West, Robert H.

Robert H. West

Elyria, Ohio

Feather Location: Row F, #09

Written by Bruce DiVaccaro

Master Sergeant Robert H. West was born in Euclid, Ohio on March 6, 1969. He grew up in Elyria, where he attended Elyria Catholic High School and graduated in 1987.

West was active in sports and clubs throughout his high school career at Elyria Catholic High School and was a member of the state championship football team. in 1984. He also was involved in choir, baseball and the ski club, according to Elyria Catholic attendance secretary Mary Machovina. ''He was a quiet, great kid,'' said Lou Rotunda, the high school's former freshman basketball coach. ''He was just a fantastic person.''

He joined the U.S. Army in 1988 and served as a tank commander and a drill instructor. He was serving his second tour of duty in Iraq, helping train Iraqi police officers. West died in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated HMMWV during combat operations. He died on May 14, 2006 at the age of 37.  A plaque hangs in Elyria Catholic High School in his honor.

Carver:  Bruce DiVaccaro is a bird carver specializing in ducks and shorebirds. He grew up in New Jersey and has been living in Ohio since 1985. He has been competing in carving competitions all over the country since 1998 and has won many awards including Best of Show in Shorebirds at the Ward World Championships in Ocean City, Maryland in both 2009 and 2013. Bruce currently resides in Sheffield Village, Ohio with his wife Sue and his daughter Stephany.

Wood:  The main part of the feather is Basswood. The quill is walnut. The walnut was harvested in Ohio and milled by the carver. The finish is Spar Urethane, which will add a golden patina to the wood over time. The three feather splits on each side of the feather are symbolic of his Master Sergeant Stripes.