ROBERT W. FALKENBACH, JR., CAPT, USMC
Robert Falkenbach, Jr. '93
Lucky Bag
From the 1993 Lucky Bag:
Robert William Falkenbach
Carmel-By-The-Sea, California
AAAYYY! RF kun, the raging samurai with oh so sensitive feet, appeared from the fabled east, but has since traded his chopsticks for a goo goo pitchfork to satiate his bottomless void of a stomach. This loveable master of bodily functions with ears a la Perot and the Scooby Doo laugh is never deterred from fun even though Mom still matches his Garanimals for him. How can one go from Plebe Rep. to Batt Commander? You're not fooling anyone you know! Then there's the matter of women. No one's ever fallen harder faster! Fancy Nancy, the little Cuban firecracker, oh and the radiant one - Does the leash really reach all the way from 5-0? Nothing stops Angler Bob from "Falling in the Rack." No more treaties OK? Stay clear of $4000 ice, and do let us know if we can help you with that bong or attend another aquatic labor rally! - Peace Brother! SJ,CP,GB,MH,LC,PK,GF.
Robert William Falkenbach
Carmel-By-The-Sea, California
AAAYYY! RF kun, the raging samurai with oh so sensitive feet, appeared from the fabled east, but has since traded his chopsticks for a goo goo pitchfork to satiate his bottomless void of a stomach. This loveable master of bodily functions with ears a la Perot and the Scooby Doo laugh is never deterred from fun even though Mom still matches his Garanimals for him. How can one go from Plebe Rep. to Batt Commander? You're not fooling anyone you know! Then there's the matter of women. No one's ever fallen harder faster! Fancy Nancy, the little Cuban firecracker, oh and the radiant one - Does the leash really reach all the way from 5-0? Nothing stops Angler Bob from "Falling in the Rack." No more treaties OK? Stay clear of $4000 ice, and do let us know if we can help you with that bong or attend another aquatic labor rally! - Peace Brother! SJ,CP,GB,MH,LC,PK,GF.
Loss
Robert was lost on September 16, 1998 when the helicopter he was piloting crashed. An article appearing in the Clarion Ledger on September 19, 1998 reported that the crash occurred during night training maneuvers about 12 miles off the coast at Oceanside just north of San Diego, CA. All on board were lost.
The UH-1 Huey helicopter was practicing takeoff and landing from the USS Rushmore. The crew was not using night vision goggles … It was not immediately known what caused the helicopter to plummet into the ocean, or whether it was taking off or landing when the crew experienced trouble …
Obituary
From USNA '93:
Captain Robert William Falkenbach, USMC, age 27, died on 16 September 1998 in a helicopter accident off the coast of San Diego, CA. He was born May 20, 1971 in Carmel, California.
Robby graduated from the Naval Academy from 8th Company, with a Bachelor of Science in Economics on May 26, 1993. Upon graduation, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps. In April 1994, 2nd Lt. Falkenbach was transferred to the Naval Aircraft Training Center, NAS Pensacola FL, for training as a Naval Aviator. He underwent primary and intermediate fixed wing flight training at VT-3, NAS North Whiting Field, Milton, FL. He continued his advanced helicopter flight training at HT-8, NAS South Whiting Field, Milton, FL.
In May 1995, he was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant. After successfully completing flight school and earning his "Wings of Gold," 1st Lt. Falkenbach was assigned to Marine Helicopter Training Squadron 303, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3D Marine Aircraft Wing, MCAS, Camp Pendleton, CA, for training as a UH-1N (Huey) Pilot. In June 1996, Robby joined the "Stingers" of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267, MAG 39, 3D MAW, Camp Pendleton, CA, where he was assigned as a UH-1N Pilot.
1st Lt. Falkenbach deployed with the "Stingers" to Okinawa, Japan, where he served aboard ship with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. He was promoted to Captain in August 1997. His decorations include National Defense Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
Capt. Falkenbach is survived by his parents Colonel (Ret.) Bob ('62) and Maureen Falkenbach; three sisters Laura (Major, USMCR, '85), Christine, and Kimberly; five nieces and nephews Laura Rose, Tyler, Christopher, Cora and Hunter; and countless friends.
Robby will always be remembered as a kid and a brother to many. His smile, boundless energy and carefree attitude touched the lives of hundreds and made those around him feel special. "I ain't afraid."
D. George Beiter Lieutenant,U.S. Navy Navy Office of Information
He has a marker in Virginia.
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