    https://home.army.mil/stewart/index.php/my-fort/community/warriors-walk

    This is my tribute to those I served with, who didn’t come home.

    Posted by

    SSG Robert J. Smith Jr., Retired

    Alpha Company, 3-7 INF (1999-2009),  Theses are My Brothers

    Tree # 81-CPL Pfister,

     Tree # 82-SPC Wessel,

     Tree # 415-SSG Dawson, 

    Photo from Warriors Walk website

    Tree # 416-SGT Durbin, 

    Tree # 417-SSG Phillips Jr.


    Tree # 411-SPC Norris,

    All brothers are commemorated back at Fort Stewart but these are photos from the ceremony while we were deployed after SPC Norris died.

    I’ll always remember you! Supply 4 Out!

    #memorialday2021 #FortStewart ##Georgia #Cottonbalers ##OIF ##Deployment #Honor ##Fallen ##ACo ##AlphaCompany ##battlebuddy ##comrade ##friend #brother ##returnhome ##sadness #WarriorsWalk #remembrance ##families ##soldiers ##leaders ##retired ##activeduty ##heroswelcome ##treesplanted ##tribute #CPLPfister #SPCWessel #SSGDawson #SGTDurbin #SSGPhillipsJr #commemorated #SPCNorris ##ceremony #hegaveall ##infantry #instamemorialday ##instahonor ##instaveterans ##observance ##veterans ##honor ##memorialday ##usa #america ##love ##thankyou ##freedom ##military ##veterans ##army ##family ##navy ##remember ##instagood ##marines ##airforce ##monday ##neverforget ##redwhiteandblue ##veteran ##holiday

  • Our Fallen, We honor!

    Our Fallen, We honor!

    Memorial Day 2020

    It is very hard being the soldier who returns home to a hero’s welcome when your battle buddy, comrade, friend, brother does not!  Warriors Walk, fallen soldiers, 3ID  (3RD Infantry Division), Fort Stewart, Georgia.

    We the soldiers, leaders, active duty and retired, and our families from Alpha Company, 3/7th Infantry gathered at the Warriors Walk to remember our fallen Cottonbalers 2017.

    Trees were planted along the Warriors Walk for each soldier KIA (killed in action) from the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID). 469 Trees line the walk.

    https://home.army.mil/stewart/index.php/my-fort/community/warriors-walk

    This is my tribute to those I served with, who didn’t come home.

    Posted by

    SSG Robert J. Smith Jr., Retired

    Alpha Company, 3-7 INF (1999-2009),  Theses are My Brothers

    Tree # 81-CPL Pfister,

     Tree # 82-SPC Wessel,

     Tree # 415-SSG Dawson, 

    Photo from Warriors Walk website

    Tree # 416-SGT Durbin, 

    Tree # 417-SSG Phillips Jr.


    Tree # 411-SPC Norris,

    All brothers are commemorated back at Fort Stewart but these are photos from the ceremony while we were deployed after SPC Norris died.

    I’ll always remember you! Supply 4 Out!

    #memorialday2020 #FortStewart #Georgia #Cottonbalers #OIF #Deployment #Honor #Fallen #ACo #AlphaCompany #battlebuddy #comrade #friend #brother #returnhome #sadness #WarriorsWalk #remembrance #families #soldiers #leaders #retired #activeduty #heroswelcome #treesplanted #tribute #CPLPfister #SPCWessel #SSGDawson #SGTDurbin #SSGPhillipsJr #commemorated #SPCNorris #ceremony #hegaveall #infantry #instamemorialday #instahonor #instaveterans #observance #veterans #honor #memorialday #usa #america #love #thankyou #freedom #military #veterans #army #family #navy #remember #instagood #marines #airforce #monday #neverforget #redwhiteandblue #veteran #holiday