Staff Sgt. Robert R. Pirelli
 

RELEASE NUMBER: 070816-05
DATE POSTED: AUGUST 16, 2007

PRESS RELEASE: Special Forces Soldier killed in Iraq

U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs Office

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, Aug.16, 2007) — An Army Special Forces Soldier was killed in Iraq August 15 when his patrol made contact with the enemy in the Diyala Province.

Staff Sgt. Robert R. Pirelli, 29, a Special Forces engineer sergeant assigned to Company A, 3rd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Carson, Colo., was fatally wounded by enemy small arms fire during a dismounted attack on an enemy position.

He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in Mar. 2007 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Arabian Peninsula. This was his first deployment to Iraq.

Pirelli, a native of Franklin, Mass., volunteered for military service and entered the Army in December 2003 as an infantryman. After graduating the Special Forces Qualification Course, he was assigned to 3rd Bn., 10th SFG(A) at Fort Carson, Colo., in June 2006.

His awards and decorations include two Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Special Forces Tab.

Pirelli is survived by his parents, Robert and Nancy Pirelli; brother Shawn, and sister Stacey, of Franklin, Mass.

RIP, SSG.

Thank you for your service, and your sacrifice.

You will not be forgotten.

TR

A close family member of mine sent me an email titled "A Mother Asked"

A mother asked President ...
"Why did my son have to die in Iraq?"

A mother asked President ...
"Why did my son have to die in Saudi Arabia?"

A mother asked President ...
"Why did my son have to die in Kuwait?"


Another mother asked President ...
"Why did my son have to die in Vietnam?"

Another mother asked President ...
"Why did my son have to die in Korea?"

Another mother asked President ...
"Why did my son have to die on Iwo Jima?"

Another mother asked President ...
"Why did my son have to die on a battlefield on a field in France?"

Yet another mother asked President ...
"Why did my son have to die at Gettysburg?"

And yet another mother asked President ...
"Why did my son have to die on a frozen field near Valley Forge?"

Then long, long ago, a mother asked...
"Heavenly Father ...
why did my Son have to die on a cross outside of Jerusalem ?"

The answer is the same ....
"So that others may have life and dwell in peace, happiness, and freedom."

Rest in Peace SSG Pirelli. Thank you for your service & sacrifice. May it not go unnoticed, May it not go in Vain.

R.I.P.
 

Rest in Peace, and prayers out for his family.
blustr

Rest in Peace Brother

R.I.P.

R.I.P.

This gentleman was a member of my son's class. This is the third one from that class to pass.

RIP!

Stay safe.

RIP Brother!

mp

RIP SSG Pirelli.

In pace requiescat SSG Pirelli.

Rest in Peace

RIP Staff Sgt. Robert Pirelli.

Rest in Peace Pirelli, you are sorely missed by your team. May God comfort your family, friends, and team mates.

RIP