LCpl. Robert Weber, Jr., U.S.M.C (NCD)

(reprinted from Firehouse.com, August 20, 2004)

Marine Firefighter Collapses at South Carolina Base

DARRAN W. VAUGHN
Marine Corps Air Station Fire Department

USMC Corporal Robert (Bobby) M. Weber, Jr., 23, collapsed for an unknown reason while riding the rescue man position on the Crash Truck, August 16, at Marine Corps Air Station, Beaufort, SC.

A member of Marine Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, Webers was with this crew sitting at the ready response position (Hot Spot) on the airfield when he collapsed for an unknown reason. MCAS Aircraft Rescue Dispatch contacted the MCAS Structural Fire Division for medical assistance. MCAS Structural Firefighters and MCAS Aircraft Rescue Firefighters both performed CPR and medical treatment on scene and MCAS Fire Department used the AED to try and revive the downed Marine Firefighter. Beaufort County EMS arrived on scene and transported the patient to Beaufort Memorial Hospital where the emergency room doctors pronounced him dead at the hospital.

Corporal Weber was riding the rescue man position on the crash truck that night and was responsible for the rescue of any trapped or injured pilot in the event of an actual crash.

Corporal. Weber joined the Marine Corps on August 9, 2001. He attended Recruit Training during December 2001 at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island South Carolina. Cpl Weber went to the Louis F. Garland, Department of Defense Fire Academy, at Goodfellow Air Force Base, San Angelo, Texas for his Military occupational specialty as an Aircraft Rescue Firefighter and Structural Firefighter.

After Completion of this school Cpl Weber became assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort SC in December 2002. Assigned as a crewmember, stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Corporal Weber devoted himself to service and aircrew safety, establishing himself as an outstanding leader among his peers. During Corporal Weber’s Marine Corps career he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. Corporal Weber’s duty included serving as the Section 2 Training NCO and was responsible for the training of the Section and newly assigned Marines to the unit. He was an accomplished Driver Operator, Crew Chief and Leader of Marines in both military functions and firefighting.

Weber was a native of Eagle Ridge Tennessee. He is survived by his wife, Amber, his daughter Scarlett and his father Robert M. Weber Sr.

A memorial service was held at the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Chapel on August 19, 2004. Members of several Beaufort County Fire Departments were in attendance to pay their respects. Departments involved were The MCAS Structural Fire Division, MCRD Parris Island Fire Department, Beaufort Fire Department, Burton Fire Department, and the Lady’s Island St. Helena Fire Department.