Former PSU instructor dies in Afghanistan

  Monday, November 4, 2013 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

On Monday, Pittsburg State University learned of the death of Sgt. 1st Class Forrest W. Robertson in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Sgt. 1st Class Robertson was a former instructor in PSU’s Department of Military Science as well as a former history major at PSU.

“We are all deeply saddened by the news of Sgt. 1st Class Robertson’s death,” said PSU President Steve Scott. “On campus, he was an inspiration to the students in PSU’s ROTC Program. Through his service and sacrifice, he is an inspiration to us all. Tonight, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in the midst of their great loss.”

According to a release from the Department of Defense, Robertson, 35, of Westmoreland, Kan., died Nov. 3, in Pul-E-Alam, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire. He was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, Fort Stewart, Ga.

As the news of Sgt. 1st Class Robertson’s death was disseminated, friends and former students created a memorial Facebook page, which was soon populated with photos and remembrances.

“SFC Rob was one of the best men I have ever known personally; his impact on my life is unforgettable,” one poster wrote.