Obituary of Robert D. Sanchez

Sgt. Robert Daniel Sanchez, 24, of Satellite Beach, was killed in action on Thursday, October 1st, in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. Robert was born on July 19, 1985 in Miami, Fla. He attended Satellite High School where he graduated in 2004. Shortly after graduation, in July 2004, he enlisted in the U.S Army with a dream of becoming an Army Ranger. He accomplished this goal, and was assigned to Company B, 1st Bn., 75th Ranger Regiment in February of 2005. Robert was on his fifth deployment, having been to Afghanistan once previously, and having been to Iraq three times. His awards and decorations include the Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Expert Infantryman's Badge, Parachutist Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with combat star, Iraq Campaign Medal with combat star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Army Service Ribbon. He is survived by his parents 1st Sgt. Will and Wendy Holland and brothers Jacob Goldberg and Logan Holland of Hendersonville, Tenn., maternal grandparents James and Mary Wilson of Ocala, Fla., as well as countless aunts, uncles, and cousins. As a Ranger, Robert selflessly lived his life for others while he distinguished himself as a member of the Army's premier light-infantry unit, consistently deployed overseas. As a son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, friend and Ranger, Robert valued the bonds of family and friendship above all else. He loved his job, and his courage and loyalty stand above all else. Family has requested the community's support by lining S. Patrick Dr. from Eau Gallie Blvd. to Beach Funeral Home to honor Sgt. Sanchez's arrival home at approximately 11:30am on Thursday, October 8, 2009. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2009 at Beach Funeral Homes, 1689 S. Patrick Dr., from 3-8:00pm. Awards will be presented at 7:00pm. Funeral service will be on Friday, October 9, 2009 at 10:00am at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 638 S. Patrick Dr. Burial with Full Military Honors to follow at Florida Memorial Gardens, Rockledge.