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Monroe grad killed by insurgents in Afghanistan

District plans to honor U.S. Army Spc. James C. Robinson, of Lebanon, before Friday's football game.

Spc. James C. Robinson

Guestbook: Share memories & condolences for James C. Robinson At legacy.com

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By Tiffany Y. Latta, Staff Writer Updated 8:03 AM Tuesday, August 31, 2010

MONROE — A Monroe High School graduate serving in Afghanistan was killed this weekend when his unit was attacked by insurgents.

U.S. Army Spc. James C. Robinson, 27, of Lebanon died Saturday, Aug. 28, in the Bermal district in Paktika province, Afghanistan, when the unit was hit with indirect fire, the U.S. Department of Defense announced Monday.

Robinson graduated in 2001 from Monroe High School, where he was a member of the school’s science club and soccer team. The district plans to honor his memory Friday night before the Monroe Hornets football game vs. Ross High School, said Superintendent Elizabeth Lolli.

Assistant Principal Robert Millisor said Monroe teachers and administrators were stunned Monday when they learned of Robinson’s death.

“It’s always tragic when you have a young man give his life in this way and it’s even tougher when you know him,” said Millisor, who described Robinson as a kind-hearted, fun-loving and outgoing student who was quick to help others.

Robinson was one of 14 American troops to have been killed in the last three days in Afghanistan, according to reports. Robinson is the first Monroe grad Millisor said he knows of who has been killed in either Iraq or Afghanistan, and said his death impacts the entire community.

“When you have something like this happen and a young man gives the ultimate sacrifice, it’s tough on everybody ... The whole district is mourning his passing.”

A Robinson family friend and member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Lebanon asked area residents to pray for the Robinson family and for troops serving overseas.

“The story tonight is what the cost of freedom is. There’s a mother and a father who are coming home without their son,” said Tom, who would only give his first name. “This is the cost of freedom. Some young man is coming home in a flag-draped casket. That is the price and it’s a steep price.”

Millisor and Lolli said their hearts go out to Robinson’s family and friends.

“It saddens us as a district to lose one of our former students and it’s sad for the Monroe community as a whole,” Lolli said.

Robinson was an infantryman assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). He joined the Army in February 2005 and arrived at Fort Campbell that November.

His awards and decorations include: Bronze Star; Purple Heart; Army Commendation Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; Army Service Ribbon; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Overseas Service Ribbon; NATO Medal; Combat Infantry Badge; and Weapons Qualification, M4, expert.

Robinson is survived by his wife, Kathryn, daughter Victoria, and stepdaughter Emily B. Cable, who live in Fort Campbell; and his parents Kimberly and James Robinson of Middletown.

Millisor said Robinson’s younger brother and sister also graduated from Monroe.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.