Meet the Family
Robert Lee Aiken III and Family
From: Austin, TX
Age: 36
Branch of Service: USMC
Rank: Sgt (E-5)
Service-Related Awards: Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Korean Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Presidential Unit Citation, Letter of Appreciation, Rifle Expert Badge (3rd Award)
His story:
Aiken began his military career in 2000, taking off from studying at the University of Texas at Austin to enlist in the Marine Corps.
“As a senior, although a commission was possible, I intended to serve a tour enlisted before applying to Officer Candidate School. My father served 21 years in the Marine Corps with two combat tours in Vietnam,” he said. “Part of my decision to join was to honor his service, but more important to challenge myself. I loved every minute of my service. I joined open contract and was trained as a Combat Engineer. After a year in Okinawa, Japan with a combat service support team I volunteered to transfer to 1st Combat Engineer Battalion after 9/11.”
After spending time working up in the California deserts of 29 Palms, Aiken deployed to the Kuwait border in 2003. He was assigned to 1st Tank Scout Platoon and served as Engineer Reconnaissance Element deployed with Regimental Combat Team 7. Although fighting was heavy, his team experienced relatively few friendly casualties.
He was deployed again in 2004 to Ar Ramadi, Iraq.
“The insurgency was gaining momentum and the experience was difficult. Attached to 2nd Regiment 4th Marine Battalion’s ‘Magnificent Bastards’ I served as Engineer Squad Leader for Golf Company at Combat Outpost,” Aiken said. “Our primary mission included a daily lED sweep of Route Michigan. We drew contact on a daily basis and lost several outstanding Marines. Of my eight Marine squad, five of us earned Purple Hearts. Most of the Marines on that tour are in bad shape. I keep in touch with as many as I can hoping that we will eventually find peace and comfort.”
Aiken suffered injuries during Operation Vigilant Resolve during combat operations by small arms fire.
“I took two AK-47 rounds. One went through my right buttock. Didn’t even feel it. The other round did a job on my right foot. The round went through laterally pulverizing the bones, breaking the metatarsals and blew out the arch of the foot,” he said. “I insisted on salvaging the foot and underwent several reconstructive surgeries over several months. Presently the foot is failing with significant issues and lacks significant function.”
Due to his injuries, Aiken was medically retired from the Corps in November 2005. In 2010, he lost the use of his right foot, crushing his intentions to have a military career. He found motivation through his family to get through this tough news. He is currently being treated at SAMC Center for the Intrepid and has been fitted with a new orthotic brace that has relieved pain and increased mobility. His range of movement is limited and the brace has impacted ability to drive and daily living.
“Although the therapy is promising, the work necessary to achieve a promising quality of life has been challenging. I love a challenge, but it’s important to function as a provider for the family. We’re feeling the impact,” he said.
“I am committed to healing out of love for my wife and daughters who are everything. Medically I have had my needs properly met. I keep a positive attitude and in addition to being a motivating influence to other injured veterans, that outlook has fared well for my family and I,” he said. “In the community I volunteer extensively to assist my peers to the extent that perhaps I’ve not attended to my own needs as much as my wife says I should.”
FAMILY:
Gigi P. Aiken, wife, 32
Samantha P. Aiken, daughter, 6
Gina-Marie P. Aiken, daughter, 1
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