Lieutenant Colonel Robert F. Baldwin
U.S. Army

Lieutenant Colonel Robert F. Baldwin was killed on September 21, 2010 when a Blackhawk helicopter carrying five soldiers crashed in Zabul province, Afghanistan while in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. LTC Baldwin and his four fellow soldiers all perished in the crash. 
Originally from New Boston, IL, LTC Baldwin was 39 years old at the time of the crash.

Rob Baldwin was a Western Illinois University alumnus and earned his commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 1993 from the WIU Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC).

LTC Baldwin earned his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Industrial Technology from Western in 1993. LTC Baldwin also earned two Master’s Degrees to include a Masters in Military Art and Science (MMAS) from the U.S. Army School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS) at Ft. Leavenworth, KS and a Masters in Adult Education from Kansas State University. He was also an active member of Delta Upsilon International Fraternity at WIU.

Baldwin was an Aviation Liaison Officer assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). His awards and decorations include: Bronze Star Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Joint Meritorious Unit Award; Meritorious Unit Commendation; National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Arrowhead Device; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Korean Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; NATO Medal; Air Assault Badge; Parachutist Badge and Senior Army Aviator Badge.

LTC Baldwin was survived by his wife, Danielle M. Baldwin; daughters Rachel and Meaghan Baldwin; and sons Keegan and Patrick Baldwin, all of Clarksville, TN.  LTC Baldwin is buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.