Rocco M. Barnes, 51

Rest in peace Rocco, you'll be missed. Your Mom, Grace, is a longtime friend/co-worker of mine at American Greetings. I remember the time you and your Mom visited my sister-in-laws' Taco stand called YUCA'S(2056 Hillhurst Ave., LA and you took a photo of your Mom in front of Yuca's to show me that you guys were there and enjoyed the food.

Rocco.

You trained me well. I will miss you. Go in peace my friend.

J

I miss you buddy. Too soon. forever an example and always a good friend.

You were the best Rocco; a true hero, a great role model and my best friend.
You went too soon my friend and I don't know what my family and I are going to do without you around... Tristan says hi! He is going to miss uncle Rocco...
The only good news is, I know that one day, I will see you again and maybe that day, instead of a glass of milk, we will have a beer together.
It is so true what they say; the best always leave first...
I am so happy to have met you; I am so honored to be your friend. You brought so much to my family and I... I will never forget you, the times we spent together, the stories we exchanged, the good times we had, the lessons you taught me, the laughs we shared...
Sara and Tristan love you so much too...

I love you man, your friend Alain.

Rocco,
You were one of the really good guys all the way to the end. Thanks for your friendship and for being on my side when the truth mattered. Rest in peace.

Rest in peace my friend. May God continue to be your jumpmaster.

ROCCO,
I'M SORRY IT DIDN'T WORK OUT THE WAY IT WAS SUPPOSED TO. I'M SORRY WE WONT BE ABLE TO GO TO THE PETERSON CAR MUSEUM WHEN WE GOT HOME LIKE WE PLANNED. WE WILL KEEP THIS MISSION ON TRACK UNTIL IT'S TIME TO GO HOME, LIKE YOU WOULD HAVE WANTED. REST IN PEACE BROTHER.
BEAR

Rocco, we miss you so much. You were a true friend.
We will miss your smiling face, funny jokes and that bottle of wine you always brought.
You left us way too early!
Look for the spaghetti and my sauce, I'll be sending it up to you in Heaven!
RIP my friend....
Love, Pam & Craig

Rest peacefully in Jesus' Arms. God needed more Angels that day and he could not have picked one more suited for the task. Whisper a sweet word to your Team. You shall live on through them forever.

Rocco was an OIC to a detachment of Marines and not only speaking for myself, he was the best officer and mentor that we have ever had. This man was a legend and a true warfighter. We were all honored to know and fight along side of him trying to bring peace and stability to such a war-torn country. Thank you for everything that you have taught us Rocco.
-The Marine and Sailors of Embedded Training Team 1-11, Afghanistan Nov 2008 - August 2009.

Rocco,
You will forever be in my memories and prayers. Thanks for all that you taught me. I will carry your words and lessons with me always.
Doc C

Because of my good fortune of working and knowing your mom Grace...I know your spirit, smile and gentle strenght will be missed.

"These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman."

Thomas Paine, "The Crisis"

The absolute best time of my life was 300-F1 and Med-Lab with Rocco and the rest of the guys. Rest in Peace brother and the "Green Flame" will be there to take you the rest of the way home.

Rocco -
This world can sure use more men like you. Thanks for making our day-to-day lives at Vance better. I am glad to see how loved you are by all. Rest in peace.

Rocco.. You were not just an OIC to me, you were also a father figure. You will be missed by all who knew you. Rest in peace and continue to stand watch above us.

Semper Fi!

Rocco you were one of the best Vance had in its Jack Boot Stable. And there was always a good timeto be had The ones that were there will know of what I speak. Thanks for the save on the bridge at Sidney KY. ALWAY REST IN PEACE.

PEOPLE ALWAYS WONDER WHY GOD TAKES THE GOOD ONES. WELL, IF I WERE GOD, I'D WANT TO TAKE THE GOOD ONES TOO. I PROMISE TO LIVE A FULL LIVE SO I CAN TELL YOU ONE DAY WHAT I HAVE DONE WITH IT. I KNOW YOU ARE ENJOYING YOUR NEW LIFE.

Rocco,
I remember the good times we had in Vance,especially during the Sidney days.I will miss you and I know everyone that knew you will miss you. Rest in Peace my friend.

Rocco, You were always there, always dependable, always capable, and always dedicated. You were an example to the other members of our great organization as I know that you were to the men and women who had the honor to serve with you in the military. May you rest in peace with God and with the rest of the warriors in Valhalla. You are gone but never forgotten!

Rest in peace Rocco.

S/F

Pete Dordal

I have many fond memories of you Rocco. The time you had to go on that "Recovery Mission" after the SGM got shot during the very first Anti-Drug task force the Florida National Guard was involved in. And when you came through the "training lane" I ran while you were attending OCS. You were a great SF soldier and Officer. I'll bet your already leading a team of angels up there. R.I.P. brother.

De Oppresso Liber
CPT. Al Hernandez, USAR, Ret. SF

Rocco - I'm glad that we remained close to the end, I know we will meet again someday. I'll miss our "girlfriend" chats and "therapy sessions". I will continue to keep your Mom and Therese in my prayers because I know life will be tough without you. I miss you already.

There is a facebook group for Rocco. Please find it. Rocco Barnes et. al

Rocco I was researching your story on the LA Times website, wondering why I lost comms, and was shocked to see this notice. The only thing I can say to your loved ones...

Rocco Barnes took over an advisor team for Iraqi Battalion 3/3-1 and left a permanent influence on that terrific unit. He liked to fight and the Iraqis learned from his example. He was a guardian of the United States, and the epitome of soldier-citizen. Semper fidelis warrior. We all owe you thanks.

Wow, Rocco Barnes you will be missed by your HQ Global Workplace Family. Thanks for always being a Good Big Brother to us!!!!

Love 4-Ever Sheri Tarvin & Erica Chatman

Rocco even though i only met you thru coming to your dental appts. You were one of the most gracious and kind people i have met. Full of life. it saddens and shocks all of us. Rest in peace. Donna

Rest in peace Rocco

Rocco,

You served us proudly. Airborne!!

Condolences to the Barnes Family.

-Rob Harris "Babyback"

Rocco,

You have influenced and inspired so many. I will talk about you with my sons and let them know what a true hero, patriot and damn great guy you were.

This nation has lost one of its best and
it (was) is an honor to call you a friend.

My prayers and thoughts are with your Mother and sister.

"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." Abraham Lincoln

RIP my friend,
John Rosas

Rocco,
I heard this morning. We met for 2 hours on a remote mountain top in Afghanistan in May. Your qualities as a leader and friend were immediately apparent. An excellent ambassador for your country's intelligent approach to Afghanistan, you had a great impact on the other nations with whom you worked.
To the family of Rocco,
I grieve with you from England for the loss of your inspirational, great man, whose death is very hard to bear. A true hero, who stepped up to the plate time and again. He touched our hearts deeply in such a short time. I know from personal experience how hard this time is but our thoughts and prayers are with you.
James Murray-Playfair
British Army

Did not know Major Rocco Barnes, but he was a member of U.S. Army Special Forces Association Chapter 85 in Stuart Florida, would like to know if there is anything our Chapter can do for the family, do they live in this area? Is there a bio available that could be published in the "Drop", our National magazine that goes to all Special Forces members, many of whom will have known him, and may not be aware of his passing. I will pass all of the above on to our chapter members at our next meeting 7/18 in Ft. Pierce. Any loss of an SF patriot is a great loss to this country. Jim McCarthy, SFA, Ch. 85 mjamesp@bellsouth.net

Maj Rocco you will be missed by us here at Uzbin. You were the best officer that i have met in my 18 years of service.

SSG Williams
US Army National Guard
Georgia

To my friend Rocco
Thank you for the fun and memorie
you gave me in our youner years you were always a bother to me
love a Ralph

Rocco:

A great officer and dedicated member of the SF team. Your commitment to the 3rd Bn 20th SF Gp was evidenced by your hard work and willingness to sacrifice. You will be surely missed by us all and by our nation.

Rest in peace.

COL D

A true warrior, a true patriot, a true man and a better still leader of men. Semper Fidelis Rocco. Fair winds and following seas brother. Get Some!!!! MTT 1-3-1 Iraq was truly blessed to have your experience, knowledge and sage wisdom in our presence. To the family just know that he is in the world with his fellows warriors and is looking down on us all and smiling. God Bless!

Rocco;

As my detachment commander I always thought you you were one of the best officers I had served with. Thanks for getting me to HALO school. We were all better off with you here. You are missed.

De Oppperso Liber!
MSG A Rice (Ret)

Rocco,

I had you on my SF team back in C/3/20th SFGA as a hard charging SFODA XO. You were an outstanding officer that would succeed in any mission place in front of you. I remember SCUBA certify you and getting in some dives in the Keys and seeing how much you loved diving. I am truly proud to have known such an outstanding Officer, Patriot and Friend.

You will never be forgotten,

Stephen Muskett
LTC(R), SF

My dearest Rocco, I have hesitated for so long to write anthing in you guest book becuase quite simply put, there is too much to say. We still fix your favorite Sunday pasta dinner, health and carbs be damned, like it or not. But even after almost five months it doesn't feel right setting only four places at the table. I've lost family before, I've experienced death, but I've never before remained unconsoled. You are in my thoughts more often than I would like to admit. I hope and pray nightly that you are caring for the two children I lost to whom you would have been the godfather. If I know you, and I think I do, you wouldn't think twice about it. I don't worry about God blessing or accepting your soul into his loving arms. There are some among us that have those fears (I worry about being able to St. Peter in the next life to see you there again).
The holidays are coming. Someone has to hang the Christmas tree lights this year and you know that can't be left to the boys. And who'll be there to eat my brandied pecan pie?
I know your life was a series of boxes neatly compartmentalized and kept away until the appropriate time, but you were never in a box in the Floyd house. You were always part of the family. And we are missing one know. Your heroism is inspiring and I thank God everyday for men like you. Robby's actually considering West Point because of you. They say greiving should end after six months. I say they've got their heads up a certain place I wouldn't dare write where others can read. You will always be missed. You will always be remembered. I have seen you in my dreams and I know that even now you are watching over us. God bless you and those who serve with you and those you inspire and those of us who need a little guidance in your absence. Your stregth isn't something found every day. I love you. We love you. We miss you more than you know.
Check in on us from time to time. I promise I won't get freaked by a moving rocking chair or a little less left over spaghetti in the fridge. We'll be praying for you often and keeping in touch with your mother and Therese as often as possible.

All our love, and enjoy the blessings of Gods eternal peace.

We love you Rocco. You are an irreplacable part of our family.

Rocco,

I received my Copy of the Drop the other day, and read the notice. I send my prayers to your family. You were always straight up and honest with me. You will be missed. May the Good Lord bless and keep your Family.

I was proud to ride my "horse" in the Honor Guard that escorted you to your resting place. It was the most emotional moment of my life.
Grace has been kind enough to give me some things that I am framing as a tribute to one of my favorite people that I have ever known
They will hang in a place of honor in my home so that all who visit will see the impact that a MAN/WARRIOR has on the people around him.
I was honored to be your friend..!

My attempt to locate you tonight, Rocco, has certainly taken a sad and painful turn. Barb and I were just talking about you and Mark Denning, with your savings bond generosity honoring Ryan's birth. Although nineteen years have passed since those times, the memories of your intellect, integrity, character, charm and wit are as strong and fresh, as if we have just finished standing post together.
You touched more hearts and minds than you ever knew.
Rest in peace my friend.

Rocco,

Rest in peace.

Rocco,

See you at the OBJ on the other side. Rest in peace, Rooco.

Rocco, we had some great times down south. You will be missed. RIP

Rocco, its Memorial day and we are remembering you! The family is missing you and remembering the good times we had! miss you brother. Beave

Rocco, It was a true honor and privilege to have you as a Team Commander. On behalf of the Detachment, we will never forget. We will look for you at the ORP. GOD Speed.

- Chuck Pense ODA 971

Its been 1 year. A solemn day. Miss ya buddy. Here's to you..

They are all heroes,
these fighting men and women.
They won`t admit it,
no matter what branch
they are in.

Every one faces the fear.
They don`t know
if they will see another year.
And yet, they volunteer.
They join in to fight
for those they love dear.

''Give us liberty,
or give us death.''
Many fight
till their last breath.

This is why,
we say our pledge of allegiance
to our flag of the U.S.A.
This is why we have
what freedom we have today.

''I stand with millions
to salute these brave men
and women
on this Veteran`s Day.
For our freedom,
you have paved the way.''

We will never forget
their sacrifice.
For many of these brave souls,
they have made
the ultimate sacrifice.

[ Honoring Veteran`s Day ]
Hostess: Tiny Teddy (Bonnie)
By poetalthomas

4.9.11

Thinking of you on this day...and so many others.

THANK YOU !!!!!!!!! for your bravery appreciate your sacrifice. look forward to a time when there will be no more war. ISAIAH 2:4 And he will certainly render judgment among the nations and set matters straight respecting many peoples. And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares . Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore.

You were a friend, a good guy, with a great heart, you will not be forgotten & you will be missed. May You Rest in Peace.

Rocco, Rest In Peace! I just learned the sad news of your death in The Drop, Winter 2012. You were one of those at Vance who hired/trained me in 1995 in Virginia. You were a great man and a great American and hero...thank you for your service! Joe H., 11th and 20th SFGA, 1st Ranger Bn.