Navy Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Heath M. Robinson

Remember Our Heroes

Navy Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Heath M. Robinson, 34, of Detroit

Navy Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Robinson was assigned to an East Coast-based SEAL team; died Aug. 6, 2011 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter in which he was riding was shot down.

CPO Robinson planned to retire in two more years, go back to school for his MBA, then spend as much time as possible in the condo he and his wife had recently purchased.

CPO Robinson graduated from Petoskey High School in 1995. He enlisted in the Navy in 1996.

Athletic director, Gary Hice, said he was "hardworking, dedicated and loyal, and all those are attributes for a Navy SEAL. He was a nice young man".

Chief Robinson's friends say Heath left a great mark on the city of Petoskey, but more importantly, an excellent mark for the country he served. He did what he believed in and did it well. His closest friends remember the bond they had with him, the times he dragged them out to camp on the field the night before football two-a-days.

Former football coach, Dave Farris, described Heath as "one of a kind, dedicated and a leader".

August 22, 2011
The thing I remember most about Heath was how he stared directly into your eyes when talking to you.....never breaking eye contact. He was as determined as a teenager as he was fighting to protect all of us. Thank you, Heath, for protecting us. I will never forget. Part of you will live on.....my prayers are for your family. Rest in Peace, buddy. Julie Behan Symons Petoskey, Michigan

August 17, 2011
I also had the honor of being one of Heath's shipmates at White Beach and the guy was the most DETERMINED individual I have met. Everything this guy did, he gave it his all!!! My prayers are with his family!!! RIP Heath.~YNC(SW) Demond A, Vancouver, Washington

August 17, 2011
I have had to Describe Heath in 1 word it would be DETERMINED. His Goal in Life was to become a NAVY SEAL he wanted nothing more. After Injuring his Hip twice druing BUDS he was forced to be sent to a Duty station for 2 years in Okinawa which is where I had the priveledge of meeting Heath. He was a great friend to everyone in our close knit commuinity there. He was always the guy that would give you hand with soomething if you needed it. He was the type of Guy if on a Friday Night you had to know money and he had $40 you would each have $20. He was inspiration to us all..... He very much wanted to learn all facets of Navy Life and others jobs. Many times he would always pull me a side and ask me IT questions and what I was working on etc when I was fixing stuff or upgrading machines etc in the Operations office where he worked. He took a college class or two when he 1st arrived, I think we were in Criminal Justice class or something like that together. We was very much a Team Player, and a Go Getter. As Barb and Pritch pointed out he always had that Grin/Smile that's How I will always remember him. The Navy / SEAL TEAM 6 / and the world in General Lost great man. My Deepest Symphathies and Condolences go out to his Family!! ~ Eric D., Providence, Rhode Island

August 15, 2011
I had the honor of serving with Heath in Okinawa. My sympathy and thoughts go out to his family and friends. RIP Heath, you will be missed brother.~Brian P., Braintree, Massachusetts

August 15, 2011
Heath came to Okinawa in 1998 and I left about 7 months or so after he arrival. He quickly joined our team and and was a serious "go-getter". I remember him talking on his mission of becoming a Navy Seal once he was done with Okinawa. He was always quick to lead PT sessions, I remember one time he volunteered to call cadence on a formation run. He referred to an M-16 during his cadence and an old crusty officer from the back of the group quickly chimned in, "If you've never seen battle, I suggest you don't refer to killing with your M-16" Heath smiled (his Heath smile) and continued on with his cadence. Little did we all know that he'd land his dream job as a U.S. Navy Seal. Heath was a true shipmate who cared about his fellow Sailors. Our meeting was brief but I remember you well Shipmate! God Bless you brother (R.I.P.) and my deepest sympathy to your family. The Navy's lost another hero.... ~ James P., Falls Church, Virginia

August 15, 2011
i served with heath in okinawa from 98-00. i knew him well, he was a great man and a great friend. there are many memories of our time overseas and i am happy for the opportunity to know him. the country has truly lost a great man/soldier. thank you for all you have done for your country. i wish the best for your family in this time if sorrow. rest in peace brother, you will be missed an remembered! ~Jason R., Aumsville, Oregon

CPO Robinson's awards and decorations include:
Bronze Star Medals (4), three with ‘V’ for valor
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals (3), two with ‘V’ for valor
Joint Service Achievement Medal
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals (3)
Combat Action Ribbon
Presidential Unit Citations (2)
Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation
Navy Good Conduct Medals (5)
Navy Fleet Marine Force Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medals (2)
Iraq Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Sea Service Deployment Ribbons (6)
NATO Medal
Navy Expert Rifleman Medal
Navy Expert Pistol Shot Medal

CPO Robinson's family request privacy, but did release the following statement:

"Our family is among many others that are mourning the loss of a husband, father and patriot. We truly thank you all for the support in getting through this trying time."

They also stated that Heath signed all of his emails with a quote from George Orwell, "We sleep peacefully in our beds because rough men stand by to visit violence on those that would do us harm."

Navy Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Heath M. Robinson was killed in action on 8/6/11.