Robert J. Cottle, 45

Marine Reserve, Sergeant Major

Based: Camp Pendleton

4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division

Supporting: Operation Enduring Freedom

Died: March 24, 2010

Helmand province, Afghanistan

Married, 1 child

Gender: Male

Hometown: Yorba Linda

High School: La Serna High (Whittier)

Burial: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va.

A member of the Los Angeles Police Department’s elite SWAT unit, Cottle was the first officer to be killed in combat in Afghanistan. Cottle, who served in the U.S. Marine reserves, was traveling in the Marja region when his armored vehicle struck a roadside bomb. The explosion killed him and another Californian, Marine Lance Cpl. Rick J. Centanni, 19, of Yorba Linda, and seriously wounded two others. Cottle was a veteran of two tours in Iraq and had deployed to Afghanistan in August. He was scheduled to return home this summer. He leaves a wife and 8-month-old daughter.

Rick J. Centanni, 03/24/2010

Ian T.D. Gelig, 03/01/2010

151 memories of Robert J. Cottle

“

My parents are the Godparents of Robert. He lived across the street in Whittier and was at our home at much as his own. He was always a sweet, caring boy. He was born on my parents anniversary and was special to them from that moment. My mother saw to his care all the time and I remember visiting one time and seeing him asleep next to my Dad. Now at 92, my Dad had to send me the horrible news. How hurt he and my Mom are because they loved him so much.

Our family is devastated. I do not believe he should have been asked to serve again. He finally took a bride and had a new baby but he went off to serve and do his duty once again. Let it be known that he was the last of the Cottles in his family line. There are no more boys.

I saw him last when I visited my parents a couple of years back and he had dropped by to see me. He was full of duty and expressed his love of his job in the LAPD. I was so happy to see what a fine man he had become. I also thought how good it was that he stayed connected to his roots and my parents and showed so much respect and love.

I am so sorry that his little daughter will have no memories of him. She will be missing a very good thing as will her Mom. Anyone who knew him will be worse off for the loss.

There is a lot more to say but the essence is that his death is a tragic event and that we will all miss him.

God Bless his soul and his family.

John

” — John Crow, March 26, 2010 at midnight

“

I am still in shock at RJ's passing and am heartbroken for his family. I met him years ago through my then-boyfriend, who was one of his closest friends. He had a wicked sense of humor, and I will never forget the twinkle in his eyes and how he tried to not laugh out loud before he got to the punchline of a colorful joke! And who else would name their dog Recon Von Gunner? He was always full of energy and was friendly to everyone he met.
This is a great loss for our nation and for the LAPD, and especially for anyone who knew him and witnessed his commitment to upholding his duty and honor as a police officer and a Marine. The greatest tragedy is that his daughter will grow up without him, but I know that he will always watch over her in spirit. My deepest condolences go out to his family, and he and they will always be in my prayers.

” — Nicole, March 26, 2010 at 12:30 p.m.

“

To the family and friends of Sergeant Major Robert J. Cottle.

We send our most sincere sympathy for your greatest sacrifice. Robert not only lived up to the Corp values of “Honor, Courage and Commitment” for his unit and this country, but also for
Himself and to his family and to this community as a police officer.

Albert Einstein once said “The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it.”

We are truly thankful of those who return home safe and are praying all those who are still serving around the world. We take comfort in thinking that our fallen heroes are now in the company of all those who have gone before them. Sgt. Major Robert Cottle, we salute you for your commitment. For Robert’s family, we pray God will give you the courage to be strong for each other. We shall live to honor our fallen heroes, for they did “something about it”.

With hearts filled with sorrow for your loss.

Semper Fidelis.

Ray & Linda
A Proud 2 Blue Star Veteran Marine Family

” — Ray Larsen, March 26, 2010 at 2:56 p.m.

“

I had the privilege of meeting Officer Cottle for the first time last year during IDC School. During one of the breaks we had, I remember him pulling me aside and giving me tips on how to be a better instructor. The fact that I had only met him for the first time and he not knowing who I was, showed me he had great compassion and character. I hold the SWAT Team in high regard and for Officer Cottle to take the time to assist me in my struggles with instructing, just reaffirms how lucky we were to have a great person like him on LAPD's SWAT Team. He definitely left a lasting impression on me not only as an LAPD officer, but as a person as well. When I got word of his death, I felt like I had known Officer Cottle my entire life and was very saddened. I have never lost a close relative or family member, but when I do, I know now what that feeling will feel like. As I write this memory about him now, I am angered on how we could lose such a great person. God knows this world needs better people like Officer Cottle. God bless the Cottle Family. Rest in peace Sir.

” — Sambrano , March 26, 2010 at 8:08 p.m.

“

I met RJ Sept 10, 1990, the first day of the LAPD Police Academy. A skinny bowlegged guy with a deep voice and the heart of a giant, By noon the first day, we were looking at him as a leader. RJ and Karen Ruth became my closest friends in the Academy. Before we could graduate, I was injured and had to attend their graduation on crutches, watching from the audience. Months later, when it was my turn to graduate, RJ and Karen were there for me. You couldn't help liking the guy, his infectious laugh, zest for life, skills as a cop, he had it all. Always going to shooting schools, adventures here and there, he was always in motion. I kidded him about country western dancing, calling him "Mr Whirlie Twirlie." He is not a hero for the way he died, he was a hero for the way he lived. Guys like RJ don't come along often and his loss leaves a hole that can not be filled. I grieve for his family, his wife and his daughter. RJ, it was great knowing you, brother....you will be missed.

” — Jim Kaiser, March 27, 2010 at 9:55 a.m.

“

I am overwhelmed to read all the loving comments in memory of my beloved brother, Robert. As his sister I had the privilege of knowing him for the last 45 years. He and I did not have the closest brother and sister relationship as young children. However, as adults we grew much closer. I have so many fond memories of him: making forts and playing with Lincoln Logs as kids, our family trip to England and Scotland to meet our relatives in 1971 and in 1987, traveling through Spain when he was stationed in Munich, Germany, harmonizing together on road trips, skiing in Lake Tahoe and he coercing me to try the black diamond runs even though I was barely an intermediate skier Ugh!, reminiscing about all the havoc he created during his days as a student at Leffingwell Elementary as he attended my son's first day of kindergarten, proudly showing me all the home improvements he made on his "dream house", spending time with him, his wife and his newborn baby girl, Kaila trying to show him the ropes of new parenthood, drinking a glass of good red wine beside his fire ring while taking in the beautiful view from his backyard talking about his life and his upcoming deployment and my last memory of him... giving him a new, personally inscribed Bible, telling him how much he meant to me and praying with him for his safe return to us all. Well, he did not return to us in the physical sense but I still feel him with us. I know he is watching over all of us from heaven. I feel him most just before I dose off to sleep at night and when I gaze in the big, blue eyes of his baby girl. Robert often said to me, "Bonnie, always watch your back." I will bro, I promise. I am so proud of the US Marine, the LAPD SWAT Officer, the grandson, the son, the brother, the brother-in-law, the uncle, the friend, the husband, the father and the fine man my brother was. We are all better people having known him. I am happy to know he is now safely in the arms of the Lord. Robert James Cottle, we will all miss you but our memories of you will live on forever. Rest in eternal peace, my dear brother. Your tour of duty has been satisfied. Vaya con Dios, mi hermanito.
Until we meet again in Heaven,
Your Sister/Seester
Bonnie

” — Bonnie J. Roybal, March 28, 2010 at 10:56 p.m.

“

RJ-
You left an unforgetable impression on all the members of our team. That Austrailian Leap from the rail of that bridge in Berwick was INSANE! The shooting drills at the range. The Line Dancing at the bar. Spending the week of 9/11 in Blackwater was eye opening. The way you kept us motivated after watching the towers going down, we won't forget. I'm glad I kept in touch with you. You do keep me motivated bro and have incorporated most of your ideology in my training ways.

The man upstair must have great plans for you up there to have taken you so soon. Love ya Bro... You will be greatly missed down here.

God Bless You and Your Family,

” — T.R. Voorhees Twp Police SWAT, NJ, March 29, 2010 at 8:06 p.m.

“

Rob was that best friend that you meet later in life. It is with regret that I did not know him earlier in life.

I served as his 1stSgt and was privileged to call him a friend and seek his advice routinely.

I spoke to him last, just before this deployment. We talked about getting together for a long overdue beer and lies about exploits in the Corps. I was last with him while he reenlisted at 25,000 feet before a free-fall jump into Hawaii.
Rob was a modern warrior who stood a watch with the resolve of our founding fathers. He was a Patriot of Freedom!

I am at a loss to find out about his death so late but am no more relieved.

I, as you, have lost a Brother-in-arms. He was a leader to his men, a trusted peer to his friends and a vicious adversary to his enemies.

America has lost one of its true great sons. He will be remembered and revered for what he stood for and died for.
To his family I can only offer my sincerest condolences at the bereavement that must surely be yours having paid so costly a price on the principle belief in freedom.

God’s Speed Rob, you are in Heaven at your post continuing to serve.
Semper Fidelis, SgtMaj B. Sends…..

” — Fellow SgtMaj, March 31, 2010 at 2:28 p.m.

“

I met Robert in 1990. His energy, big smile and love of life were infectious from the start. He was everything that everyone here has written about him, and then some.

I did not know much about his work. But if you knew Robert, you knew about his dedication to the Marines & the Police Department …especially his position with the LAPD Swat Team. He was so proud when he got there and rightly so.

With all that Robert had on his plate, he was a busy man. So, constant contact was not always an option. But when you did see him again, it was as if never a day passed. You'd start right where you left off, the same camaraderie, the same joy, the same connection, the same fond feelings & attachment. He had a way of keeping an incredible bond with those he chose to let into his life.

I remember many conversations over the years of his desire to meet that one special lady. Then he met Emily. There was a sparkle of hope when we talked that she might be "the one". Eventually they did marry. They had their daughter Kaila just before his deployment, and you could see the excitement as they both started into that passage of “Parenthood”. It was short lived for Robert, but I'm glad Robert lived to experience that kind of joy. My heart breaks & I'm crushed that Emily & Kaila will have to continue on without him.

I was fortunate to attend his going away, deployment party and be a part of his send off.. Among the many friends & loved ones, I was hoping & praying he would return safe & sound back to those who loved him. I never really thought Robert would not return. He was so skilled, so well trained, I thought he was invincible. But this war shows no discrimination for age or ability....so Robert & his family joined the ranks of the many fallen soldiers & other families who sacrificed their loved ones. The pain is indescribable……The loss so devastating. He was a certainly a hero, but the families of the fallen are heroes as well. The courage they must face now is unimaginable.

I took Robert to Sedona, AZ to hike and share the beauty of that amazing place. He was a lover of life and I knew he’d relish the beauty surrounding us. We talked about the beautiful places we might want to settle in our old age. It is now obvious that Robert was called to retirement early. His precious soul was sent to the ultimate beauty of heaven. I pray that I might enjoy his company again someday.

As determined an individual as Robert was, I know he will always be there in spirit surrounding those whose lives he touched. My Friend “Roberto” will always remain such an inspiration.

” — Denise Davis, April 2, 2010 at 3:25 p.m.

“

I met RJ in the late 90s while serving with 4th Force in Hawaii. We were both reserve Gunnys and Police Officers and immediately hit it off.I cannot think of anyone I'd rather have behind me or in front of me "when going thru the door".

RJ and I were both single back then and use to talk about meeting that "special girl". Shortly after that I did and he was so happy for me. I'm so glad he finally met his and know she must be a very special woman to have landed him.

I got a little grin while when I read that RJ named his little girl Kalia as I have a little one named Malia.

Kalia will have no shortage of people to remind her of what a truly special person her Father was! He was a man that truly made a difference in this world.

I read in one of these posts that it was wrong that RJ was over in Afganistan. Anyone who knew RJ would agree that there was no place he would have rather been and was doing what he loved to do. God Bless and Semper Fi Brother

” — Jgrindey, April 4, 2010 at 6:56 a.m.

“

Robert and I met at the entry level PFQ in order to qualify for the Police Academy in 1989. Of course he dusted me on the run and OB course. Reminder to me not to judge a book by its cover.

We were classmates in Class 9/90 and hit it off as immediate friends. He loved to laugh and it was infectious.

When we graduated, we roomed together for over five years. First in Hermosa Beach then Granada Hills.

We were partners the first two nights of the L.A. Riots, and we made Metro on the same day. We later worked together in several SWAT/K9 deployments, and remained freinds thruout.

The most unique individual I have ever met. Truly one of a kind.

Robert always pushed me and those around him not to settle. He made the most of his God given abilities and never backed away from overcoming the next challenge.

He loved being a soldier and loved being a SWAT Officer. He was the ultimate professional at both.

My family and I will truly miss Robert.

Steve C.

” — Steve C, April 7, 2010 at 10:20 a.m.

“

My family first met Robert in the 1990s during the L.A. Riots. We owned a business in that was robbed and valdalized during the riots and Robert was there to assist. I was so young at the time, but I remember vividly the zest for life in his blue eyes and his passion for the LAPD & the USMC. My family got to know him more after the riots and unfortunately over the years lost contact with him. I had some relatives who served with him in the LAPD & would always hear bits of what Robert was up to now and then. Robert was the finest officer the world has seen and I am deeply saddened by his death.

I was once told that a Marine never leaves his post, he just sits by his post and waits. RJ is undoubtedly waiting by his post in Heaven.

Robert truly lived to serve the people of Los Angeles & the people of America. He truly is a hero and I hope the fact that he was with a newfound close friend when he entered Heaven's gates brings some comfort to his friends & family whom my heart so deeply aches for.

I salute you, Sgt. Maj. You are MY hero and it is because of you that I will be applying for the JAG Corps this upcoming year once I begin law school (something I'd ALWAYS wanted to do & had been contemplating but wasn't sure I was wo-"man" enough to do). Semper Fidelis, RJ! God bless you.

Love,
Shelley

” — Shelley, April 8, 2010 at 11:47 p.m.

“

Sgt Maj Cottle and I served together in 3D ANGLICO many years ago as Sgt Cottle and Lcpl Williams. He packed many a chute for me, and provided constant leadership, motivation and entertainment for all the Marines around him. I found an old picture of a bunch of us on liberty in Thailand in about 92, and he had the same grin and mischievous sparkle in his eye. I remember we went bungee jumping and he taped a video camera to his head when he jumped. He was always doing crazy stuff like that. He had a zest for life that few ever come close to. It was my privilege to serve with him. He will be sorely missed by every Marine and cop he ever came in contact with.

” — MSGT Russ Williams, April 9, 2010 at 4:48 p.m.

“

I met Robert in September 1990. We were members of the LAPD Academy Class of 9-90. He has always been a natural leader, but without the arrogance. He showed this by helping us not-so-military-inclined get in tune with our new way of academy life. He had a huge heart and was always full of life, making up nick-names for everyone. Jim Kaiser, Robert and I were called the 3-Muskateers and quickly developed a bond. Robert would take us to the country bars and try to get my 2 left feet going in the right direction. He would always say, "Just listen to the music!" Well, my dear friend, I now say to you, "Listen to the music." We are all singing your praise!! You have left a lasting impression on all who were blessed to have known you, and you will be greatly missed.

” — Karen Ruth-Laser, April 12, 2010 at 7:09 p.m.

“

I knew Robert for many years while growing up in Whittier. While I haven't seen him in years, how amazing and wonderful to read about the fine man he became...son, husband, father, friend, SWAT officer, Marine.
I am proud to have known him and even more proud of the sacrifice he made for our country and the safety of the world.
I will be forever grateful to Robert for the service he performed in his roles as an officer and as a Marine. I know he has a special place in heaven right now. I pray that time and only the happiest of memories will give peace and comfort to his family.
My heart is broken and I am sure I speak for many when I say that he will NEVER be forgotten and will ALWAYS be missed.

Lovingly, Pam

” — Pamela Pollock McLeod , April 13, 2010 at 9:32 a.m.

“

As a former military member, I feel sad everytime any individual of the armed services makes the ultimate sacrifice.
As a former "California Marine" I feel even a greater loss, whenever I read or hear about the loss of a United States Marine.
As with law enforcement and the brotherhood of the firefighter, the USMC has a bond amongst its' own that is shared only by "The Few. The Proud".
Although I neither knew or served with the SGTMAJ, the memories posted of him show him to be a hero, a leader and a friend to countless.
To his family, may GOD bless you and comfort you.
To SGTMAJ. Cottle, Thank you for the man that you were, the Marine that you became, and the sacrifice that you made.
To Marines past, present and future, SEMPER FIDELIS.

” — Justin Alexandrea, April 13, 2010 at 10:09 a.m.

“

I would like to thank all of the folks for the condolances expressed to me and my family over the loss of my son Robert James Cottle. The cooperation of the USMC and LAPD has truly been outstanding in helping us through this very difficult time. Robert wanted to be buried at Arlington National Cemetary in Virginia which we did on April 16, 2010, with a full military and civilian honors. In addition to his
many decorations he was just awarded tthe "Bronze Star" with a "V" for Valor aand the "Purple Heart". He lived "life" to the "fullest" whether serving as a Marine or as a LAPD SWAT Officier. I especially want to thank Lance Corporal Rick Centanni's father Jon as we have both been grieving together. Rick Centanni was the fellow marine that was killed with my son on March 24, 2010.
Semper Fi

” — Ken Cottle/Roberts Dad, April 19, 2010 at 10:20 a.m.

“

May I first start off by expressing my condolences to you and your family on Sergeant Major Robert J Cottle. I am deeply saddend by your loss. Even though I never met your loved one, I have a great admiration for what he was there to accomplish and all that he sacrificed. On behalf of Calvary Chapel Santa Fe Springs and myself we would like to extend a personal invite to our "Day to Honor"community festival where we come together as a community in the city of Santa Fe Springs and honor our Fallen Hero and their families. This community event would take place May 29th,2011. I will continue to ask the Lord to strengthen you and your family daily as you go through this difficult time.

” — Sabrina, March 25, 2011 at 4:16 p.m.

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Robert J. Cottle, 45

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151 memories of Robert J. Cottle

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