Cmdr. Robert Allan Schlegel 9/11/01

I have the honor of paying tribute to Cmdr. Robert Allan Schlegel. Commander Schlegel was in the Pentagon on 9/11/01. "He comes from a military family," said Schlegel, adding that she is proud of his accomplishments, including a recent promotion. "It was a big deal that he was selected for command."
Schlegel, who was born in Gray, Maine, graduated from Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Va., where he was a French and journalism major. He also received a master's degree in international affairs. Before being posted to the Pentagon last September, Schlegel was executive officer of the USS Arthur W. Radford, a 9,000-ton destroyer. That assignment followed tours aboard the USS Scott and the USS Yarnell.

"He saved his boutonniere from our wedding day 14 years ago. My husband distinguished himself academically and professionally, but I feel his legacy is the way that he touched people and his relationships. The boutonniere is symbolic of not just our relationship, but the depth of his caring. He was a man of many dimensions, and this captures what he held closest to his heart." --Dr. Dawn Schlegel, wife

Happy Birthday, Fair Winds & Following Seas!!!
Doug Abraham,
Livonia, Michigan

Rob, There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about you - and your family's sacrifice. I hope your mom and Dawn got to attend the dedication of the memorial at the Pentagon. Certainly a fitting tribute... hope to visit it next time I get down to D.C. God bless you shipmate - and your family - you are sorely missed!
(former LCDR Gair) MacKenzie, Commander Schlegal reported to the USS Spartanburg County LST-1192 around the same time that I did. He was an Ensign then. I was enlisted. Most officers are business only with the enlisted but Mr. Schlegal was down to earth. I stood many watches with him in the pilot house. He was the best and most memorable officer that I served with. Just a really decent guy.
Mark Hamilton,
Lees Creek, Ohio

June 04, 2008
I served with Mr. Schlegel aboard the USS Spartanburg County. He was my Weapons Officer. Truly a man of integrity and honor. America lost a great man on this day. I wish I could serve again with him and undo what took so many lives. My heart go out to his family and friends.
Tim Samples,
Westminster, Maryland
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March 11, 2008
I went to college with Rob in VA. He had a dynamic spirit and presence. If he was in the room, you noticed him. Rob was wicked smart, wicked funny, and was wild about Ozzy Osbourne….young Ozzy; not the sad reality show character. He also LOVED his future wife Dawn; she was his high school sweetheart and girlfriend throughout Rob’s college experience. I remember one late-night bull session in the dorm when Rob told me the story of how they met. Dawn had moved to Gray Maine as a high school student. She and Rob became acquainted as both were in the band. She was beautiful and sent shockwaves through the halls of the school - every guy wanted to date her. I remember as if it were yesterday, Rob shaking his head as he related the story, looking me in the eye and saying, “she picked me….I still can’t believe it but she picked me.”
Tim Considine,
Olathe, Kansas
January 08, 2008
I served with Commander Schlegel on board USS Scott. I wasn't in his dept. but I attended several meetings in which he was in attendance. You could always count on him to whip up a quick one-liner that would make everyone laugh. His passing has made the tragic events of that day truly personal. He will be missed.
Todd Massey,
Birmingham, Alabama

My favorite that seems to completely describe what I have learned about Commander Schlegel:

September 11, 2006
Character, Courage, Honor and Integrity.
Barthe van Doorn,
Ashburn