Army 1st Lt. Robert W. Collins

Remember Our Heroes

Army 1st Lt. Robert W. Collins, 24, of Tyrone, Ga.

1st Lt Collins was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, Fort Stewart, Ga.; died April 7, 2010 in Mosul, Iraq, when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device.

Army Lt. Robert Collins died Wednesday in Iraq when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device, The Citizen has confirmed.

Besides Lt. Collins, who was the platoon commander, the roadside explosion also killed the vehicle's driver and injured five others, according to a source familiar with the situation. The military has not yet released information on Collins' death.

Today, neighbors have lined the Collins' Tyrone area neighborhood with flags in a tribute to Lt. Collins and also to provide moral support for the family.

The incident happened near Tal Abdah, northern Iraq (near Mosul) on April 7.

1st Lt. Collins was a 2004 graduate of Sandy Creek High School and a 2008 graduate of West Point Military Academy. He was also engaged to be married to his long time girlfriend Nicole. Robert Collins was also a member of American Legion Post 105 in Fayetteville.

Fayette County Sheriff Wayne Hannah issued the following statement Saturday afternoon:

“The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family of Lt. Robert Collins who has been tragically killed in Iraq while serving our country.

“Lt. Collins was a resident and high school graduate of Fayette County.

“We recently were contacted by Lt. Collins’ family who appreciate all the support from the community and the media. However, at this time they would like to request that you consider them as they try and mourn this tragic loss.

“They want to convey to you in the media that the best way to honor their loved one is to allow them to privately grieve.

“We at the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office would like to honor this family’s wish and encourage you to take consideration into this matter.”

The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited by the family of Lt. Robert W. Collins to honor their hero.

1st. Lt. Collins is survived by his parents Deacon and Sharon Collins of Tyrone, GA as well as his fiancee Nicole.

Army 1st Lt. Robert W. Collins was killed in action on 4/7/10.