ROBERT´S 1st. ANNIVERSARY

Robert
1st Anniversary

Inspired by the remembrance of the first year of your departure, myself, your brother, along with many friends and relatives join to share the gift of love that you left us and to pray for your peaceful soul.

This gathering is being made possible by the heartfelt contribution of your friends including Hector and Jessica Rivera, Mary and Bryan Neldner, Nate Hemphill, Michael Zullivan, and Walsh Family, among others.

Robert you were an extraordinary human being, an example to many. We all share your dreams, your illusions, your happiness and that wonderful smile that characterized you. Your departure left a deep emptiness in our hearts.

We embrace the hope you inspired while gracing us, and know that we will be together once more.

Your mother,

Mildred

Mayport, Fl., September 24, 2006

Living La Vida Loca

Hola! Its been almost a year since Rob came closer to our hearts. I have been visiting this blog since then, I never wrote anything in because I didn't think it would be appropriate. Rob was not a close close friend of mine, nor was I related to him. But I too have suffered his loss.
A good friend of mine had lost her fiancée the same way, he was in the Spanish Air force, and when I told her about Rob and how I wasn't sure whether to write or not in the blog, she told me to go for it. Something that helped her through out the difficult times was the fact that people she didn't know would share stories about her fiancée with her, and they really meant a lot to her and helped her out.
That is my reason for finally writing, I want to share what Rob meant and means to me with the people he loved and love him. Maybe this will also help heal your loss.

I met Rob in Jacksonville Uni, during my freshman NAVY ROTC orientation. He was one of the platoon Sergeants. I had just gotten to the States from Madrid, Spain. I had no clue what I was doing or was supposed to do. They were calling out the names of the people and I didn't hear mine. Finally I raised my hand and told them. Rob came up to me, a very handsome boy, I thought, and very nicely asked me my name. So I answered, smiling, "Maria". Then he asked me for my last name, and I told him. From that moment on he started laughing and "yelling" that if I thought I was a princess, everybody was referred to by their last name except for me, I gave him my first name...Ooops! Little did I know that he was just playing around.
Through out ALL of our orientation he was the one that would ALWAYS make me laugh. He knew I was from Spain so he would talk to me in Spanish, and he would ask me all the time if I liked Ricky Martin. He would sing to me Ricky Martin songs like "Maria" and would constantly ask me if "I was living La Vida Loca". And of course I would start laughing, and that got me in trouble...hehe

I never realized how much Rob had meant to me until I found out he had passed away. I believe in God and believe that he surrounds himself by the best, and that is Rob. I lost my best friend who was like my sister when I was very young, I could never deal with her death. But Rob has helped me to do so. I told Aldara to show Rob around Heaven, I can just picture the too of them laughing and having a great time, so positive, so full of energy.
Two very weird/special things happened to me last September: Last time I had seen Rob was 6 years ago, I had thought about him many times, wondered how he was. One day I decided to write to him and to other people that I missed but hadn't been in contact with since I left JU, like Bryan Gasparro, Nate Hemphill and Paul Craig. I only had Bryan's address. One day, I couldn't stop thinking about Rob, for that whole week. The following week a friend of ours wrote to me and told me Rob had passed away. I was so sad. But I believe the reason why I was thinking so much about him is because he came by to say good bye.
I told my sister what happened and she googled him and found this blog. The next day we were in the living room, my sister was comforting me, I was telling her stories about Rob and showing her pictures. I told her about the Ricky Martin song. And then I started crying again. Suddenly the CD player turned on and Living La Vida Loca started playing. We couldn't believe it; we didn't even know we had that song! We looked at each other and knew, Rob was there with us.

From that day I stopped crying, I was happy. I knew Rob was ok, I knew Aldara, my best friend, was with him, I can't wait to hug them both. I am happy now, can't stop smiling. I am going to make sure that next time I see Rob I can answer his question, "Yes Rob, I Am living La Vida Loca".

Maria E Coloma
mcoloma@hotmail.com

VETERANS MEMORIAL WALL

I was uplifted and gratified to see my son Robert’s name on the Veterans Memorial Wall of Duval, County in Jacksonville, a well deserved recognition for Robert.

Since the first anniversary of Robert death is coming, I am planning an event to meet all his friends for a remembrance. I believe Jacksonville will be an ideal place for this gathering, therefore I would appreciate any of Robert’s friends to contact me via e-mail: msjostrand@earthlink.net so that I can coordinate this event. Also, I would appreciate any information about contacting the relatives of Thomas "Nick" Brantley and Nestor Oterolebron, the two other young men that passed away in the same accident. Many thanks in advance for your help.

Mildred Lezama Sjostrand
Robert´s mother

Missing you this Christmas

Hey buddy,

Robby...I miss you brother. Happy birthday, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! I hope you are enjoying your first holiday season with Jesus. To all the family and friends, continuue to pray that God will use Rob's legacy to reach people. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Take it easy brother. Get off your lazy behind and go for a run on the streets of gold! You'd better be in shape when I get there.

Hooyah

Nate

My First Christmas In Heaven

During this incredibly difficult Holiday Season I really felt led to share this with all of you. I know how much comfort it has brought me, and I pray it will help you too.


My First Christmas in Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below.
With tiny lights like Heaven's stars, reflecting in the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tear
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.


I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear.
But the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you the joy these voices bring.
For it is beyond description to hear the angels sing.
I know how much you miss me. I see the pain inside your heart
But I am not so far away, we really aren't apart.
So be happy for me, dear ones, you know I hold you dear.
And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a gift from my heavenly home above.
I sent you each a memory of my undying love.
After all, love is a gift. More precious than pure gold.
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.
Please love and keep each other as my father said to do.
For I can't count the blessings, or love, He has for each of you.
So have a Merry Christmas, and wipe away the tear.
Remember, I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

May God bless you and keep you today and always!!!
I miss you so much.
FAITH, HOPE, LOVE
Miss Mary

Happy Birthday Brother

Its been a while since anyone has posted anything on this site, although i still re-read the existing posts almost daily. I think about you all the time bro...you have been a source of motivation for me while taking on a new career, and im happy to report that its going AWESOME!!!! I have a picture of the two of us taken at your apartment not too long ago in my note book for work, i look at it everyday before i walk into the office, its almost like you are there...sometimes i can hear you trash talking, pumping me up for the day ahead...and right before i hit the door i can see you smiling with that big shitty smile of yours, and i know im going to have a good day. I talk about you to complete strangers, tell them about the kind of person you were and how much i miss you...you're always in my thoughts.

Every year since i've known you we have tried to celebrate our birthdays together and atleast have a night in between where we would go grab a drink together...this year will not be any different...except i guess im buying all the beer.

Well brother i just wanted to say hi and wish you a happy birthday.
I miss you and love you

Ricky G

Son of My Heart

 
 

 
 

The first time I met Rob was in the summer of 1999. He came to our home to take my daughter Beth on a date. Little did I realize at that moment Rob would have a special place in my heart forever. My wife Kathy remembers Rob standing at attention when I rose to shake his hand. I remember that he was very polite and respectful toward us. His first impression on us was a good one.

In the next several months we had some great adventures that helped us get to know Rob better. Rob joined our family as we fled the expected wrath of hurricane Floyd. After 13 hours of driving, we found shelter at a Baptist church in Valdosta, Georgia only Ninety Miles from home. We made it home the next day exhausted but with some great memories from our adventure. In late October Kathy & I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary with a trip to tour New England in the fall. As it turned out, Rob was in Rhode Island on a naval recruiting trip the same weekend as us. The three of us spent the day touring around Newport & Portsmouth. Rob was very gracious in tolerating my enthusiasm about seeing the old neighborhoods where my family lived in the 1950s. We had dinner and drove Rob back to the naval base. It was a special day and we really got to know each other.

Over the next three years Rob was like a member of the Walsh family. He celebrated every birthday, Christmas, vacation, holiday, & family occasion with us. We were so proud of him the day he graduated from JU & was commissioned into the U.S. Navy. Even our extended families fell in love with this wonderful young man. I guess we all thought that Rob would become a permanent member of our family. As things turned out that was not to be. Rob & Beth broke up after three years together & everyone went their separate ways.

The Lord has blessed me with three beautiful daughters & now two beauty granddaughters. Many people have asked me if I ever regretted not having a son. The answer is absolutely not! However, if I had a son my dream would have been for a son with Rob’s qualities. I admired his ability to relate to all the people he met and how they would instantly relate to him. It seemed he never met a stranger. Everybody wanted to be his friend. Rob was a real man’s man but could also be as gentle as a child. He was smart, talented, & highly motivated to achieve all the goals he desired to achieve. You almost knew for certain this young man would be a success at any goal he undertook. He had integrity, discipline, courage, & served his country with honor & pride. The quality we loved the most was his ability to show love & appreciation to others & receive their love in return.

On Sunday September 25th I returned home from work & Kathy met me at the back door. She was in tears & told me that Rob had been killed in a helicopter accident while training at sea. The news immediately broke my heart. Our family got together that evening to try & comfort one another. The loss of Rob was almost too much for us to comprehend or bear. As the first several weeks passed, I pondered for many hours over the loss of this very special young man. Personally, I was not prepared for the depth of sadness & loss that encompassed me from Rob’s death. Then it finally became clear why I was so devastated. In the three years that Rob was part of our lives, I had grown to love Rob like a son.

I cannot understand why this tragedy had to happen in Rob’s life at this time. He was so young, had so much promise for the future, so much life to live, so much love to give, and so many people that truly loved him. I have prayed for the answer but in my finite mind have not found one. The only thing that comforts me is to know how much Rob was loved by all those that knew him & how much he loved them. The Bible tells us that God is Love. I am bold enough in my faith to believe that God is still in control & will give his children all of eternity to spend with the ones we love. Rob & I had many talks about the Lord & our relationship to Him. I know he believed in & had reverence for his heavenly Father. Therefore, in just a little while we will share eternity with no more tears, pain, or separation. Until that day comes our love will bind & keep us together in heart & mind.

Rob, thanks for coming into our lives & sharing your life with us. You are a chosen member of this family forever. What a great blessing you have been to us. I have one last thing to say to you until we are together again. I really wanted to have the opportunity some time ago but never got the chance. It is simply this! I would have been extremely proud TO CALL YOU MY SON! Love, Mr. Walsh

Leave it All on the Field

"I know that when I took my last SEAL PFT, I walked off the track with PRIDE. I knew that I had given it all I had. I LEFT IT ALL ON THE FIELD, like we would say in football. I can always look back and say I tried EVERY single thing in my POWER to become a SEAL. I know that it was never MEANT to be. I will NEVER have ANY regrets. Now, I am so EXCITED about flying that I can't even put it into words." -Rob Elortegui

The above is a caption from a letter Rob wrote to me back in April of 2001. His words have always been so inspiring. He was always so SURE. In the caption, he is referring to the Physical Fitness Test to become a Navy SEAL. What he didn't realize is that it wasn't just for the SEAL PFT that he, LEFT IT ALL ON THE FIELD. He lived that way in every aspect of his life.

Rob came into my life back in 1999. I was a Freshman in college with so much to learn. I remember one of the first days I spent with him, he pulled out a 3 ring binder to share with me. Inside the binder were his GOALS, written out plainly. His goals were listed from short term to long. They ranged anywhere from grades he wanted to maintain and loyalties he wanted to keep, to the weight he wanted to be, with timelines for each. In that moment, I was amazed, inspired, and challenged. Looking back, I don't doubt that each of his goals were met, with PRECISION. Making goals for myself was one of the many things Rob taught me over the 3 years we spent together...

...Make No Excuses...
Rob never made excuses in his life. There was not a thing he wanted that he could not CONQUER. From the time he was young, he was not handed or spoon-fed anything. This did not stop him from EXCEEDING his goals and becoming the honorable man we all know and love. He believed that only he could decide his DESTINY. He was fearless, unstoppable in everything he did. I can picture him now clasping his hands together with that huge smile on his face saying, "IF YOU'RE SCARED...GO TO CHURCH!!!" He challenged all of us. Even in the way he did a TRUE tequila shot by snorting the salt first through his nose with a rolled up dollar bill and squeezing the lime into his (open) eye afterward. I know...CRAZINESS.

...Love With Your Whole Heart...

It seems strange to imagine a man like Rob with his STRENGTH and DETERMINATION having a tender heart. Oh, but he did! He loved with the same INTENSITY that he lived his life. His heart was IMMENSE. He touched so many lives. The truth is, I don't know a single person who met Rob who didn't love him. If you weren't Rob or one of his friends, you wanted to be...trust me. You couldn't go anywhere with Rob without seeing someone he knew. I remember a few occasions when people would come up to him (and I later found out) he didn't even remember their name or how he knew them. That is the lasting EFFECT this man had on everyone he encountered. Rob made an IMPRINT on so many lives, some deeper than others. He loved his friends, his brothers, his COMRADES. At one time, he loved me. He loved FAMILY. He loved his Grandma, "Abuelita Sarita". He loved having a great time, bringing PEOPLE together. He loved the word AWESOME. He loved flying. He loved this COUNTRY. He loved SARA. She brought him happiness and peace. She fulfilled the last leg of his journey and truly made his life COMPLETE.

...Enjoy Life Already...

Rob enjoyed life. He loved it! He looked forward to tomorrow no matter what the day brought. He truly made EVERYday count. He would want the same for all of us. He has brought to light just how FRAGILE life is. Tomorrow is not a GAURANTEE. It makes me sick to to think how we take life for granted. Sometimes we don't appreciate the people we love, the people who mean so much. HUG your loved ones a little tighter. TELL your friends how much you care. Make things right BEFORE the sun goes down. We also tend to let the small things in life get to us. Rob gave me a book once titled "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff". For him, those were words to LIVE by. Live everyday as if it's your LAST, and like Rob said, "Leave it all on the Field."

...Remember...

As much as it hurts to know Rob is gone, it hurts even more to think about moving on without him. It just doesn't seem fair. Why him, why now? We will never find the answers to those questions. We just have to trust that it is all a part of God's bigger plan. A bigger plan that includes Rob...NOW. A caption from one of the first emails Rob ever sent to me says, "An Angel wrote: He who loses money, loses much; He who loses a friend, loses more; He who loses faith, loses ALL". I am encouraged to see the outpouring from all the people closest to Rob. I know his life will be remembered and CHERISHED in our lives and hearts until we see him again. Please don't lose FAITH. Even in death, Rob is challenging us, bringing us together, cheering us on. I don't want to lead a mediocre life or love with half of my heart. I don't want to settle for second best. Instead of making excuses, I want to set goals. I want to be remembered by those I leave behind as a person who lived a life of great MEANING, the same way I will always remember Rob. He was my first LOVE, he is an HONORABLE man, and he will continue to be my INSPIRATION.

...Rob...
I would like to take a moment to tell you no matter what happened between us, you mean so much to me. There has not been a day that has passed since the day we met that I have not thought of you. You showed me what TRUE love is all about. And, because of you I will not settle for anything less. You will be missed. Thank you for the MEMORIES. Thank you for the life LESSONS you taught me which helped to make me the person I am today. Thank you for the LIGHT you gave that is STILL guiding my way.
Thank you for the SACRIFICE you made.

Love ALWAYS,

Beth

Everlasting Life

Blessed is the man who perserveres under trial; because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of Life that God has promised to those who love him.

James 1:12

Rob is a true example of a man who rose above trial; and stood the test. He has been given Everlasting life from our Heavenly Father.

I have read all the beautiful messages Robs friends and family have written. What an amazing group of people, and such beautiful words and tributes.
The last two weeks have been like living in "slow motion". It seems as if the world should stop at the thought of this man so full of life, charisma, and promise not to be here on earth with all of us who love him so deeply. It is all so hard to understand and accept.

I met Rob 7 years ago when he dated my sister Beth. Of course my first reaction was to doubt his intentions because of what I saw on the exterior; but as we all know it did not take long for me to see the beautiful spirit inside. I had no idea then that this person would become one of my greatest friends, and like family. I wil never forget my initial training as a Flight Attendant when Rob and Beth took me to the airport. Back then everyone could go to the gate, and I just remember how incredibly nervous I was but Rob always made it "all good". Whether it was that sheepish grin, words of encouragement, or just that motivating spirit he had.
We both had a "love of flying"...................of course mine being aft of the cockpit.
I remember when I first started dating Brian who would later become my husband Rob like an older brother drilling me on the character of this young man. Of course they became fast friends and also attended flight school during the same period.

Eventually my sister and Rob broke up. I wanted to be the supportive older sister and not continue my relationship with Rob but I just couldnt. We were to vested. There was always a tug on my heart for this man and I in no way could or would ever sever the friendship. Not long after that a miracle happened.................... Rob became my neighbor. It was so great knowing someone right across the street. A hundred ft away!!!
I will never forget Rob riding his motorcycle past our condo and reving the engine to let us know he was there. Brian and I would just look at each other and chuckle saying aloud "there goes Rob". Man am I going to miss that.

I remember the first time Rob talked to me about Sara. I was in the Detroit airport flying home and he was at Al's Pizza picking up takeout for them. There we were engrossed in conversation "uuuggghhiinngg and aaaauugghhing" at life with excitement as we always did. Carrying on communication as if noone else were around. I knew there was something different about Sara. I could just hear it in his voice. It was so special that when the time came Rob included me in asking a million questions as to what type of diamond to buy Sara. I will never forget how freaked he was the day he asked if I could wait at his house to sighn for the package with the precious gem inside, and I will never forget how freaked Brian and I were when Sara came home early only to find us in the hallway after carefully hiding the package in Robs closet as he had instructed us.

I am so glad that Rob was so happy his final days here; and I am so glad that Robs final big purchase was a perfect little puppy "milo" for Sara. What a special gift and little companion to comfort her thru this grief.

Rob was always a "giver"!!!!
This is a passage from a card Rob gave me after graduating from flight school.

Never underestimate the power of Giving.
It shines like a beacon throughout Humanity.
It cuts through the oceans that divide us and
brightens the lives of all it touches.
One of lifes greatest laws is that you cannot
hold a torch to light anothers path..............
without brightening your own.

Rob brightened all of our lives, and we brightened his life!!!

How could Rob have known that this passage from a card in the height of his life would give me so much comfort in his death.

Also in this card was something so profound. A trophy that I will have forever..........
Robs Naval Aviator Wings!

I had given Rob a pair of my wings when he left for flight school. I did not know at the time that he had carried them in his pocket along with a prayer from his grandmother on all his training flights.

Rob attached my wings along with his on this card with these words....

"I hope that one day these wings will help motivate you when you need them".

I never knew how much I would need them untill Robs passing.
They have given me strength, and courage facing my own fears of flying after his accident.

Rob not a day will go by that I will not think of you. Your death has reminded me to slow down, relax, and look out the window at the beauty in this life that God has created. It says in the bible that God created us in his image; well I definitly think he spent a little more time on you.

Thankyou for being my friend and blessing my life.

Thankyou for serving our country, and being the true example of the "American Dream".

Till we meet again,
Mary Neldner or as you liked to call me Miss Mary

Love your neighbors

I met Rob when I moved to Jacksonville. One night he was returning from the Ritz and we met in the parking lot of our apartment complex. He asked if we wanted to drink a few beers before calling it a night and my sister and I agreed. Shortly there after he was screaming country music into a highlighter. That was my first impression of Rob.

We became great friends very quickly, he sooned introduced us to Bill, Rick and Todd. What incredible men, we knew we struck gold. If we ever needed anything one of these men were always there for us, whether it was a ride home from the bars at 2 or a quick trip to Super Wal-Mart in the middle of the night or if it was just someone to enjoy dinner with. I didn't know then what an impact Roberta would have on me. Thanks for the ride in the rain to Wally World on the bike at 3:30am.

Over the past three years Rob and I have had our ups and downs, which I am grateful for. The ups are what I will remember and if it wasn't for the downs the ups would not be so awesome. We were almost like siblings, we would fight because we couldn't find time to hang out, or something would come up so we would have to break our plans. Now I understand the huge network I was a small part of. Thank you Rob for making time for me.

I remember when he was out to sea he would always send me emails to let me know how he was doing and ask how my life was. I thought how selfless, he was at work ( doing what he loved but doing a job that not many men can do) and still found time to keep in touch and make sure I was doing ok. He was always thinking about everyone else before he thought about himself. Thanks for thinking of me Rob.

Now he is gone. At first I didn't know what to think, was it a joke, it couldn't be for real. He is so young, and newly engaged and doing what he loved. What was going on?? It was true, then I started thinking about what was going through his head in the last seconds, was he flying, could he still be ok? I know I am extremely selfish but I wasn't ready to let go of Rob. I will never be able to hug him or be surprised by him at the Ritz or eat a burrito with him at Moe's. I wish I could just have one more hour with him. But now it is God's turn, and I am no match. I am sure he is enjoying himself up above. God works in mysterious ways. Thank you God for letting me spend quality time with one of your angels.

One last thing to think about. As I said before Rob was our neighbor, and right after we all moved from St Johns Estates, my sister moved to Tallahassee. That was almost two years ago, and she had not seen him since. On Sept. 16 she came into town for the first time in months and I had invited some old friends over to hang out so she could see everyone. I invited Rob and Bill but didn't tell her because I wanted to surprise her. All night she was asking about her surprise, finally when they showed up she knew that they were the surprise. We talked about old times. It was amazing, my sister hadn't seen him in almost two years. That was 8 days before the crash. GOD WORKS IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS! My sister told me she will never be able to thank me for giving her the opportunity to see him, I told her I wasn't my plan it was God's.

I will forever miss you Roberta and keep you in my heart. Thank you for everything you have done for me and America. Rest in peace.

TO ROBERT, MY GRANDSON

I have no words to say how sad I am, my soul is full of sadness for your loss.

I was always sure that you were a boy who knew what he wanted from life, that you would always be so mature that you could reach every goal you would go after.

You were an excellent professional, always trying to be the best, both at the university and in the Navy; I realized that you were very proud of it.

I want you to know that I always admired you and was very proud of you.

Robert, you will always be in my heart,

God Bless You,

Your Grandma,
Esperanza

Thank you Phi Delta Theta

Im writing this post to say thank you. Thank you first to Rob for introducing me to the men of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, i was never the kind of guy who would be interested in the Fraternity life, for one i started college at a late age 24, i had already partied hard in the Navy and had done so many things these kids in college had only dreamed of. So Rob tells me he and Nate are rushing Phi Delta Theta and they want me to go with them, i spoke with some of the guys but i turned down the bid...with regret. While enduring their pledge process i got to meet some of the brothers and learned that they too were a little older and alot cooler than most college students. The next year under very unique circumstances i pledged Phi Delta Theta only to fall short and not finish the process due to work schedule conflicts. Even though i was not a true "Brother" and did not have the distinction of a bond number i was still welcomed with open arms every time we met. Years have passed and i have kept in touch with a few of the brothers, Monkey, Tupper, Blout, JR and Lohse. Im rambling but the point im trying to make is that these are cool ass guys to know...not what i expected from guys you pay to hang out with (as the cliche goes.)
My second thank you goes out to the men of Phi Delta Theta. I hope everyone that reads this knows that this is meant from the heart...I have never been more proud to be associated with a group of people in my life...you have surpassed any and all expectations i could ever have placed on you. When news of Robs passing began to circulate the men of Phi Delta Theta really stepped up to the plate, you were my support the whole week when i was at my weakest, you were there for Sara when she needed comfort and encouragement, and in doing so you have been there for Rob when he needed you most. So again i say thank you, brothers of Phi Delta Theta, brothers of Rob Elortegui...brothers of mine.

Rick "Gonzo" Gonzalez

Florida times union article

Memorials held for Mayport sailors
The three died Sept. 25 when their Seahawk helicopter crashed.
By JIM SCHOETTLER, The Times-Union They loved life. They loved flight. They loved their country.
Three Mayport sailors who perished in a Seahawk helicopter during a training mission off North Carolina 10 days ago were remembered Monday as men of courage, happiness and passion.
Lt. Rob Elortegui, 31, could make people laugh in an instant and beamed whenever he talked about being a Navy pilot. He shared his heart with so many, such as proposing to his girlfriend in August while flying over Jacksonville Beach as friends held up a spray-painted sheet asking for her hand. He learned to fly the small plane just for the occasion.
"He was my best friend. He was everything I could ever want or ask for, someone to share the rest of my life with," said Sara Williams, 26, his fiance. "He was going to be coming home so soon."
Lt. Thomas "Nick" Brantley, 27, proudly spoke of growing up on a North Carolina farm, cherished his wife Mary and could never stop thinking about flying.
"It was to the point that he and his wife would be driving around and he'd pull the car over and watch the planes go by, back before he became a pilot," said Lt. Bill Wellman, a fellow pilot with the "Swamp Foxes" Helicopter Anti-submarine Light Wing (HSL) 44.
Third Class Petty Officer Nestor Oterolebron, 27, commanded respect and took his job as an aviation warfare systems operator very seriously.
"Just by looking at him and the way he carried himself, it made you want to get off your butt and do something," Wellman said.
The men were memorialized in a private service Monday at Mayport Naval Station and later at another service for Elortegui in a Southside church.
Communication with their helicopter was lost during deck landing qualifications on Sept. 25. and search efforts were called off the next day. The bodies have not been recovered and a cause for the crash remains under investigation. While their mates mourn, they also know the risk every aviator faces.
"It's tough, especially because you keep thinking about the last seconds. What happened? What were they going through?" Wellman said. "When something like this hits as close to home as it does, it really causes you to think about your own mortality."
A blog established as a tribute to Elortegui is filled with accolades and fond memories. The Jacksonville University graduate is a native of Venezuela.
"There hasn't been a moment that's gone by since I met you when I didn't feel grateful and safe knowing you had my back," wrote one person.
"You were always positive, upbeat, full of energy and fun to be around. Thank you for your courage and service to our country," wrote another.
Elortegui's mother, Mildred, wrote of her sadness and her pride.
"At this moment I do have two reasons to soothe my grief," she wrote. "One is that you gave your life performing the job you loved and the other is that God has already given you a very special place in heaven next to him."
Brantley, a Virginia Tech graduate and NASCAR lover, was recognized by his colleagues as a natural born leader, Wellman said.
"The people who worked for him and with him would have walked across fire if he asked them to," Wellman said.
Oterolebron was a native of Puerto Rico. No other information was available about him.

Tupper's Eulogy

I'm here to say Thank You. I say Thank you to Rob, for his friendship, for his love, for his brotherhood. I say thank you to Rob, for his service to our country, for his sacrifice for our freedom. I say Thank you to Rob for his smile, and for his laughter. Thank You Rob.

I'm here to say Thank You. Thank you to God. Thank you for the gift that was Rob Elortegui.

Rob was a gift... he was a gift to us all....a gift from God, his way of telling us 'Thank you for living a good life.' I took a lot of time, and I pondered this question. If God can give us a gift like Rob, I thought about all the gifts that God gave Rob. The answer caused me to look no farther than the walls of this church. Each and everyone of us, in this room and around the world, was a gift to Rob. Look around you. God showered Rob in gifts during his time on this planet. Spoiled him silly...and Rob deserved it. God rewarded him for leading the life that he lived. Think about it, we all made Rob's life better. We did. It makes me happy knowing that I was a gift to Rob. And I know I was a gift to Rob, because he so eloquently nicknamed me after his favorite part of the female anatomy. I put a smile on his face. Everyone in here put a smile on Rob's face, and he did the same for each and every one of us.

Money, materialistic things...they meant little to Rob. He'd give, and gave, everything up for the gifts that God gave him on this Earth. Rob was special in that he knew that. He treasured each and every one of us. He protected us. He loved us.

My Mom says that everyone has a plan...and only God knows it. I'm comforted in the fact to know that Rob followed that plan without question. He treasured what God gave him, and made the most of it. He lived day by day, for the day...and many times into the wee hours of the morning. God put Rob in all our lives for a reason, and took him for a reason. He smiles down on us today. Rob has fulfilled his purpose in life, and God's plan was finished for him here on Earth. Rob will live on, in each and everyone of us. We take with us his smile, his laughter, his love...until we meet again.

Think about how delicately planned out Rob's life was. For, when God laid out his plan for Rob, he saved the best for last. It's like Rob was the little kid with all the presents under the tree, who waited until the end to unwrap the biggest gift with the shiniest wrapping paper. Sara, you were that big present in the shiny wrapping paper. Rob was at the peak of his happiness when he was engaged to you. You were God's last gift to Rob, God's way of saying Thank You Rob. Everyone in this room wishes they were that gift, but that honor is bestowed on you, and that is a gift that you will always have. That's Rob's last gift to you. (I adlibbed here that no longer was that previous sentence correct. The "sweet sixteen," as we've been called, and all of Rob's friends and family are his last gifts to you. Gifts that will continue to give.)

As we leave today, thank God for the many gifts that he's put in your life. Thank God that Rob was a gift to you, and that you were a gift to him. Look around at the gifts that God has put in your life. Feel Good again. Feel like a kid on Christmas...and smile...and once you put that smile on your face, it's Rob's way of telling you that it's time to "Get Rowdy" again.

Godspeed Rob. I love you. We all Love you. Thank you.

My best friend you will always be

Rob,

When I met you back in 1991, I never thought you would become such a special person in my life. I am still in disbelief and in shock about all this. I just cant deal with the fact that I will never be able to talk to you again. I will never hear the "Pamelita dime tu" again. Thank you for all your words of advise for all the times you lifted me when I was down. We went through marriages, divorces and broken hearts and I am happy to say we were always there for each other when we needed each other. That's what friends are for... I am lucky to say I met you, I have so many vivid memories of all the moments we shared. You are truly unique and I am convinced that God called you to his side because of the purity of your heart. It is not a common thing you know, a person as special as you. All of us here in Miami are crushed by the news. We love you and we will miss you so much. I will never forget you, my best friend you will always be.
love you
Pam Garcia
Class of 1993
Coral Park, Miami

From the military memorial service Monday, 3 October 2005

For all of those who were not able to attend the morning service at the Naval Base chapel, I wanted to post the words that I passed to the audience for Rob and my (and Rob's) good friend Nick. The words that were shared were inspired from conversations that I had been a part of over the previous several days. The opening may look familiar to some. Tupper...thanks for the starting point. That's what got the ball rolling.

Bill Wellman



“Adversity causes some men to break…others to break records.”

I once had a friend that ended every email he ever sent with that quote. Think about that for a minute especially the first part. “Adversity causes SOME men to break”…SOME men. Not these men. Not us.

Ironically, we find two men from two very different walks of life who were so much alike. Alike in strength of heart, alike in depth of character. Genuine people of this caliber are few and because they are so few, we are all drawn to them. Not for some inexplicable reason but because in just meeting them you could understand why people, almost selfishly wanted to be their friend. These men had incredible hearts. In talking to them you knew that they genuinely cared about you. You just knew that these guys would do anything for you…And in turn, people wanted to do anything for them. There was such a level of magnetism and brilliance to these men that we should all be so lucky to encounter the likes of again.

Their love of their job, their pride in service, and their love of their country were only surpassed by their love of those who surround them. Any one that met these men wanted to be friends with them. Anyone who was friends with them wanted to be closer to them. We need to be grateful for the time we were allowed to spend with these men, because it is clear now, that we, were in the presence of angels…now they are needed elsewhere so God has called them home.

Those who knew Nick know, that he had four great loves. His love of flying. Let us find comfort that he was doing what he loved. His love of NASCAR, to the point of memorizing aircraft statistics through relation of his favorite car numbers. His love of Virginia Tech and the hokie bird that he continually tried to explain, despite the resemblance is not a turkey. And his one true great love his wife, Mary Ruth. You were his strength and foundation.

People have said Rob was the definition of cool. That outgoing personality, the cover boy smile, he was the man that other men wanted to be. Those that know, under the suave, laid back exterior was a warm, gentle soul whose compassion for his fellow man was unmatched. At the center of this caring, passionate man lied the one thing he was most passionate about…starting his new life with you Sarah.

Drive…Passion…Devotion. This is how they lived DAY to DAY. Drive to not only succeed, but to excel. Passion for their lives and for their loves. Devotion to their families, friends, purpose and ideals. These men gave us all these lessons to learn and they taught us well.

We will all now move forward with heavy hearts. We all now face adversity the likes of, we have not known. Adversity causes SOME men to break…SOME men. Not these men. Not us.

Get Rowdy

It's hard to find words to say about you that haven't already been said. When first hearing of this blog site, I expected many sad comments dealing with this situation, but soon to realize that almost everything said in here is upbeat. Either it's about some funny story of an experience had with you, or about your stellar character, determination, dedication, and friendship encountered by anyone who knew you well. And It got me to thinking. IS THERE A SINGLE BAD MOMENT SOMEONE COULD HAVE WITH TEGUI. The answer is clear. Not one moment I ever had around you lacked laughter, sincerity, support, passion for life, some catch phrase with hilarious but yet appropriate vulgarities, and an all out positive outlook on life. I have had a few friends pass in my time, many way too young and semingly unfair, but one thing I can say about you brother is that NOT A SINGLE MOMENT of your life was wasted. You brought joy to all that were around you. You LIVED life to the fullest. You always wanted people around you to smile and have fun... achieved it; You set a high goal of being a pilot for the Navy... Achieved it; You always wanted to be someone that people could depend on... achieved it. Brother, you have been a great influence to me and I will never forget you. I would like to extend my condolences to Rob's family, Fiancee (who I never met but am assured that she must be superb to catch the undivided attention of Rob), and Rob's close close friends and brothers. Tonight I sat at Alehouse for over 4 hours with brothers and friends of yours and mine just reminiscing of fun times spent with you. In a four hour period, we did not run out of stories to tell. If it had not been for the dreaded words of "last call" I'm sure we could have told stories for many more hours without going dry. I even met a friend of your that I have not met before (Rick G), and every story he told was like I was there for it. You were unalterable. Over the years, you have not changed; just grew up a bit and took on additional responsibility. You're legacy will continue. If I could grant a wish, it would be that I wish i knew you earlier.

Just a quick one liner that no one hit on that Rob also used to say all the time (outside of the one Tup hit up on):
"GET ROWDY!!!"
Since day one of me getting a bond number, "get rowdy" has been on my page brother (for those who know what I mean). I have tried to live by that saying since. You truly lived the bond. I will miss you dearly.

Yours in the bond,
Matt Lussier
-461-

P.S. Ritz might as well shut down, cause the life of the party there is gone

My Son. My other “Self”. My life motivation

My Son

My dear beloved son, there are so many questions invading my mind at this moment and I find no answers to them:
I ask, why God, who own our lives, calls you to his side so soon?. You were still very young, so full of life and hope, planning to marry Sara your girlfriend and have children. Why you, my dear son, if you were an excellent human being in all your endeavors as a son, brother, boyfriend, friend, professional, and no doubt becoming an exceptional husband and father?. That is why I do think it is not right for your departure, that you deserved to be here longer on earth. Or is it that God preferred to take you to his glory leaving your beloved ones with all this sorrow?. I imagine that God, little by little, will help me to find answers to all my questions, because he may have a valuable reason to decide to take you to heaven. I do believe in the earthly life and also in the celestial life, for the time being that doesn’t comfort me, I do ask God to give me strength of spirit to understand you going away, to console my life and help me to ease this pain that invades my whole being. At this moment I do have two reasons to soothe my grief; one is that you gave your life performing the job you loved and the other is that God has already given you a very special place in heaven next to him.

My other “Self”

I remember your telling me: “Mother, I want you to know how much I identify myself with you, as my brother Jorge identified himself with our father. From you, I inherit my personality, my character and the way to relate to other people”. As your mother I knew you were so proud of us being so much alike, that me proud because that was your way to thank me. Dear son, you did not only inherit all those good traits from me, but also you had that beautiful smile of yours that always accompanied you and will continued with you into heaven.

My life motivation

My loved son, as you knew that you and your brother were my motivation to come and live in the United States. I wanted to live close to my boys, my future daughter-in-laws and grandchildren. In fact, thanks to you I am a legal resident in this country, and after your brother Jorge returned to Venezuela, you had been the person always supporting me in my first years as an immigrant, that had not been easy, so you were my motivation, my fuel to go ahead. When you came to visit the new home that my husband and I bought, you expressed to me how proud you were of me, and my achievements in such a short period of time. I want you to know that thanks to God and to you, I am close to three years living in this country, that I am already adapted to my new life, and I am happy living here, where I will continue full of hope and giving the best of myself to reach my goals, which you already knew, so that every day that passes you will be more proud of your mother, because you will be forever my great inspiration.
My love, receive my blessing, I know that you are already smiling in that special place in heaven next to God, I will eternally treasure the memories of your beautiful person, so you will always be in my mind and heart…














I love you,

Your mommy,
Mildred