Robert "Bob" Adams
LTC (US Army, Ret), Robert Allan Adams, 69, of Goodview, passed away on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at his residence. Bob was born on May 25, 1946 at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. He was the son of the late BG Carroll Edward Adams, Jr. and Dorothy Ronne Adams. In addition to his parents Bob was preceded in death by the love of his life, Judith Dirkes Adams.
Bob graduated from the United States Military Academy with the class of 1968. He furthered his education by earning three master's degrees in engineering and business administration. Upon graduation from West Point, Bob was commissioned in the Army and dedicated 23 years of service to the nation. He served during the Vietnam War alongside his father. During his time in service Bob was recognized with numerous medals for achievement and honorable service. He risked his life and was severely injured saving two pilots from a helicopter accident. Only a week after the rescue and while recovering from his injuries Bob's father was killed when his helicopter was shot down. After the loss of his father Bob became a role model and mentor to his younger siblings.
Bob was a member of several civic and local organizations including, AUSA, ALAC, West Point Society of South West Virginia and the Renovation Alliance. He enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, kayaking and caring for his dogs, cats, and horses. He cherished his church family at Resurrection Catholic Church in Moneta. After retirement from the US Army, Bob embarked in a second career with R&K Engineering in Roanoke. Bob retired from R&K in 2012 as the CEO and President with tremendous respect and admiration from his colleagues and employees.
Bob is survived by three children, John "Jack" Adams and his wife, Karen, Jennifer Adams Pace and her husband, John and Edward "Ned" Adams and his wife, Kathryn; 4 grandchildren, Jocelyn Baron, Amanda Pace, Evan and Garrett Adams; 3 siblings, Ronne Adams Israel, Jonathan Peter Adams and his wife, Paula and William French Adams and his wife, Deborah Ann; also numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
The family would like to say how thankful they are for the love, compassion and attention to their family and the care for Bob with his most recent illness. Words cannot express our thanks and you will forever be in our hearts. For those wishing to make memorial contributions in lieu of flowers and in Bob's memory please consider Resurrection Catholic Church, 15353 Moneta Road, Moneta VA 24121 and Good Samaritan Hospice, 2408 Electric Road, Roanoke, VA 24018.
A Mass of the Resurrection was conducted at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at Resurrection Catholic Church in Moneta with Father Salvador Añonuevo officiating. The Burial was followed with military honors in the church cemetery.
*****************************************************************
The following was published in TAPS:
Robert Allan Adams was born at Schofield Barracks, HI on May 25, 1946, the first white child born on the island after World War II. His father, Carroll E. "Hap" Adams Jr., USMA 1945, was an officer in the Corps of Engineers and assigned to Hawaii right after the war ended. His mother, Dorothy Ronne Adams, said that local children gazed at the new baby with curiosity and asked when he would turn brown.
As Bob grew up, his military family had assignments in various locations, including Austria; Fort Belvoir, VA; Los Angeles, CA; Fort Campbell, KY; Virginia; and Carlisle Barracks, PA. As Bob was preparing to enter high school, his father received an assignment to Germany to command an engineer battalion in Munich, followed by a relocation to CENTAG headquarters in Mannheim. As two moves in three years would be disruptive during high school, Bob was admitted to Deerfield Academy, a private preparatory boarding school in Massachusetts near his grandparents' homestead, graduating in 1964.
Bob followed his father's footsteps and entered West Point with the Class of 1968. He lettered in cross country and track and sang in the Glee Club. Upon graduation Bob was commissioned in the Corps of Engineers and married his high school sweetheart, Judith Dirkes. After completing Airborne, EOBC and Ranger schools, Bob was assigned to Vietnam, 1969-70. Bob's father, a colonel at the time, deployed to Vietnam in January 1970, and Bob was able to visit him in Saigon.
In 1970 Bob took command of the engineer bridge company of the 25th Infantry Division. In early May, as his company was moving out to support the invasion of Cambodia, Bob heard a helicopter overhead experiencing mechanical trouble. The Cobra gunship crash-landed nearby, so he jumped into his jeep and ordered his driver to speed to the site of the crash. When they arrived, the helicopter was engulfed in flames and the ammunition onboard was cooking off. Bob approached the stricken craft but withdrew due to the intense heat. When he heard the co-pilot say, "Help me, I can't move," he went back into the flames, opened the canopy and pulled both pilots from the wreckage. One succumbed to injuries, but the other survived thanks to Bob's heroic actions. Bob suffered third-degree burns to his hands and arms and was evacuated to a military hospital. His father visited him and reported home that Bob would be okay.
A week later, his father, on the promotion list for brigadier general, was killed when his helicopter was shot down during an inspection tour of his units. After his father's death, Bob was evacuated to Portsmouth Naval Hospital to be near his family. He donned his dress uniform for his father's funeral at West Point but regretted not being able to salute the casket or return cadets' salutes due to his heavy bandaging.
After he recovered, Bob earned a Master of Civil Engineering from the University of Nebraska in 1972. He had assignments in Idaho; Fort Hood, TX; Fort Wainwright, AK; Fort Leavenworth, KS; the National Capital Region; and finally Heidelberg, Germany. Bob and Judy had three children during his time in the Army: Jack, Jennifer and Ned. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1991 after 23 years of service.
Upon retirement, Bob went to work for R&K Engineering in Roanoke, VA, a company specializing in helping the government manage its real property. While at R&K, Bob earned two additional master's degrees in engineering and business administration. Bob and Judy bought their country dream home near Smith Mountain Lake, VA and raised horses, dogs and cats. Bob spent 21 years at the employee-owned company and rose to President & CEO before his second retirement in 2012.
Bob enjoyed researching his family's Scottish heritage. He and Judy loved to visit Scotland, with the Island of Skye being one of his favorite places on earth. They petitioned the Scottish government to commission a West Point tartan, which Judy used to make a kilt for Bob. He purchased the full Scottish regalia to complete the ensemble. Sadly, Bob's beloved Judy passed away from cancer in 2008 and was buried at their parish, Resurrection Catholic Church in Moneta, VA.
In retirement, Bob devoted himself to his children and grandchildren and volunteered extensively, refurbishing homes for low-income people and working at his parish. In the absence of their father, Bob's younger brothers, Jon (USMA '74) and Bill (USMA '81), looked to him for advice and counsel. He was a mentor to his siblings on family matters, military transition, investing, Social Security, and retirement planning based on his personal experiences.
Bob deeply valued his connections with the people he loved. He called his elderly uncle and cousin every Sunday. Bob also had a standing lunch date with his daughter, Jennifer, every Thursday. It was on one of these lunch dates, in March 2016, that Bob told Jennifer that he was not feeling well. Upon examination, he was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an inoperable brain cancer. He bravely decided against heroic measures and calmly prepared for his death with the assistance of Good Samaritan Hospice of Roanoke, VA. After only six weeks of decline, Bob peacefully passed away at his home shortly before his 70th birthday on May 16, 2016, surrounded by his family. Witnessing his passing was both terrible and beautiful. It was tough to see a man you love and respect decline and pass away yet, through the experience, his family drew closer. Bob died a devout Catholic with full faith that he would see his beloved Judy and parents again. May he rest in peace. No Task Too Great for '68!
LTC (R) William F. Adams, '81
Source: West Point Association of Graduates, 2019 TAPS
LTC (US Army, Ret), Robert Allan Adams, 69, of Goodview, passed away on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at his residence. Bob was born on May 25, 1946 at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. He was the son of the late BG Carroll Edward Adams, Jr. and Dorothy Ronne Adams. In addition to his parents Bob was preceded in death by the love of his life, Judith Dirkes Adams.
Bob graduated from the United States Military Academy with the class of 1968. He furthered his education by earning three master's degrees in engineering and business administration. Upon graduation from West Point, Bob was commissioned in the Army and dedicated 23 years of service to the nation. He served during the Vietnam War alongside his father. During his time in service Bob was recognized with numerous medals for achievement and honorable service. He risked his life and was severely injured saving two pilots from a helicopter accident. Only a week after the rescue and while recovering from his injuries Bob's father was killed when his helicopter was shot down. After the loss of his father Bob became a role model and mentor to his younger siblings.
Bob was a member of several civic and local organizations including, AUSA, ALAC, West Point Society of South West Virginia and the Renovation Alliance. He enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, kayaking and caring for his dogs, cats, and horses. He cherished his church family at Resurrection Catholic Church in Moneta. After retirement from the US Army, Bob embarked in a second career with R&K Engineering in Roanoke. Bob retired from R&K in 2012 as the CEO and President with tremendous respect and admiration from his colleagues and employees.
Bob is survived by three children, John "Jack" Adams and his wife, Karen, Jennifer Adams Pace and her husband, John and Edward "Ned" Adams and his wife, Kathryn; 4 grandchildren, Jocelyn Baron, Amanda Pace, Evan and Garrett Adams; 3 siblings, Ronne Adams Israel, Jonathan Peter Adams and his wife, Paula and William French Adams and his wife, Deborah Ann; also numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
The family would like to say how thankful they are for the love, compassion and attention to their family and the care for Bob with his most recent illness. Words cannot express our thanks and you will forever be in our hearts. For those wishing to make memorial contributions in lieu of flowers and in Bob's memory please consider Resurrection Catholic Church, 15353 Moneta Road, Moneta VA 24121 and Good Samaritan Hospice, 2408 Electric Road, Roanoke, VA 24018.
A Mass of the Resurrection was conducted at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at Resurrection Catholic Church in Moneta with Father Salvador Añonuevo officiating. The Burial was followed with military honors in the church cemetery.
*****************************************************************
The following was published in TAPS:
Robert Allan Adams was born at Schofield Barracks, HI on May 25, 1946, the first white child born on the island after World War II. His father, Carroll E. "Hap" Adams Jr., USMA 1945, was an officer in the Corps of Engineers and assigned to Hawaii right after the war ended. His mother, Dorothy Ronne Adams, said that local children gazed at the new baby with curiosity and asked when he would turn brown.
As Bob grew up, his military family had assignments in various locations, including Austria; Fort Belvoir, VA; Los Angeles, CA; Fort Campbell, KY; Virginia; and Carlisle Barracks, PA. As Bob was preparing to enter high school, his father received an assignment to Germany to command an engineer battalion in Munich, followed by a relocation to CENTAG headquarters in Mannheim. As two moves in three years would be disruptive during high school, Bob was admitted to Deerfield Academy, a private preparatory boarding school in Massachusetts near his grandparents' homestead, graduating in 1964.
Bob followed his father's footsteps and entered West Point with the Class of 1968. He lettered in cross country and track and sang in the Glee Club. Upon graduation Bob was commissioned in the Corps of Engineers and married his high school sweetheart, Judith Dirkes. After completing Airborne, EOBC and Ranger schools, Bob was assigned to Vietnam, 1969-70. Bob's father, a colonel at the time, deployed to Vietnam in January 1970, and Bob was able to visit him in Saigon.
In 1970 Bob took command of the engineer bridge company of the 25th Infantry Division. In early May, as his company was moving out to support the invasion of Cambodia, Bob heard a helicopter overhead experiencing mechanical trouble. The Cobra gunship crash-landed nearby, so he jumped into his jeep and ordered his driver to speed to the site of the crash. When they arrived, the helicopter was engulfed in flames and the ammunition onboard was cooking off. Bob approached the stricken craft but withdrew due to the intense heat. When he heard the co-pilot say, "Help me, I can't move," he went back into the flames, opened the canopy and pulled both pilots from the wreckage. One succumbed to injuries, but the other survived thanks to Bob's heroic actions. Bob suffered third-degree burns to his hands and arms and was evacuated to a military hospital. His father visited him and reported home that Bob would be okay.
A week later, his father, on the promotion list for brigadier general, was killed when his helicopter was shot down during an inspection tour of his units. After his father's death, Bob was evacuated to Portsmouth Naval Hospital to be near his family. He donned his dress uniform for his father's funeral at West Point but regretted not being able to salute the casket or return cadets' salutes due to his heavy bandaging.
After he recovered, Bob earned a Master of Civil Engineering from the University of Nebraska in 1972. He had assignments in Idaho; Fort Hood, TX; Fort Wainwright, AK; Fort Leavenworth, KS; the National Capital Region; and finally Heidelberg, Germany. Bob and Judy had three children during his time in the Army: Jack, Jennifer and Ned. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1991 after 23 years of service.
Upon retirement, Bob went to work for R&K Engineering in Roanoke, VA, a company specializing in helping the government manage its real property. While at R&K, Bob earned two additional master's degrees in engineering and business administration. Bob and Judy bought their country dream home near Smith Mountain Lake, VA and raised horses, dogs and cats. Bob spent 21 years at the employee-owned company and rose to President & CEO before his second retirement in 2012.
Bob enjoyed researching his family's Scottish heritage. He and Judy loved to visit Scotland, with the Island of Skye being one of his favorite places on earth. They petitioned the Scottish government to commission a West Point tartan, which Judy used to make a kilt for Bob. He purchased the full Scottish regalia to complete the ensemble. Sadly, Bob's beloved Judy passed away from cancer in 2008 and was buried at their parish, Resurrection Catholic Church in Moneta, VA.
In retirement, Bob devoted himself to his children and grandchildren and volunteered extensively, refurbishing homes for low-income people and working at his parish. In the absence of their father, Bob's younger brothers, Jon (USMA '74) and Bill (USMA '81), looked to him for advice and counsel. He was a mentor to his siblings on family matters, military transition, investing, Social Security, and retirement planning based on his personal experiences.
Bob deeply valued his connections with the people he loved. He called his elderly uncle and cousin every Sunday. Bob also had a standing lunch date with his daughter, Jennifer, every Thursday. It was on one of these lunch dates, in March 2016, that Bob told Jennifer that he was not feeling well. Upon examination, he was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an inoperable brain cancer. He bravely decided against heroic measures and calmly prepared for his death with the assistance of Good Samaritan Hospice of Roanoke, VA. After only six weeks of decline, Bob peacefully passed away at his home shortly before his 70th birthday on May 16, 2016, surrounded by his family. Witnessing his passing was both terrible and beautiful. It was tough to see a man you love and respect decline and pass away yet, through the experience, his family drew closer. Bob died a devout Catholic with full faith that he would see his beloved Judy and parents again. May he rest in peace. No Task Too Great for '68!
LTC (R) William F. Adams, '81
Source: West Point Association of Graduates, 2019 TAPS
Robert "Bob" Adams
LTC (US Army, Ret), Robert Allan Adams, 69, of Goodview, passed away on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at his residence. Bob was born on May 25, 1946 at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. He was the son of the late BG Carroll Edward Adams, Jr. and Dorothy Ronne Adams. In addition to his parents Bob was preceded in death by the love of his life, Judith Dirkes Adams.
Bob graduated from the United States Military Academy with the class of 1968. He furthered his education by earning three master's degrees in engineering and business administration. Upon graduation from West Point, Bob was commissioned in the Army and dedicated 23 years of service to the nation. He served during the Vietnam War alongside his father. During his time in service Bob was recognized with numerous medals for achievement and honorable service. He risked his life and was severely injured saving two pilots from a helicopter accident. Only a week after the rescue and while recovering from his injuries Bob's father was killed when his helicopter was shot down. After the loss of his father Bob became a role model and mentor to his younger siblings.
Bob was a member of several civic and local organizations including, AUSA, ALAC, West Point Society of South West Virginia and the Renovation Alliance. He enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, kayaking and caring for his dogs, cats, and horses. He cherished his church family at Resurrection Catholic Church in Moneta. After retirement from the US Army, Bob embarked in a second career with R&K Engineering in Roanoke. Bob retired from R&K in 2012 as the CEO and President with tremendous respect and admiration from his colleagues and employees.
Bob is survived by three children, John "Jack" Adams and his wife, Karen, Jennifer Adams Pace and her husband, John and Edward "Ned" Adams and his wife, Kathryn; 4 grandchildren, Jocelyn Baron, Amanda Pace, Evan and Garrett Adams; 3 siblings, Ronne Adams Israel, Jonathan Peter Adams and his wife, Paula and William French Adams and his wife, Deborah Ann; also numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
The family would like to say how thankful they are for the love, compassion and attention to their family and the care for Bob with his most recent illness. Words cannot express our thanks and you will forever be in our hearts. For those wishing to make memorial contributions in lieu of flowers and in Bob's memory please consider Resurrection Catholic Church, 15353 Moneta Road, Moneta VA 24121 and Good Samaritan Hospice, 2408 Electric Road, Roanoke, VA 24018.
A Mass of the Resurrection was conducted at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at Resurrection Catholic Church in Moneta with Father Salvador Añonuevo officiating. The Burial was followed with military honors in the church cemetery.
*****************************************************************
The following was published in TAPS:
Robert Allan Adams was born at Schofield Barracks, HI on May 25, 1946, the first white child born on the island after World War II. His father, Carroll E. "Hap" Adams Jr., USMA 1945, was an officer in the Corps of Engineers and assigned to Hawaii right after the war ended. His mother, Dorothy Ronne Adams, said that local children gazed at the new baby with curiosity and asked when he would turn brown.
As Bob grew up, his military family had assignments in various locations, including Austria; Fort Belvoir, VA; Los Angeles, CA; Fort Campbell, KY; Virginia; and Carlisle Barracks, PA. As Bob was preparing to enter high school, his father received an assignment to Germany to command an engineer battalion in Munich, followed by a relocation to CENTAG headquarters in Mannheim. As two moves in three years would be disruptive during high school, Bob was admitted to Deerfield Academy, a private preparatory boarding school in Massachusetts near his grandparents' homestead, graduating in 1964.
Bob followed his father's footsteps and entered West Point with the Class of 1968. He lettered in cross country and track and sang in the Glee Club. Upon graduation Bob was commissioned in the Corps of Engineers and married his high school sweetheart, Judith Dirkes. After completing Airborne, EOBC and Ranger schools, Bob was assigned to Vietnam, 1969-70. Bob's father, a colonel at the time, deployed to Vietnam in January 1970, and Bob was able to visit him in Saigon.
In 1970 Bob took command of the engineer bridge company of the 25th Infantry Division. In early May, as his company was moving out to support the invasion of Cambodia, Bob heard a helicopter overhead experiencing mechanical trouble. The Cobra gunship crash-landed nearby, so he jumped into his jeep and ordered his driver to speed to the site of the crash. When they arrived, the helicopter was engulfed in flames and the ammunition onboard was cooking off. Bob approached the stricken craft but withdrew due to the intense heat. When he heard the co-pilot say, "Help me, I can't move," he went back into the flames, opened the canopy and pulled both pilots from the wreckage. One succumbed to injuries, but the other survived thanks to Bob's heroic actions. Bob suffered third-degree burns to his hands and arms and was evacuated to a military hospital. His father visited him and reported home that Bob would be okay.
A week later, his father, on the promotion list for brigadier general, was killed when his helicopter was shot down during an inspection tour of his units. After his father's death, Bob was evacuated to Portsmouth Naval Hospital to be near his family. He donned his dress uniform for his father's funeral at West Point but regretted not being able to salute the casket or return cadets' salutes due to his heavy bandaging.
After he recovered, Bob earned a Master of Civil Engineering from the University of Nebraska in 1972. He had assignments in Idaho; Fort Hood, TX; Fort Wainwright, AK; Fort Leavenworth, KS; the National Capital Region; and finally Heidelberg, Germany. Bob and Judy had three children during his time in the Army: Jack, Jennifer and Ned. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1991 after 23 years of service.
Upon retirement, Bob went to work for R&K Engineering in Roanoke, VA, a company specializing in helping the government manage its real property. While at R&K, Bob earned two additional master's degrees in engineering and business administration. Bob and Judy bought their country dream home near Smith Mountain Lake, VA and raised horses, dogs and cats. Bob spent 21 years at the employee-owned company and rose to President & CEO before his second retirement in 2012.
Bob enjoyed researching his family's Scottish heritage. He and Judy loved to visit Scotland, with the Island of Skye being one of his favorite places on earth. They petitioned the Scottish government to commission a West Point tartan, which Judy used to make a kilt for Bob. He purchased the full Scottish regalia to complete the ensemble. Sadly, Bob's beloved Judy passed away from cancer in 2008 and was buried at their parish, Resurrection Catholic Church in Moneta, VA.
In retirement, Bob devoted himself to his children and grandchildren and volunteered extensively, refurbishing homes for low-income people and working at his parish. In the absence of their father, Bob's younger brothers, Jon (USMA '74) and Bill (USMA '81), looked to him for advice and counsel. He was a mentor to his siblings on family matters, military transition, investing, Social Security, and retirement planning based on his personal experiences.
Bob deeply valued his connections with the people he loved. He called his elderly uncle and cousin every Sunday. Bob also had a standing lunch date with his daughter, Jennifer, every Thursday. It was on one of these lunch dates, in March 2016, that Bob told Jennifer that he was not feeling well. Upon examination, he was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an inoperable brain cancer. He bravely decided against heroic measures and calmly prepared for his death with the assistance of Good Samaritan Hospice of Roanoke, VA. After only six weeks of decline, Bob peacefully passed away at his home shortly before his 70th birthday on May 16, 2016, surrounded by his family. Witnessing his passing was both terrible and beautiful. It was tough to see a man you love and respect decline and pass away yet, through the experience, his family drew closer. Bob died a devout Catholic with full faith that he would see his beloved Judy and parents again. May he rest in peace. No Task Too Great for '68!
LTC (R) William F. Adams, '81
Source: West Point Association of Graduates, 2019 TAPS
LTC (US Army, Ret), Robert Allan Adams, 69, of Goodview, passed away on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at his residence. Bob was born on May 25, 1946 at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. He was the son of the late BG Carroll Edward Adams, Jr. and Dorothy Ronne Adams. In addition to his parents Bob was preceded in death by the love of his life, Judith Dirkes Adams.
Bob graduated from the United States Military Academy with the class of 1968. He furthered his education by earning three master's degrees in engineering and business administration. Upon graduation from West Point, Bob was commissioned in the Army and dedicated 23 years of service to the nation. He served during the Vietnam War alongside his father. During his time in service Bob was recognized with numerous medals for achievement and honorable service. He risked his life and was severely injured saving two pilots from a helicopter accident. Only a week after the rescue and while recovering from his injuries Bob's father was killed when his helicopter was shot down. After the loss of his father Bob became a role model and mentor to his younger siblings.
Bob was a member of several civic and local organizations including, AUSA, ALAC, West Point Society of South West Virginia and the Renovation Alliance. He enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, kayaking and caring for his dogs, cats, and horses. He cherished his church family at Resurrection Catholic Church in Moneta. After retirement from the US Army, Bob embarked in a second career with R&K Engineering in Roanoke. Bob retired from R&K in 2012 as the CEO and President with tremendous respect and admiration from his colleagues and employees.
Bob is survived by three children, John "Jack" Adams and his wife, Karen, Jennifer Adams Pace and her husband, John and Edward "Ned" Adams and his wife, Kathryn; 4 grandchildren, Jocelyn Baron, Amanda Pace, Evan and Garrett Adams; 3 siblings, Ronne Adams Israel, Jonathan Peter Adams and his wife, Paula and William French Adams and his wife, Deborah Ann; also numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
The family would like to say how thankful they are for the love, compassion and attention to their family and the care for Bob with his most recent illness. Words cannot express our thanks and you will forever be in our hearts. For those wishing to make memorial contributions in lieu of flowers and in Bob's memory please consider Resurrection Catholic Church, 15353 Moneta Road, Moneta VA 24121 and Good Samaritan Hospice, 2408 Electric Road, Roanoke, VA 24018.
A Mass of the Resurrection was conducted at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at Resurrection Catholic Church in Moneta with Father Salvador Añonuevo officiating. The Burial was followed with military honors in the church cemetery.
*****************************************************************
The following was published in TAPS:
Robert Allan Adams was born at Schofield Barracks, HI on May 25, 1946, the first white child born on the island after World War II. His father, Carroll E. "Hap" Adams Jr., USMA 1945, was an officer in the Corps of Engineers and assigned to Hawaii right after the war ended. His mother, Dorothy Ronne Adams, said that local children gazed at the new baby with curiosity and asked when he would turn brown.
As Bob grew up, his military family had assignments in various locations, including Austria; Fort Belvoir, VA; Los Angeles, CA; Fort Campbell, KY; Virginia; and Carlisle Barracks, PA. As Bob was preparing to enter high school, his father received an assignment to Germany to command an engineer battalion in Munich, followed by a relocation to CENTAG headquarters in Mannheim. As two moves in three years would be disruptive during high school, Bob was admitted to Deerfield Academy, a private preparatory boarding school in Massachusetts near his grandparents' homestead, graduating in 1964.
Bob followed his father's footsteps and entered West Point with the Class of 1968. He lettered in cross country and track and sang in the Glee Club. Upon graduation Bob was commissioned in the Corps of Engineers and married his high school sweetheart, Judith Dirkes. After completing Airborne, EOBC and Ranger schools, Bob was assigned to Vietnam, 1969-70. Bob's father, a colonel at the time, deployed to Vietnam in January 1970, and Bob was able to visit him in Saigon.
In 1970 Bob took command of the engineer bridge company of the 25th Infantry Division. In early May, as his company was moving out to support the invasion of Cambodia, Bob heard a helicopter overhead experiencing mechanical trouble. The Cobra gunship crash-landed nearby, so he jumped into his jeep and ordered his driver to speed to the site of the crash. When they arrived, the helicopter was engulfed in flames and the ammunition onboard was cooking off. Bob approached the stricken craft but withdrew due to the intense heat. When he heard the co-pilot say, "Help me, I can't move," he went back into the flames, opened the canopy and pulled both pilots from the wreckage. One succumbed to injuries, but the other survived thanks to Bob's heroic actions. Bob suffered third-degree burns to his hands and arms and was evacuated to a military hospital. His father visited him and reported home that Bob would be okay.
A week later, his father, on the promotion list for brigadier general, was killed when his helicopter was shot down during an inspection tour of his units. After his father's death, Bob was evacuated to Portsmouth Naval Hospital to be near his family. He donned his dress uniform for his father's funeral at West Point but regretted not being able to salute the casket or return cadets' salutes due to his heavy bandaging.
After he recovered, Bob earned a Master of Civil Engineering from the University of Nebraska in 1972. He had assignments in Idaho; Fort Hood, TX; Fort Wainwright, AK; Fort Leavenworth, KS; the National Capital Region; and finally Heidelberg, Germany. Bob and Judy had three children during his time in the Army: Jack, Jennifer and Ned. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1991 after 23 years of service.
Upon retirement, Bob went to work for R&K Engineering in Roanoke, VA, a company specializing in helping the government manage its real property. While at R&K, Bob earned two additional master's degrees in engineering and business administration. Bob and Judy bought their country dream home near Smith Mountain Lake, VA and raised horses, dogs and cats. Bob spent 21 years at the employee-owned company and rose to President & CEO before his second retirement in 2012.
Bob enjoyed researching his family's Scottish heritage. He and Judy loved to visit Scotland, with the Island of Skye being one of his favorite places on earth. They petitioned the Scottish government to commission a West Point tartan, which Judy used to make a kilt for Bob. He purchased the full Scottish regalia to complete the ensemble. Sadly, Bob's beloved Judy passed away from cancer in 2008 and was buried at their parish, Resurrection Catholic Church in Moneta, VA.
In retirement, Bob devoted himself to his children and grandchildren and volunteered extensively, refurbishing homes for low-income people and working at his parish. In the absence of their father, Bob's younger brothers, Jon (USMA '74) and Bill (USMA '81), looked to him for advice and counsel. He was a mentor to his siblings on family matters, military transition, investing, Social Security, and retirement planning based on his personal experiences.
Bob deeply valued his connections with the people he loved. He called his elderly uncle and cousin every Sunday. Bob also had a standing lunch date with his daughter, Jennifer, every Thursday. It was on one of these lunch dates, in March 2016, that Bob told Jennifer that he was not feeling well. Upon examination, he was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an inoperable brain cancer. He bravely decided against heroic measures and calmly prepared for his death with the assistance of Good Samaritan Hospice of Roanoke, VA. After only six weeks of decline, Bob peacefully passed away at his home shortly before his 70th birthday on May 16, 2016, surrounded by his family. Witnessing his passing was both terrible and beautiful. It was tough to see a man you love and respect decline and pass away yet, through the experience, his family drew closer. Bob died a devout Catholic with full faith that he would see his beloved Judy and parents again. May he rest in peace. No Task Too Great for '68!
LTC (R) William F. Adams, '81
Source: West Point Association of Graduates, 2019 TAPS
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