Army Spc. Michael C. Roberts

Remember Our Heroes

Army Spc. Michael C. Roberts, 23, of Watauga, Texas

Spc Roberts was assigned to 561st Military Police Company, 716th Military Police Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Aug. 27, 2011 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device.

Michael C. Roberts, 23, an Army specialist, was killed in action Saturday, Aug. 27, 2011, while serving our country.

Michael was born Nov. 24, 1987, in Lexington, Ky. He was the third son of Dave and Kathy Roberts.

His brother Patrick, 28, served his country in an air defense battery at Fort Bliss during his time in the Army. His brother Brian, 25, just completed his advanced training, earning honors grad and will be assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division in Fort Benning, Ga., upon his return this month in the Army.

Michael's family moved to Texas in 1992 when he was 4 and has resided here since.

Growing up, he competed in soccer leagues for many years and was also active in Scouting. He enjoyed fishing and camping and had a love for the great outdoors.

Michael graduated from Richland High School in 2006. During high school Michael was a varsity wrestler and tuba player in both the marching band and concert bands.

After attending the University of North Texas for a semester, Michael decided he wanted to make a difference for others and enlisted in the Army in 2007. After his training he was assigned to the 1st Cavalry based at Fort Hood as a communications specialist. He deployed to Iraq from 2009-2010 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He re-enlisted in 2010 and was retrained at Fort Leonard Wood and became part of the 561st Military Police Company based at Fort Campbell, Ky. Michael's unit deployed to Afghanistan in July 2011 and was based in the city of Kandahar.

On Aug. 27, Michael was protecting a secured area outside a police station when a vehicle attempted to breach the area. He heroically engaged the enemy and prevented them from harming a large number of soldiers. The vehicle exploded, killing Michael instantly and injured approximately 20 others.

Although tragic, his comrades survived, greatly due to Michael's swift and decisive actions.

He was recognized for his actions with being awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, NATO Medal and Combat Action Badge.

Michael lived his life putting others first and demonstrated that daily. It was common for Michael to greet you with a smile and a big bear hug showing his genuine concern that you were having a good day. He made it his mission to bring a smile to all he encountered, even those who he just met and offered whatever he could to make that person's day special.

Michael spent his days checking back with friends, former schoolmates, Army buddies and knowing his genuine concerns for them, made their day better.

Michael will be sorely missed by many but his legacy lives on for all of us to stop, take time from our day and show the type of compassion for others as he did.

Survivors: Parents, David and Kathy Roberts; brothers, Patrick Roberts and wife, Brittany, and Brian Roberts; nephew dog, Cooper Roberts; grandmothers, Mary Jane Ryan and Martha Roberts; aunts and uncles, Cathy Witchek, Donna La Tour, Tim and Diane Roberts, Joanne Ryan, Charles Ryan and wife, Sharon, and Mary Ellen Ryan; cousins; fiancee, Rachel Pledger; and many friends and brothers in arms.

Army Spc. Michael C. Roberts was killed in action on 8/27/11.