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Patriot Guard Riders Forum
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Krista in MA 
Posts: 667
MA
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| 16 Jun 2009 7:05 PM |
 Alert
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Private Robert McLaren killed in Afghanistan
13 Jun 09
It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Private Robert McLaren from The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 SCOTS), was killed in Afghanistan on the morning of 11 June 2009.
Private Robert McLaren
[Picture: via MOD] Pte McLaren, aged 20 from Kintra, by Fionnphort on the Isle of Mull, was fresh out of infantry recruit training. He was schooled at Bunnessan Primary and then Oban High School. Pte McLaren joined the Army in November 2007 and trained first at the Army Training Regiment in Winchester and then as a Royal Engineer in Surrey.
Pte McLaren ultimately decided to pursue a career as a Scottish infantryman and attended and comfortably passed the Combat Infantryman's Course at the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick. He passed out of 7 Platoon on 3 April 2009 and was posted to The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, on operations in southern Afghanistan.
Pte McLaren's family said:
"We are very proud of Robert; he died doing a job he loved and we will cherish fond memories of Robert for ever."
Commanding Officer 3 SCOTS, Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Cartwright, said:
"Private Robert McLaren has been cruelly taken from us after only four weeks of active service in The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
"The battalion was conducting an offensive operation against the insurgents in one of the most dangerous parts of southern Afghanistan. His company had been engaged in close combat with the insurgents for several hours and Robert had displayed enormous physical courage during this battle for one so young.
"He gave his life for his friends with his selfless commitment, moving forward in the face of a determined and ruthless enemy.
"From the moment he arrived he threw his heart and body into everything he was asked to do. He completed three large operations with his company and he made an immediate positive impression with his JNCOs [Junior Non-Commissioned Officers].
"Fit, keen to learn and easy company, Robert had so much going for him and was so proud to be on operations so soon in his career.
"Any death in this close-knit battalion delivers an emotional body blow, but the loss of this young man so soon after joining us has hit us particularly hard."
Lt Col Cartwright continued:
"He has died in the service of his country, his regiment and for his friends in his platoon. On behalf of everyone in The Black Watch Battalion, I send my deepest condolences to his parents and wider family for their most tragic loss.
"He will be sorely missed by his many friends in the battalion and we will never forget him. We march forward on this most difficult task knowing that Robert would be urging us to do just that. Nemo me impune lacessit."
Officer Commanding Alpha (Grenadier) Company, Major Matt Munro, said:
"Robert McLaren will be remembered as a trusted friend, a brave highland Jock and an enormously talented and decent man. His sudden death is a huge blow to all of us who were privileged and fortunate enough to soldier with him.
"Quietly confident, steady and assured he was an old head on young shoulders. Thoughtful and reflective, he had a ready smile, a wicked, dry sense of humour and an easy manner.
"Though he soldiered with us for barely a month he immediately won the respect and admiration of all of his brother Jocks; he made a tremendous impact in the short time that he served with us in Alpha (Grenadier) Company.
"Robert was a clever man who well understood the big picture; he was a 'canny' Jock who was as comfortable when robustly defeating the insurgents as he was compassionate when interacting with Afghan civilians.
"He was in his element here in Afghanistan. On his first operation, just a month out of recruit training, he left an indelible impression on his brother Jocks when in his first contact he fearlessly and decisively engaged insurgents at close range.
"He was killed two weeks later by an improvised explosive device as, once again, under accurate and sustained fire he pushed himself forward to support his imperilled colleagues.
"This was typical of the man who without hesitation, question or thought for his personal safety, repeatedly pushed himself to the fore.
"Our grief is seemingly overwhelming but nothing compared to that which his family must be suffering. They are in our thoughts and prayers.
"If Robert were still with us I am clear that as a proud and determined Grenadier he would be urging us forward. Robert will be sorely missed but never forgotten. Nemo me impune lacessit."
Officer Commanding 2 Platoon, Lieutenant Robert Colquhoun, said:
"Quiet and mild mannered, with a ready smile, Robert made friends quickly and had gained the respect of his peers within days of his arrival.
"This calm and pleasant manner belied a determined and mature young man who was committed to his friends and the task in hand. No soldier has impressed me so much in such a short amount of time.
"Always pushing himself forward to get a new angle to defeat the enemy and support his friends, he acquitted himself throughout his short time with 2 Platoon with bravery and skill.
"His final action exemplified this: with his section pinned down by accurate rifle fire from two sides and the target of indirect rocket attacks his instinct was to thrust forward once again to improve his position and relieve pressure on his comrades.
"His selfless commitment is consistent with the highest qualities of a soldier and testimony to his fine upbringing and excellent training.
"Killed taking the fight to the enemy, he will ever be remembered with a smile on his face, ready and willing to do what was necessary to get the job done. Committed, fearless and courageous, his measured steadfastness set him apart from his peers.
"Had his life not been cruelly cut short Robert was destined for great things and all who knew him will miss him greatly. We are the richer for having known him and our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they come to terms with their loss.
"It was an honour to have led such a fierce, brave, loyal and proud highland soldier. Robert McLaren, I salute you."
Section Commander Samison Boila said:
"Rab was up for anything. He was keen and enthusiastic doing the job he loved and it was a pleasure to work with him. I am filled with respect for his bravery. He will be greatly missed by the boys who knew him."
Pte Mark Methven said:
"Robert was quite a man: he made friends quickly, he was a great soldier to work with, and always knew what he was doing and did it to the best of his ability. He will be missed but always remembered. Rest in Peace."
Pte Sireli Uluilakeba said:
"Rab was a quiet but hard-working guy. He joined The Royal Regiment of Scotland because he wanted to do this job, and I think he deserves respect for all he has done since he got out here. A good friend and a willing ear, he is in my thoughts and prayers."
Pte Amphon Supharee said:
"Rab was a quiet boy when he arrived, but got on well with the guys and he was a switched-on soldier.
"Even though he was new, he was welcomed and everyone had respect for him. He was not just a good guy, but a great soldier.
"He did his job with pride and he was always up there whatever was asked of him. I am honoured to call him my friend and will always remember him as part of our team."
Pte John Easson said:
"Robert pushed himself to the limit always giving his best. Committed and reliable, I couldn’t have asked for anyone better to watch my back.
"A good friend and a brave soldier, he'll be sorely missed."
Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said:
"His colleagues' moving tributes leave no doubt that Private McLaren was a courageous and determined young soldier whose maturity and dedication will be sorely missed.
"He clearly made a significant contribution on his tour of duty in Afghanistan. My thoughts and sympathies are with his family, friends and comrades at this difficult time." |
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"I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again." ~William Penn
...following the "Ryan Dust" in the night sky. |
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Krista in MA
Posts: 667
MA
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| 16 Jun 2009 7:08 PM |
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My condolences to the family and friends of Private McLaren. May the warm memories you share offer you peace and comfort during the times ahead. Please know that you are in the thoughts of so many across the globe. Thank you Robert for your service and sacrifice to your country and the world. You are my Hero. May you rest in peace, never forgotten.
"It is not length of life, but depth of life."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson |
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"I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again." ~William Penn
...following the "Ryan Dust" in the night sky. |
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Pepper_guy
Posts: 10125
Lacey, WA
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| 16 Jun 2009 11:39 PM |
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My sincere condolences and prayers to family and friends of Private Robert McLaren, The Royal Regiment of Scotland ~ British Forces / Afghanistan. Private McLaren, I am forever grateful for your service to the war on terrorism. Your service and sacrifices will not be forgotten. You are and will remain a "TRUE HERO". May you Forever Rest in Peace.
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Junius Henry
PGR Member #10094 |
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mailman
Posts: 22197
West Branch, MI - Michigan Regional Ride Captain Zephyrhills, FL - Florida Senior Ride Captain
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| 17 Jun 2009 4:09 AM |
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| My deepest condolences to the family and friends of British Forces, The Royal Regiment of Scotland Private Robert McLaren. Rest In Peace Hero. |
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"Eyes on the olive branch, but arrows at the ready."
Jim
"mailman"
US Army 1970 - 1972 |
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RDWinters
Posts: 1924
Wilson,NC
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| 17 Jun 2009 7:06 AM |
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| Our sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Pvt. Robert McLaren. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. May God bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead. Thank you Pvt. McLaren for your courage, dedication and sacrifices. Thank you for standing guard for the freedoms of people around the world. God Bless You. Rest easy Brother. |
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"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13
De Oppresso Liber
R.D. and Kay Winters
U.S. Army (Ret) 1978-1998
Special Forces Assn Decade
American Legion
VFW
PGR
Blue Knights NC IX
www.myspace.com/kaynrick_hd
In Memory of:
L/Cpl Ronald Wayne Shields, P-39E/L-21, SVN, 13 Feb 68 (Uncle)
SFC Jonathan Tessar, Iraqi Freedom, 31 Oct 05 (Teammate, Friend, Brother)
James Kenneth Sinclair, Veteran, Motorcycle Accident, 16 Apr 04 (Kay's Dad)
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.
Pres. Theodore Roosevelt
Paris, France
23 Apr 1910 |
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mlmsan
Posts: 6966
Loganville, Georgia 30052
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| 17 Jun 2009 8:49 PM |
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My heart cries for the Family and Friends of British Forces ~ Private Robert McLaren ~ The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Coalition Forces. I pray our Heavenly Father will give you Peace beyond understanding in your time of sorrow. Private Robert McLaren, you have stood watch for others, now is your time to stand down, your Mission is complete. Job well done Soldier. It is our time to stand watch for you. My Brother, you are a True Hero, thank you for your faithful service. May our Heavenly Father welcome you home to rest.
You will not be Forgotten.
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"The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you".
Larry "Sir Bear" & "Queen Mary" Sanderson
sirbear@comcast.net
770-500-6895
Georgia PGR,
Part of It,
Proud of it.
Georgia Mentor Team
U.S Navy Vietnam - 66/67
USS Franklin D. Roosevelt CVA 42
Blue Star Dad
Patriot Guard Rider
VFW Post 5290, Conyers
GVVA Post 5,Conyers
Riding In Memory of my Great Grand Father, John Perry Sanderson, Texas Calvary Regiment, Civil War. Father, PO1 Weldon A. Sanderson, WWII USN, Pacific Fleet. And in Honor of my Son, SSGT Michael W. Sanderson, Gulf, 2x Iraq, and Mt. Sinai, Egypt. U.S. Army now serving this Nation Proudly in Fort Benning, Georgia. |
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MomZor
Posts: 685
Temecula
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| 23 Jun 2009 7:56 AM |
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To the family and friends of the ever so young Private Robert McLaren,
There are no words or platitudes that can temper your pain. I can’t think of anything in life that could be more painful, then the loss of a loved one, especially a son.
I would, however, like to take a moment to remind you that as deep as the hole in your heart feels at this time, it will be filled over time with the wonderful times spent together.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal” ~From a headstone in Ireland
Thank you Robert for your service in helping our nation, and it's people, you are a hero.
Riding in Spirit, |
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Always,
MomZor,
Temecula, CA
A Gold Star and Blue Star Mom
Proud PGR member #166128
In Loving Memory of Son Army Combat Medic
Spc Christopher Melvin Wainright
Born on the 4th of July 1982 and Died on the 23rd of January 2009 at 26 years old
Joined Air Force 2000 - THEN - Joined Army 2006
"OIF" Iraq 11/07 thru 01/09
  
In Support of Son Active Duty Marine Machine Gunner
Lcpl David Buck Wainright
Joined - The Marines - 2007
"OEF" Afghanistan 04/08 thru 11/08
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monmixr
Posts: 1918
Bartlett, Illinois
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| 24 Jun 2009 12:58 AM |
Alert
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| My sincere condolences and prayers to family and friends of Private Robert McLaren. I am forever grateful for your service to the war on terrorism. Your service and sacrifices will not be forgotten. You are and will remain a True Hero. May you Forever Rest in Peace. |
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Proud member of the often imitated never duplicated Illinois Patriot Guard Riders.
Eric C. Kuhn
Ride Captain
Illinois Patriot Guard Riders
In memory of CPT Steven M. Strickland B/3 AVN BN 15 SEP 1980
In memory of CW3 Donald G. Cicuzza Jr.
In memory of Carl W. Kuhn WWII Vet. 1927-2009 |
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banditbob
Posts: 3882
Virginia Beach. District 5 Hampton Roads Ride Captain
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| 08 Jul 2009 6:11 AM |
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| My wife and I want to thank you Private Robert McLaren for your sacrifice and dedication to this great Nation of ours. Our thoughts and prayers are with your loved one's and friends. |
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banditbob
Robert K. Reynolds
District 5 Hampton Roads
Ride Captin Virginia Beach Va.
US Army, Armor
3AD 1/32 Armor "Bandits" 1972 to 1976
(the original Bandits)
Indian Cove RV Resort, Secretary Board of Directors.
Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 20 Chaplain and Service Officer Virginia Beach.
Association United States Army (AUSA)
Honor and Remember, Military Liason Officer
1st Cav. Div. 2/5 Black Knights, Armor
Our debt to the Heroic men and Valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid . They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices
(President Harry S. Truman)
During these days of many trials and tribulations that our land of the free are facing, let us remember to hold our heads up high in remembrance for those who gave their life for our freedom and those that are still in harms way for this cause. Pray for the brokenhearted and proclaim victory for those who are held captive. Lord, You are the light of the world and we declare You to be Lord over every nation. We know your light shines in darkness and the darkness does not always comprehend, but we also know You light will always prevail. Amen.
Chaplin, Lorraine Richmond.
OLD BANDITS NEVER DIE, THEY JUST FADE AWAY
In Memory of my Dad,
Frank Reynolds Sr.
Window/Tail Gunner B-17 USAAF, WWII |
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jwilsr
Posts: 369
Macungie, PA
Ride Captain
PA Region 5
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| 14 Aug 2009 1:38 PM |
Alert
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To the family and friends of Private Robert McLaren I offer my sincere condolences and sympathies. Thank you Robert for your selfless commitment to your nation and freedom. Your watch has ended and while you leave us in body you live with us forever in spirit. God bless you and your loved ones. Stand down now my brother and rest in eternal peace.
_____________________________________________________________________________
A Soldier's Prayer
(author unknown)
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
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Jack Williams
USAF '63 - '67
Pleiku, RVN '66 - '67
Florida Army National Guard '74 - '78
Standing to honor my hero, my father - WW II US Navy
In Memory of LCPL Luke McCulloch, The Royal Irish Regiment, and all Coalition Forces
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kbell
Posts: 2965
Jacksonville, Florida Ride Captain
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| 03 Oct 2009 12:57 AM |
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| My sincere condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Privat Robert McLaren. May your faith give you strength. May your memories give you comfort. May GOD'S love give you peace. |
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Karen (kerrybell) Trone
If you are going to worry then don't pray...
If you are going to pray then don't worry !!
For I know the plans I have for you....
Jeremiah 29:11
Live simply. Love generously.
Care deeply. Speak kindly.
Leave the rest to God.
Earth has no sorrows that heaven cannot heal.
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todd.hoger@att.net
Posts: 177
ELGIN IL.
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| 03 Oct 2009 3:16 PM |
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| My sincere condolences to the family and friends of are fallen. Though you will be missed you will not be forgotten. RIP |
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TODD "L.T." HOGER
ILLINOIS PATRIOT GUARD RIDERS
ESCORT VEHICLE, N.ILL.
THE NATION WHICH FORGETS ITS DEFENDERS WILL ITSELF BE FORGOTTEN.
I RIDER FOR,
KEN HOGER...VIETNAM-1966-1967
ARTHUR BUCKHEISTER...KOREA-1971-1973 |
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shadow7
Posts: 81
Baldwin, FL 32234-1612
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| 04 Oct 2009 7:54 PM |
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My condolences to the family and friends of Private Robert McLaren. Your mission is complete trooper, you will not be forgotten. Rest in peace. May the loch be greener on the other side God bless you mate.
Dave
"Brit"
British Army 1974-1981( 1st Royal Anglian Regt)
U.S. Army 1981-1992 |
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