Veterans and Family Services Office presents displays to Vietnam veteran

Veterans and Family Services Office
Gila River Indian Community

Robert Rhodes, a Gila River Indian Community member, graduated from Casa Grande Union High School in 1965. During his senior year, Robert took a course in Aeronautics & Basic ground flight school.That same year Robert received his draft notice and enlisted in the U.S. Army. Robert was sent to Fort Bliss, Texas for basic training and upon completion was sent to Fort Ord, Calif., for Infantry Tactics/Radio Telephone Operator.

Then to Fort Benning Ga., to Army Airborne school. Robert was assigned to the 82nd Abn Division. 1st/ 504th Company C at the Dominican Republic where they were involved in Operation (Fast Strike). Then the 1st / 504th parachute infantry company returned to Ft Bragg, NC.

On May 3rd 1967, Robert was reassigned to 4th/503rd Parachute infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade in the Republic of South Vietnam. On Oct. 21 1968, Robert completed his tour of duty. Robert was assigned to Active Reserve with 22nd Abn Ft Carson CO.

In 1975, he joined the Army National Guard in Casa Grande, Ariz., where he retired SSgt as Combat Infantry Tactical Communication Chief. On Aug. 3, the Veteran & Family Service Office staff along with the District 3 Council Representatives Rodney Jackson and Avery White gathered at Mr. Rhodes residence, in his front yard to present him with a shadow box that contained his Military Ribbons, Badges and Patches.

A separate board displayed his military medals which included the Army Achievement medal w/4 oak leaf clusters, the Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnam Service medal w/star the Armed Forces Expeditionary medal and the National Defense Service Medal to name a few. All presentation items were assembled by VFSO staff member Darrell Whitman.

On behalf of the GRIC Veteran & Family Service Office, it was an honor for all to pay recognition to Mr. Robert Rhodes and recognize his service to this country and to say “Thank You.” Robert stated, during his Tour of Duty “He gave his all for God and Country.” After returning home, “He gave his Heart and Soul to his late wife of 47 yrs. and daughter.”