Robert Charles Rhotehamel Jr.

Robert was born on August 27, 1947, at Swedish Hospital in Seattle, Washington, to Virginia Lee LaRouche and Robert Charles Rhotehamel Sr. His mother was of French descent. His father, of German descent, served in the United States Navy in underwater demolition. Robert was the eldest of three brothers.

He grew up in Renton, Washington, later earning his GED and completing training at the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Academy.

At the age of 17, Robert entered the Army Reserves/National Guard and later transitioned into the regular United States Army. He completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and additional training at Fort Polk, Louisiana. He was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, where he successfully passed a Secret Security Clearance investigation before being assigned to Fairbanks, Alaska.

Robert completed two combat tours in Vietnam. During his first tour, he served with the 1st Infantry Division (The Big Red One), including operations in Cambodia. During his second tour, he voluntarily extended his deployment so that his brother would not have to go to Vietnam. During this extended service, he served with the 25th Infantry Division, known as “Tropic Lightning,” operating out of Cu Chi, including the area known as Rock City.

While serving at Bearcat, Robert sustained a combat injury when he was wounded by shrapnel to his right hand.

He also volunteered for a classified mission and served on advanced teams responsible for ambush patrols, clearing Areas of Operation, mine detection, and defensive operations. For his service, Robert was awarded the Bronze Star, received two Presidential Unit Citations for outstanding leadership, and earned multiple additional military commendations.

When Robert returned home from Vietnam, he experienced rejection both socially and within his own family, a reality faced by many Vietnam Veterans of his generation. He lived with severe post-traumatic stress at a time when such injuries were poorly understood and rarely acknowledged.

Determined to build a future, Robert pursued higher education. He began in pre-medical studies before changing his major to Clinical Nutrition. He graduated from Santa Rosa Junior College in 1983 and worked in the healthcare field for many years. His career included work as a clinical nutritionist, an inspector for Mediflex, and positions in rehabilitation services, including at Northwest Hospital and at a neurological and vocational rehabilitation facility in Edmonds, Washington.

Robert retired at age 62.

In 1972, Robert met Kathy Ann Williams, and they formed a lifelong bond. Over the decades, he became her steadfast advocate, caregiver, and closest friend. Though not related by blood, she was family to him in every way that mattered. They remained in daily contact throughout their lives.

Robert wished to express gratitude for the care and support he received in his final days, including appreciation for the nurses at Alpha and for the assistance provided through the VA and HUD VASH.

Robert Charles Rhotehamel Jr. lived a life marked by service, sacrifice, endurance, and loyalty. His courage was evident not only in combat, but in his perseverance afterward and in the quiet, steadfast care he gave to others.

He will be remembered as a Soldier, a Vietnam Veteran, a protector, and a man who stood by those entrusted to him.