Robert Arnold Boggs
Robert Arnold Boggs was born in Chillicothe, Ohio July 9, 1964 to Sylvia Jo-Ann (Jensen) Boggs and Robert Arnold Boggs. He grew up on the family farm working alongside his sister Robin (deceased), Cristy (Frank) Renner Chillicothe, and brother Jon (LeeAnn) Boggs, Maricopa, Arizona. Robert was honored to raise two stepchildren he considered his own, Stacia Wadman and Mitchell Baker of Colorado. Robert was a born philosopher, a thinker, and teacher, always a book in his hands, a quote to share or a story to tell. His nieces Erin, Madison, and nephew Morgan would tell you he could go from English to German to Russian in one sentence and to quote, “if you could follow along the wealth of knowledge and new philosophical enlightenment you could gain were immeasurable.” He loved his motorcycles, from his first mini-bike to his decked out Harleys and riding them all over the world. Robert, along with his brothers and sisters in the Independent Biker Association, helped establish the Easy-Rider Rodeo which was started as a charity event for children in the surrounding counties. This Memorial Day will hit hard for our family. Our legacy of Military veterans is something we do not take for granted. We know what freedom costs and how you properly honor a hero that gave this country 32 hard, impressive, terrifying years. On 9/11, Robert’s unit was assembled, we waited alongside our father with updates and on December 13, 2003, in Operation Red Dawn, Saddam was captured by American forces after being found hiding in a hole in the ground near a farmhouse in ad-Dawr, near Tikrit. Not many people knew that unit was made up of a Chillicothe hometown boy. Not bad for a farm boy from the Huntington Hills. He never called himself a hero. To Robert, those were the friends he left behind. To honor our hero, we acknowledge Master Sergeant, Army Special Forces, Green Beret.
Decorations, Medals, Badges, and Citations: Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Czech Parachutists Badge, Bronze Star Medal (4th Award), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (5th Award), Joint Service Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Army Achievement Medal (5th Award), Joint Meritorious Unit, Valorous Unit Award, Army Superior Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (8th Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global World on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Arrowhead/Global World on Terrorism Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal/ Non-commissioned Officer, Professional Development Ribbon (3rd Award)/Armed Service Ribbon, USCO Special Operations Service Ribbon, NATO Medal (2nd Award), Combat Infantryman/Expert Infantryman Badge, Special Forces TAB, Master Parachute Badge, Parachutist Badge, Expert Marksmanship Badge with Rifle, Pistol Bars, Royal British Parachutist Wings, Served in Designated Eminent Danger Area, Five tours in Iraq, Service in Afghanistan, Service in Saudi Arabia, Two tours in Bosnia.
He had a very spiritual soul, all religions, spanning all cultures, reading, researching, the Bible, the Torah, Valhalla, and visiting Holy Sites on many continents. It’s what made him a great leader with tolerance and understanding how to walk in someone else’s shoes. Robert’s therapy was his beloved animals from many dogs, cows, tarantulas and snakes. He had many aunts, uncles, great nieces, nephews, and cousins who could tell you he was a true samurai (warrior poet), like Uncle Terry, Cousin Susy, Adrienne, and Jake. I would name you all but where would we stop? Honorable mention goes to his “Famous Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe”. The legend of that cookie will live with the family for eternity! He shared his journeys and adventures with many. A true McQuay Clansman but if you wanted to see him in his Lederhosen he could “represent” with the best of them. Our hero will be interned in Arlington but if you want to share a story and a thimble of Scott-Irish Whiskey with us join friends and family from 12-2 at St Paul’s Episcopal Church Chillicothe, Ohio this Saturday April 15, 2023.
