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<p><em>Robert Lewis “Bob” Mitchell</em>, better known to his friends as Bear, was a popular member of Company I-1 in the Class of 1977. He had a strong impact on all of us as we journeyed together through the rigors of West Point as cadets. Bob took pride in his professionalism, setting high standards for himself, and he expected the same for each of us.</p>
<p>Bob’s journey to West Point started in Pueblo, CO, where he excelled academically and athletically in high school. Despite misgivings by his mother about Bob entering the Army, he nevertheless felt a strong obligation to serve his country.</p>
<p>Bob proudly served on active duty for 12 years as an Infantry officer before returning to Pueblo and later moving to Texas to live and work. We were all surprised and deeply saddened when we learned that he passed in 2015.</p>
<p>He was a highly respected classmate and a strong leader who set a positive example in all that he did. Following the 1976 cheating scandal that embroiled the Class of 1977, the decision was made to scramble members of our class into new companies as we entered our First Class year. To facilitate the transition during this most difficult period and in recognition of his leadership abilities, Bob was selected to remain in Company I-1 and serve as the first semester company commander. Second semester, he served as the adjutant on the First Regimental Staff.</p>
<p>At a recent Company I-1 get-together, we reminisced about our friend and fellow soldier, Bob, remembering him after all of these years:</p>
<p>“He was one of the great guys, a big, barrel-chested man who worked hard to stay in shape, and was a surprisingly fast runner.”</p>
<p>“Bob always maintained the highest standards of appearance and behavior. He was mature, seemed older than the rest of us, and had something deep inside that he kept from us, perhaps his faith. Nevertheless, he seemed comfortable in his shoes.”</p>
<p>“His booming voice and laugh seemed to contradict his reserved and quiet nature. He was a barracks guy who stayed in the company area most weekends. Few of us ever saw Bob get upset—he had a rock steady temperament.”</p>
<p>“Bob attended the Infantry Officer Basic Course and Ranger School at Fort Benning, GA, where his leadership skills and his physical condition carried him through with relative ease. Behind his imposing physique was a gentle soul and a bear of a man.”</p>
<p>“Bob was even tempered, a man of few words, but when he spoke, people listened. On trips to what was then a much rougher New York City, Bob’s imposing presence and common sense made everyone feel a bit safer.”</p>
<p>“He projected an outward calm that had a soothing effect on everyone, particularly during the many challenges we faced over our time as cadets.”</p>
<p>“Bob projected a certain infallible self-confidence that rarely required him to admit he was wrong, since he usually wasn’t. He wore his uniform with pride and professionalism.”</p>
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<p>“Although he was a gentle giant, he was someone who you would never want to cross. As a plebe, the upperclassmen respected Bob and left him alone.”</p>
<p>“Bob was a great friend and easy to talk to. He had a big smile and could always say calming words during stressful moments.”</p>
<p>Another classmate saw Bob on the Big Island of Hawaii late in his Army career. Bob was serving as the Range Control officer at the Pohakuloa Training Area, where the 25th Infantry Division conducted its quarterly Cobra Aerial Gunnery. Despite the hazards that were associated with these live fire events, Bob’s military bearing and competence assured a professionally run and safe experience for all participants.</p>
<p>Through it all, Bob was truly one of the memorable characters in our class. He enriched each of our experiences in Company I-1, and we all agree that it simply would not have been the same without him. He left his mark on us all.</p>
<p>We lost contact with Bob during the final years of his life. We have resolved as a class to honor Bob by making a concerted effort to reconnect with all of our fellow graduates, those who started in our class and graduated with later classes, and classmates who did not graduate. As part of this initiative, we toasted Bob’s life at our first Zoom meeting. Bob will always be a part of us, and we will never forget the impact of his life on each of us.</p>
<p>Robert L. Mitchell died on May 1, 2015, and his remains were inurned at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, his service to our nation saluted with full military honors. From all of us: Bob, Well Done, and we miss you—Be Thou at Peace.</p>
<p><em>— His classmates and friends</em></p>
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