Sgt. Joseph E. Robsky Jr. became a specialist in defusing bombs to help save civilians from the horrors of war.

“He was in Bosnia,” said his mother, Bonnie Robsky. “He saw children with their arms and legs off, and he said that if he could prevent any of that from happening, he would.”

Robsky, 31, who grew up in Claverack, N.Y., died Sept. 10 when a bomb he was trying to disable exploded. He went to Iraq after spending two years at Fort Irwin.

Robsky served with the Marines for four years after graduating from high school. He was in the Reserves before joining the Army.

“I’m proud of him and loved him very much,” his mother said. “I knew that he was happy with what he did. He always loved life and always wanted to help.”

— Associated Press

God bless all our veterans past and present. Thank you for your service to our country. R.E.L.