SGM Sanders was a great influence on me and my military career. I remember his favorite song being the "cotton eye joe" at our parties and dances. He was tough but fair and cared for his students. He provided rides to those who needed them to events we supported. I retire after 26 years of service and still remember and look back at my times in JROTC. Thank you SGM Sanders.

I had the priveledge of having SGM Sanders as my ROTC instructor at Harlandle High. I joined ROTC my freshman year and in my sophmore year was chosen to be female drill team commander. He was a very strict intimidating instructor, yet, he cared so much for us, he would always help us out in all our practices he would take us to serve pancakes at his lodge, we would sell lights at the circus and at Christmas he would take us out to eat at Pochos Mexican Buffet. I admired him and Mrs. Sanders for all the time and effort they put into our team and the ROTC program in general. Some of the cadets were so rebellious and at times gave SGM such a hard time, they would always complain about his strictness. I remember after SGM retired from the program he came to visit for a ceremony we were having at the school auditorium, I sked if I could give a speech about SGM to thank him for all the work he and Mrs. Sanders did for the program. During my tribute I mentioned how on one of SGM's visits I asked him if he missed ROTC he replied, " With all my heart, even Jaime". Jaime was the #1 pain of the program , always talking back to SGM, always complaining. Well to my suprise Jaime cried!Even he knew that behind SGM's barks of command lied a man who really cared deeply for all of us, if he knew of a personal need in us he tried his best to help out, I will never forget him. All my condolences to Mrs. Sanders and family. He was a great man, who I am sure made a huge impact for many at Harlandale High School.

I AM PROUD TO SAY, I KNEW SGT. SANDERS AS MY SENIOR ARMY INSTUCTOR, AT HARLANDALE HIGH SCHOOL. HE WAS RESPECTED BY HIS STUDENTS ON HIS FIRST YEAR IN TEACHING AT THE HIGH SCHOOL, HE WAS THE KIND OF MAN, HE WILL TELL YOU HOW IT IS IN THIS WORLD. AND TO SOME OF US, HE HAD FAITH IN YOU TO DO YOUR BEST, WHEN THERE WAS NO ONE TO BELIVE IN YOU! HE WROTE LETTERS TO CONGRESS MAN TO BE ACCEPTACED AT UNIVERSATY OR MILITARY ACADAMEMY'S. SGT. SANDERS WILL BE MISSED, BUT HE WILL BE IN ALL OF US!

Dear Mrs. Sanders, I don't know if you will remember me right off, but my best friend at Harlandale High is still Heidi Wilkey. With that you probably remember the skinny dark-haired girl with glasses. Well anyway, when my mom called yesterday Oralia Rivera I just stop what I was doing and said a special prayer to you and your family. I am deeply sorry for your loss. I know that he has gone home and is in God's joy and happiness. Sgt. Mjr. Sanders and yourself are a God send when it came to helping others in need. I will never forget the way you would do your best in raising Heidi and myself into proper young ladies. The advise and guidance both of you supplied I still hold close and use it as a guide today. I will always keep both of you close to my heart. Respectfully, 
Leticia Rivera Casarez 
Class of 1985

Dear Betty, 
I was saddened to read of Bob's death in the Express-News. I extend my sympathy to you. Please share my thoughts with George, Sue, Crystal, and the other members of your family also. 
I always liked Bob, and you all were great neighbors! Thanks for the memories. My best regards to all. 
Sincerely, 
John Moore

I was part of the 1980-82 Tribal Guard Drill Team. SGM Sanders really showed us that he cared. I learned as a young man who liked to joke around in his class, don't let SGM Sanders find out and if he did we would play the card of I didn't do it. He as usual could see behind our plot. He was an awesome role model. Thank you Mrs.Sanders for letting your husband invest so much time on kids the investment was worth it. God bless.

Class of 1984 Harlandale High School. You taught me to be excellent in everything I am to do in life. You where a great inspiration, I am sure you have touched many lives.

SGM Sanders will always hold a special place in my heart. I could not be the person I am today without his influence. He gave so much of his time and love to the students at Harlandale. To his family my deepest sympathy and thank you for sharing him with us. SGM Sanders I salute you. You will be missed but not forgotten. Maria Carreon Meade 
 Harlandale Class of 81 
 Drill Team Commander

Bob was a good friend and brother. He will be missed by all. Sorry we will miss his funeral as I have a treatment scheduled for 3:00 PM Tuesday.

SGM. Sanders was a great man he helped me when ever I needed help and would visit me in the hospital when I would become ill from my asthma. I will miss SGM. Sanders and I give my sympathy to his wife Mrs. Sanders,his children, grandchildren and great grandchild. My heart will always be with you. SGM. Sanders will always be in my prayers and my families as well. God Bless and Take Care. Angielie Hernandez and Family.

SGM Sanders was my ROTC instructor at Harlandale High School from 1979 to 1981. SGM Sanders began his teaching career at Harlandale during my junior year. Some of my fondest memories are from ROTC - the out-of-town drill team competitions with SGM and Mrs. Sanders following in their Mercedes, and SGM Sanders' lessons on life in general and leadership in particular. I had the pleasure of getting reacquainted with SGM Sanders in 1995 when I returned to Harlandale School District as an employee. As public information officer, one of my responsibilities was coordinating the school district's annual Memorial Day ceremony. SGM Sanders graciously served as master of ceremonies one year 1997?. It was a pleasure to know SGM Sanders as a teacher, fellow employee, and role model. God bless him and his family.

OBITUARY

Robert T. Sanders

November 9, 1942 – July 4, 2003

Porter Loring Mortuary - McCullough

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