Written by Lynda Snyder
Posted in Letter to the Editor

My name is Lynda, I am his aunt and I live here in California.  Bear with me as I want to share my brief story.  I am a college student who had no financial means to get to Ohio for the funeral, to support my family and to say goodbye.  Determined to get there to honor my nephew I contacted numerous agencies to obtain financial assistance.  Most of these agencies responded with the phrase “Sorry, you are only his aunt.”  ONLY his aunt?  Well, this aunt was determined and with every “no, sorry” I received I persisted in my search.  Ultimately, and gratefully, I attended the celebration of GySgt Robert’s life and funeral; I was granted the opportunity to say goodbye to my beloved nephew.

Whether you believe in the war effort or not there are many aunts, uncles and other close loved ones that need financial support during such a situation. I am grateful there were these few agencies that found it in their heart to provide financial assistance for this grieving aunt.  As my way of thanking them I am making a request: the next time you seek organizations to provide donations whether for tax purposes, or just because, please give to these agencies (listed below) who understand and provide financial assistance to loved ones during crisis.

Air Compassion America provided air transportation for me.  Please contact them by calling 866-270-9190 or their website: http://www.aircompassionamerica.org, Wounded Warriors Family Support, please contact them at 402-502-7557 or Kate McCauley at e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Our local San Luis Obispo County Chapter of the Red Cross, please specifically donate to this chapter by contacting 805.543.0696, ext. 14.

Last but not least, I want to thank the professors, staff members and fellow students at Cuesta College. Without their kind support this heartbreaking loss would have been much more difficult.  To donate to Cuesta College please contact:  http://academic.cuesta.edu/foundation. Your donations to your local community colleges and universities support important educational training for the future of our communities.

 In honor of GySgt Robert L Gilbert II, USMC, thank you!