Vashon High School 2001-2004 State 2A 160 lb. State Wrestling Champion 2004 First Lt. Robert Bennedsen gave the ultimate sacrifice defending his country, where on July 18th, 2010, he was struck and killed by an improvised explosive device while conduction a recovery mission outside Qalat, Afghanistan. Robert was a student at Vashon High School for 2001-2004. He was a stand-up guy who got along with everyone in the classroom, on the football field, on the wrestling mat, in the community and finally the U.S. Army. Robert also volunteered his entire life helping others and always wanted to go into the military service after college. He served with the fire department on Vashon Island and obtained numerous certifications during his volunteer training. Athletics were a big part of Robert's high school experience. He earned all-state honors in football and was a big part of the success of the Vashon Pirates on the wrestling mat. In his junior and senior years, Vashon placed 3rd at state as a team while Robert placed 4th as a junior and was the 2A 160 pound wrestling State Champion his senior year in 2004. He also understood the importance of being a good student and was honored with the Vashon High School Academic Athlete Award with a 3.13 GPA his senior year. Robert went on to attend Settle University where he graduated in 2008 with BS degree in Business. After graduation he entered the U.S. Army. During a memorial service at the Vashon High School football field, fellow teammate, Evan Mattingly said, "Robert loved with no bounds, if you were in trouble he was there for you. I just want to thank him for protecting our country, for serving our country, for serving our community and for being there when none of us were." Football Coach Rick Sassara added, "Robert you will always have our heart, you will always be our hero." Lt. Col. Omar Jones, the 2nd Squadron Commander said this about Lt. Bennedsen, "Robert made a great impression on me, the soldiers and leaders across the squadron. From day one Rob was well liked by his peers, his NCO's, senior officers, but most importantly his soldiers respected him and enjoyed working with him." Lt. Robert Bennedsen's awards include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, the Combat Action Badge, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.