In Memory of former Cadet Second Lieutenant Bobby A. Coeur
A memorial service was held at Grace Community Church, Ramona, CA at 1400 hours, Saturday, 22 March 2008 for former Cadet Second Lieutenant Bobby A. Coeur who was a member of San Diego Cadet Squadron 144. Bobby and two of his friends were involved in a fatal car accident on 15 March in which Bobby did not survive; although his two friends suffered injuries, they both survived. The service was led by the minister of Grace Community Church, Rev. Paul Nelson on a beautiful Saturday afternoon with clear skies and the sun warming the Ramona Valley.
Pastor Paul Nelson started the service with a prayer and told the people his staff planned for 200 in attendance. As the service began, extra chairs were being set up inside the sanctuary and outside in the courtyard, for a total of about 400 people were in attendance! This clearly indicated that Bobby had a lot of friends. The service continued with Bobby’s Uncle and Aunt from Michigan saying a few words about their life experiences with him. His parents Bob and Marolyn spoke about his life and Marolyn requested that his young friends look at Bobby’s life and let him “lead their lives” in a positive way. The minister spoke about Bobby and that he is in a much better place, i.e., in the presence of God. He also spoke of God’s salvation and everyone’s life journey citing many Bible scriptures bringing many of us comfort.
After Pastor Nelson completed his sermon, he opened up the rest of the service to those who desired to say a few words about Bobby. A total of 26 people stood up to speak, each one sincerely speaking from the heart. The overall summary of most was that Bobby was able to make people laugh and comfort them in their pain.
Maj Daryl Newton (former Sq. 144 Commander): “It is my honor to be included in this remembrance of a special young man. As I was recalling humorous moments among many memories of Bobby, it occurred to me that it was enough to say that, “I knew Bobby” and in the same moment how easy it is to take for granted the friendships and relationships that color daily life. I met Bobby and Marolyn in 2003 at a regular meeting of our squadron, as they considered membership-Bobby was eager and interested while Marolyn carefully weighed the time commitment (not to mention the one hour drive!). Bobby was another little guy who would soon wear an ill fitting Air Force uniform intended for a grown up. Many come… many go… and then a few get glued to your heart for your time spent with them and beyond.
Many of you knew Bobby better than I, but for my four years with him, I know these things: Bobby was honest; a Christian; had hairy legs; was fast; led by example which is not the main thing—it’s the ONLY thing in leadership; had a dry sense of humor; wanted to please; wasn’t afraid of work; was a patriot; will be missed.
I think he knew how I felt about him—we hadn’t spoken since the Fall of 2006. We’ll meet again. As a father, I wish I could say something meaningful to ease the pain for the immediate family here. God’s word seems the only suitable conclusion: Romans 8, the first chapter: Thee is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”
C/2Lt Peter Kler (current Cadet Commander): "Bobby had a passion for three things in life – excellence, learning, and microwave popcorn. I can remember him reading through an encyclopedia to soak up the information, and I can remember how protective he was of his popcorn. On behalf of his friends here, I would like to say goodbye to our friend, brother, and comrade."
C/2Lt Joseph Connolly (former Cadet Commander): "Bobby Coeur was one of the most dedicated people I have ever known. When he lived in Rancho Peñasquitos, he had about a 20 minute drive to the CAP meetings. Once he moved to Ramona, it became an hour long drive - one way! This would have been a perfect excuse to quit, but he kept coming. He wouldn't have as much time to prepare because of the long commute, so he'd come and Peter Kler and I would notice that his hair would be out of regulation. So we'd scramble and find whatever dull knife or sewing scissors we could find and tear out, then cut off his hair. That's the level of dedication he had."
C/2Lt Chandra Murphy (former Bravo Flight Commander): "Shortly after I joined, C/Lt Coeur became Cadet Commander. He brought his own flare to meetings that no one else could. Many of you did not know him as an officer, but he was one of the most amazing officers I have ever met. He could be a tough officer when he had to be, but he could put that aside and be willing to help anyone, even an Airman Basic. I highly respected him."
Bobby’s life was filled with competitive activities, baseball being one of them, starting off very early in life as a left fielder and excellent batter. Once Bobby told one of his Palomar College baseball teammates that, “I’m going to hit a home run.” His friend told him go for it! When Bobby stepped up to the plate, he looked back at the dugout to his teammate and gave him a nod and blasted the ball over the fence for a homerun! The baseball coach stated that his shirt number 99 would be retired with no one assigned that number in the future.
He was home schooled from 6th grade on through various Christian home study programs. On 1 June 2007 he graduated from Christian Life Academy High School along with eleven other students included our own squadron member C/2Lt Peter Kler. Bobby excelled in math and science and wanted to study chemical engineering in college. At the time of his untimely passing, he was a student at Palomar College and waiting for acceptance to Cal Poly CSU for the fall 2008 semester.
Bobby was also a Boy Scout and received his Eagle Scout badge in June 2007. This was quite a feat, juggling Boy Scouts and CAP. His Scout Master mentioned that when it was time for his first review board, his Boy Scout uniform was impeccable! There were no Irish pendants, shirt was tucked in, hair combed, etc. His review board went off flawlessly. His Scout Master attributed this to his CAP training and attention to detail!
At Stater Brothers Grocery Store, he started out as a courtesy clerk and was recently promoted to a position in the meat department. A fellow employee in the meat department mentioned that he was very friendly and fun to work with.
Bobby had a positive impact on each person he met. The stories of his compassion and helpfulness to others could fill pages upon pages of print. His parents completely supported CAP and had him dressed in his CAP uniform for the final viewing the night before this memorial service.
Pastor Nelson had to gently end the comments portion of the service as it was nearing 1600 hours. He gave the benediction and thanked all for attending. Lines formed to express sympathy to Mr. and Mrs. Coeur and their daughter Ariel. Refreshments and fellowship followed outside in the courtyard.
The CAP presence was represented by four squadrons: Cadet Sq. 3 in the San Fernando Valley (240 miles round trip); Skyhawk Composite Sq. 47 in Oceanside; Senior San Diego Sq. 57 in El Cajon; and his former squadron, San Diego Cadet Sq. 144. Personnel are listed as follows:
Captain Jay Weinsoff Cadet Squadron 3 (San Fernando Valley)
2Lt Zion Dungo
C/1Lt Elliott Dill
C/2Lt Sean Quigley
Skyhawk Composite Squadron 47 (Oceanside)
Chaplain (Capt) Richard Nelson
Maj John DiGiantomasso
C/CMSgt Kevin Harter
C/MSgt Kaila Reed
C/SSgt Michael Chung
C/SrA Joelah Bruccoleri
Senior San Diego Squadron 57 (El Cajon)
1Lt Shairrie Van Duzer
San Diego Cadet Squadron 144
LtCol Benjamin Aaron
LtCol Elbert McDowell
Maj Daryl Newton
Maj Dennis Ammann
Capt David Saavedra
1Lt Chris Natwick
Cadet Sponsor Heidi Olson
C/2Lt Peter Kler
C/2Lt Matthew Corey
C/2Lt Joseph Connolly
C/2Lt Douglas Saavedra
C/2Lt Chandra Murphy
C/SSgt Joe Culver
C/TSgt Alex Ramos
C/SSgt Brent Timm
C/SSgt Joshua Flewellen
C/TSgt Spencer Beaulieu
C/Amn Rebecca Olson
C/Amn Hanna Olson
C/Amn Emily Duescher
C/Amn Caleb Duescher
C/Amn Nathan Duescher
C/Amn Jesse O’Keefe
C/Amn Blake Hanslik
Former C/2Lt Bobby A. Coeur will be dearly missed by everyone who had the privilege of meeting and knowing him as his friend. Many thanks to all CAP personnel who attended this memorial service by supporting his family and showing respect to our fallen wingman.
Cadet Second Lieutenant Bobby A. Coeur
Civil Air Patrol (CAP), San Diego Cadet Squadron 144
February 2003 - January 2008
CAP TRAINING:
Basic Cadet School (highest test score) - Airman Training School (Honor Cadet) - Non-Commissioned Officer School (best speaking presentation) - Advanced Communication User Training Course - Wings Over Gillespie Air Show Staff (2004 & 2005) - BCS/ATS Staff (2004) - Calif. Wing Encampment (2005) - CPR/AED Certified (2005) - Air National Guard Field Training Exercise (2003, 2004 & 2005) - served as Flight Sgt, 1st Sgt, Flight Cmdr, & Cadet Commander - Cadet Advisory Council Rep to Group 7 - Wright Brothers Award (2005) - Billy Mitchell Award (2006).
OTHER COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES:
Boy Scouts of America (Eagle Scout) - Staff on Vacation Bible School - Lettered in Varsity Baseball - Sunday School teacher - 1st Place in City-wide Schools Math Competition - Cleared & restored a trail for the San Diego County Parks Department - Courtesy Clerk, Stater Brothers Grocery Store
Civil Air Patrol, California Wing
2006 Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year Award
Cadet Second Lieutenant Bobby A. Coeur
C/2Lt Bobby A. Coeur joined Civil Air Patrol in February of 2003, and is 17 years old. During the period from January to December 2006, Cadet Coeur has met or exceeded the high standards established for Non-Commissioned Officers in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program. His service to San Diego Cadet Squadron 144 has been exceptional and he has since been promoted to Cadet Second Lieutenant. Cadet Coeur possesses excellent military bearing, and is a patriotic Cadet. A bright future is surely ahead of him.
Cadet Coeur has served CAP with distinction, having been appointed last year as our Cadet Commander after earning his Mitchell Award. He has always achieved consistently high scores on achievement tests and review boards, which are reflective of his dedication to the program. He conducts himself as a gentleman, and is a respectful, compliant and valued member of our Cadet detachment. Cadet Coeur foresakes the "spotlight" in favor of completing the mission. He carries out his duties with minimal fanfare but with consistently successful results, from which we all benefit--that is the trademark of an exceptional NCO.
During the period in question, through his service and duty performance, Cadet Coeur has distinguished himself and the Civil Air Patrol. For these reasons, it is our privilege to announce that Cadet Bobby Coeur is Squadron 144 and California Wing’s Cadet NCO of the Year.
Maj Daryl L. Newton, former Squadron 144 Commander
