In Arkansas, Staff Sergeant William Robbins was, above all else, a loving family man who devoted himself entirely to his wife and his children. On the front lines of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he was a dedicated soldier who bravely fought to bring security and stability to a nation torn apart by war. Staff Sgt. Robbins was born and raised in the small, southern Missouri town of Poplar Bluff. He spent his childhood, as many children do, playing with his friends with whom he shared a love for the outdoors. From an early age, he knew he wanted to be a soldier and regardless of where he was or what he did, that thought was never far from his mind.

In 1990, he moved to Arkansas and settled in the North Little Rock area. It was there he met the love of his life, his future wife Kimberly, and together they would raise two beautiful daughters, 5-year-old Tristan Ellis, and Abigail, who was less than a year old. It was clear to those who knew him best that his family was his pride and joy and he cherished every minute he spent with them. This fun-loving soul had a special affinity for children and at family gatherings was often found with the youngest of the group, playing games and bringing smiles to everyone's faces. In the Arkansas National Guard, Staff Sgt. Robbins worked full-time as Administrative Sergeant at the Guard's armory in Beebe. Last year, he was one of only about a dozen soldiers from the armory mobilized for duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom. It would prove to be a bittersweet time for the Robbins family; just as the family welcomed home William's mother Janice, a Major in the Army Reserves returning from a deployment in Germany, they bid him farewell with prayers of a safe return. Staff Sgt. Robbins' deployment was the first in his 11-year service in the Arkansas National Guard.

While in Iraq, he was attached to the 206^th Field Artillery Battalion of the 39^th Infantry Brigade, and was selected to work in a military advisory capacity with the Iraqi National Guard. As American forces sought to transition more of their security and stabilization responsibilities to the Iraqi people, Staff Sgt. Robbins advised and trained these civilian volunteers on infantry tactics as well as the fundamental aspects of being a soldier.  Last fall, Staff Sgt. Robbins took his military leave and was able to return home for a short time. It was a much-needed reprieve from the dangers of Iraq, and offered him the opportunity to return to the place he called home and spend time with the people he cared for most. It also offered him the opportunity to explain to Tristan, who was simply too young to fully understand, why her father had been away and when he would be back for good. As best he could, he explained to her the circumstances of his absence and even the possibility that he may not return. He was once a young man with a parent in the military, and could relate to the lack of comprehension children often have in these situations. Relying on this perspective, as well as the natural gift he had always shown in relating to children, Tristan's father was able to provide her with some much-needed comfort and understanding. Along with many of the soldiers from the 39^th,

Staff Sgt. Robbins' mission was soon coming to an end and he was to scheduled to return to Arkansas in late March or April. Upon his return, he was looking forward to a new job with the Arkansas National Guard at Camp Robinson's Regional Training Institute in North Little Rock. Even more so, he was looking forward to being reunited with his family. When he spoke with Kimberly, he reminded her how very much he loved her and couldn't wait to come home. When he spoke with Tristan, he told her how much he looked forward to seeing her again so he could take her in his arms and swing her like an airplane.

Tragically, he passed away on February 10 from a gunshot wound at his home base at Camp Taji. While the loss for Kimberly and her family will be felt deeply, they have found some solace knowing that his last days were spent doing what he wanted to do, helping people. In the days following his death, it was clear to his family the impact he had on each of their lives. It was also quickly apparent that although he was no longer with them, his presence would always be felt; whether it was the devotion and thoughtfulness evident in the basket of chocolates and Valentine's Day card he sent Kimberly just before his death, the spirit embodied in the eyes of Abigail who turned one-year-old on February 23, or the courage that Tristan, thanks to her father, has shown in trying to understand what has happened. They are lasting examples of not only the remarkable way he led his life, but more importantly, are a testament to the kind of man he was.   My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends of William Robbins, and to all those who knew and loved him. His 31 years with us were far too short, but his legacy of love and service to his nation will remain with us forever.