Honoring A Fallen Hero: SPC. Robert Allan Pierce

SPC. Robert Allan Pierce, 20, of Huntington, AR, died Monday, June 3, 2013, in Tsamkani, Afghanistan, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. He joined the Army in April 2011. He was assigned to A Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, KY. He was born on August 24, 1992 in Fort Smith, AR to Randy Ray Pierce and Lonnetta Ruth Dart. Spc. Robert A. Pierce, 20, was among those killed when his unit was attacked by a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device.

The Making of a Tribute

This week, I was invited to a special event in Panama, Oklahoma, to honor a fallen soldier, SPC. Robert Allan Pierce. As I write this article, I feel both sadness and happiness. It was a privilege to spend time with Allan’s father and stepmother, Randy and Zandra Pierce, and to listen to their stories about Allan. The courage and strength that they show is incredibly inspiring, and I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to be a part of this tribute.

It all started in a small town in Southeastern Oklahoma, where some locals wanted to pay tribute to this young man and his family. His brother, Kyle, mentioned how Allan ran around Panama in his teenage years, stopping for a Mountain Dew at the local Tote & Poke very frequently. About six months, ago a suggestion was made that a bridge needed to be dedicated to Allan, and this week it became a reality. At a local town meeting, Mayor Mickey Hale and the town council approved to move forward with this dream. In the end, they decided to dedicate a bridge in the area in SPC. Robert Allan Pierce’s name, so that everyone who passes by will remember him and all the other heroes lost.

Putting It All Together

Panama Chief of Police, Eddie Seaton and Town Clerk, Tyler Seaton, worked together with Mayor Mickey Hale, Vice-Mayor Kenny Morgan, and town council members Toney Fout, Danny Southerland II, and Shelli Morgan, to organize the event. These individuals reached out to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, as well as local businesses and state officials to make this a reality. Chief Seaton, Tyler Seaton, and Vice-Mayor Kenny Morgan put much effort into this event by attending meetings, making phone calls, and visiting local businesses. Additionally, they worked with Panama Public Schools and the Panama First Baptist Church to successfully organize the event.

November 8, 2023 arrived and the entire day was amazing from beginning to the end. The day started at the Panama Razorback Event Center with an opening prayer from Pastor Dale Lowrimore. Guest solo artist, Emma Perdue, performed “The Star Spangled Banner”. Opening the service was Panama High School Principal, Jamie Hoffman, with guest speakers State Representative Rick West, Kyle Dart, & Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt.

This was a day to remember. Everyone gathered to pay tribute to the fallen soldier, but also to the Pierce family. It was a reminder to not take life for granted and to live each day to its fullest. It was an honor to be a part of this event, as it was a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of SPC. Robert Allan Pierce and all of our brave service members.

Special Thanks

We would like to give a very special thanks to everyone who has been a part of this journey. We are so grateful for your support and kindness during this time. Your words of encouragement, generous donations, and help have been invaluable. We are so thankful for each and every one of you:

Pastor Dale Lowrimore
Oklahoma Highway Patrol
LeFlore County Sheriff Department
Panama Police Department
Town of Panama
Panama Public Schools
Panama First Baptist Church

My Conclusion:
The death of a loved one is never easy and can leave a family feeling empty, lost, and incomplete. However, the loss of a son, father, brother, or other family member doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye forever, but rather, saying hello to a different type of relationship with them. Even after their passing, they can still be in our lives in unique and special ways.

Giving Back:
Those who have passed on can still make a difference in the lives of those around them, even after they’re gone. Dedicating a bridge in a young soldier’s name is a great way to keep their memory alive within the community.

Written By TMC