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OGDEN — With somber faces, Sgt. 1st Class Elliott Robbins’ fellow Green Berets pulled his flag-draped casket from the hearse.
One soldier closed his eyes as his chin dropped to his chest. On a quiet command, the men turned together and began to walk toward the open doors of St. James the Just Catholic Church in Ogden.
Friends and family began to arrive soon after to celebrate the life and mourn the death of the 31-year-old North Ogden resident, while flags throughout Utah flew at half-staff to honor the man.
Robbins died during a noncombat-related incident June 30 while serving in Afghanistan as a Green Beret, a member of the Special Forces in the United States Army. Further details surrounding his death have not been released.
Robbins served for 13 years in the Army and was a medical sergeant when he died. During his career he saved lives, treated many others and won several awards — some with valor.
“He was a hero. He was a good man,” said Sgt. Robbins’ father, Freeman Robbins. “I love my country, and I love my son, and this is a great sadness.”
Robbins was assigned to the 2nd Battalion of the 10th Special Forces Group, which was deployed out of Fort Carson, Colorado, and is supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
Operation Freedom's Sentinel began in 2015 and is the successor to Operation Enduring Freedom, the United States' post-9/11 counterterrorism effort, according to the U.S. Army.
Robbins is the third member of the 10th Special Forces Group who has died in Afghanistan in recent months, according to the Military Times.
“I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Sergeant 1st Class Elliott J. Robbins this morning," Gov. Gary Herbert said in a news release earlier in the month. "I am grateful to him for the service he gave his country. Jeanette and I extend our sincere condolences to his parents, his wife and son at this difficult time. Our hearts and prayers are with them.”
Robbins is survived by his wife and son, and was a devoted father, husband, son and brother.
The soldier was entombed during a private burial with military honors at Ben Lomond Cemetery in Ogden.
Contributing: Felicia Martinez and Stuart Johnson, KSL TV
