Tributes to the late Cpt. Robert Bager

In preparing my  February 4, 2018 Democrat and Chronicle column on the late Cpt. Robert Bager and Bobby's Valentines, I had the opportunity to talk to several of his friends from his time at the College at Brockport. 

Many of them had beautiful things to say about Bob and I want to share some of their words with you:
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Bob was charismatic and had instant leadership skills, you never wanted to let him down or fail him.  He would listen to you and made you feel like you were a part of the team instantly.  In the fall of 2001 my National Guard unit was called up to respond to 9/11.  I remember going down there and helping out at ground zero and how it changed me.  I spent a lot of time talking to Bob about our duty to protect those who couldn’t protect themselves and to do good in the world.  He is the reason I joined the active army as an officer after that.  Gary Barney, Fairport

I had the honor and pleasure of knowing Bob Bager since my first day of college, when I was 18 years old.  From the first moment I met him, I knew he was a special person as his energy and personality would light up a room.   I was a few years younger than him and always saw him as another big brother and mentor.  He would always look out for me, as well as everyone else, and kind of became another guardian angel for many of us.  Scott Decaro, Victor
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Bob was the epitome of a patriot, I always respected the fact that even though he did not have to go into the military, it was something he dreamed of doing and made his dream come true. The day Bob passed, society lost one of the good ones entirely too soon. Dwayne Hayward, West Henrietta