General (Ret.) Robert M. Shoemaker

In 1973, while assigned to E Co 227th Avn Bn, I had the distinct privilege of serving as Gen Shoemaker's personal pilot. I learned a great deal from observing him, and watching him interact with his subordinates and his peers. He was a soldier's soldier. I will forever cherish the hours I spent flying with him. First Horse

You were a good man, a good soldier, a good friend. You and Tuke were a great blessing to me, and to many, many others. Thank you, and happy trails, Bob.
Dear Tuke: Hang in there!

Lucien E. ("Blackie") Bolduc, Jr. MG, US Army (Ret)

I knew General Shoemaker back when I was a student at SHS. The thing that I loved about him was that he was always a part of everything going on at the school and he would always walk the halls greeting all of us. He was such a good and friendly man. May he Rest In Peace.

I had the privilege of meeting Gen. Shoemaker while stationed at Ft. Hood in the mid 70's. Several of us assigned to MEDDAC (Darnall) ate in he Dining Hall. A very nice "older gentleman" began to sit with us once a week, dressed in sear sucker pants and a golf hat. He sure asked a lot of questions about things he was hearing about that were a concern. He only introduced himself as "Bob". He wanted to know how "we" would fix the problem, and asked us to do so. A few weeks later, he was late getting to the table. We were stunned when he appeared in fatigues with his stars. We stood at attention, and he put us "at ease", smiling and told us he was proud of us, and congratulated us for a job well done. He had been in the Dining Hall several times, but selected our table because he sensed we were disciplined. We all had been schooled by The Master. I learned lessons I will never forget. In 2015 I was among 10 vets awarded the Congressional Veteran Commendation award, alongside General Shoemaker. We had a short time to talk over old times, and he remembered the chats at Darnall. He remarked that was the only way he could find out what was really going on. He seemed pleased one of his young soldiers was being honored with him. Tears were in his eyes. He played a major role in developing my character and work ethics by instilling in me - confidence. I am forever grateful, and will never forget sitting at the table, with "The Master". General Shoemaker was the Soldier's General. My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Shoemaker, family and friends, Eula Mae (Terrell) Jett, SP5 Army Temple, TX

Rest In Peace, General Robert M Shoemaker. I will keep General Shoemaker wife and family in prayer.

ON BEHALF OF THE MEMBERS& OFFICERS OF ALMONT AMERICAN LEGION AND LAPEER CTY VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA . I SEND OUR CONDOLENCES TO "BOB'S" FAMILY & NUMEROUS FRIENDS.
AS I SAID IN 2009 IF IT WASN' T FOR HIS IDEAS AND INSIGHT THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A HELLAVE LOT MORE NAMES ON THAT WALL IN WASHINGTON D.C.
A GREATFUL VIETNAM VETERAN
JOE CAIN
PRES. VVA CHAPTER 287
CMDR ALMONT AMERICAN
LEGIONPOST 479

Our nation, the US Army, and the community of Central Texas has lost a legend of a man. Heaven has gained a legend of a man. May you find eternal rest and peace. Slow SALUTE!

I had the pleasure of knowing General Shoemaker for many years, going back to 1970. He was indeed a professional soldier in every way possible and his life was guided by the quote, Duty, Honor, Country! Thomas G. Smith, Brigadier General U,S, Army (Retired)

COL Frank Henry's family would like to pass along our deepest sympathies to the family for their recent loss of GEN Shoemaker. We have many fond memories of our time with he and his wife. He will be missed - Rest in Peace Sir!

"My General Shoemaker rest in peace and watch over all of the people he has met and help. We will miss you dearly. I will never forget the time you have come to Shoemaker high school to visit with a few of the students when we passed by you. I will also treasure the moment I got to hug General Shoemaker at graduation in 2016 I will miss you dearly."
Cynthia Taylor Partain (Killeen,Tx)

Its being a blessing to have served with General Shoemaker in Vietnam back in 1969-70; at Fort Hood and finally at KISD as a JROTC Instructor at Shoemaker HS. I will miss a great friend and leader in our community. General RIP!

CSM (Retired) Arturo G Guzman

I consider it an honor to have had the opportunity to get to know the Shoemaker's during our tour at Ft. Hood. My sincerest condolences to Tuke and the Shoemaker family. He never stopped making every day as productive as possible. I deeply admired his determination and drive. I look forward to reading his memoir. Rest well Sir.

My husband and myself had the honor of meeting General Shoemaker last year. We've enjoyed seeing him at several events these past few months. I am so thankful he was able to attend the SHS Class of 2017 Graduation Ceremony. This will be a memory that the graduates will cherish. It is an honor that my daughter was among those graduates. Thank you so much for all you have done for the community and for your service to your country. You will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

Sergeant Major and Mrs. Grimmett

It has been an honor and pleasure knowing Gen Robert Shoemaker for the past 37 years as a fellow Kiwanian and friend. I will miss his sense of humor, his leadership in the community,and his dedication to the education of our youth. He provided his wisdom and insight to all organizations he was a member and to other groups as well. It will take many to fill his shoes and to impact our community as much as he has accomplished.

David McClure
President Harker Heights Kiwanis

RIP General Shoemaker. I Served with the General in the 1st Cav Division, when he was a LTC, 1965-66 he was a great Commander then. My condolences to the Shoemaker family, I am sad to hear of his death. SGM Bob Speakman. Grove City, Ohio

I met General Shoemaker in 1969 when I was Protocol Officer for the 1st Air Cavalry Division. In a person's travels through life, we remember certain people for how they treated others. He was Chief of Staff and I reported directly to him. He was a strong but gentle man and my condolences to his family.

It was honor to serve under Gen, Shoemaker. May God give comfort to his family and friends as they mourn their loss... Specialist Bennie Petrey 13th Sig 1st Cav 73-74 First Team!

Rest in Peace General! Your watch is over. See you on Fiddler's Green. My son was in the first class to attend Shoemaker High. He spoke highly of you. I met you a couple times and enjoyed the time.

It has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of the extended Shoemaker family. All my kids had the blessing of being raised under the guidance and influence of both General Shoemaker and his wife Tuke. My condolences to all who's lives were touched by this great American patriot. May he rest in peace.

It was a true pleasure to have met and known a truly inspiring Leader, Soldier, and man. My condolences to the Shoemaker Family on the passing of a selfless and patriotic American.

Robert M. Shoemaker HS JROTC - Class '03

It was a pleasure to know him, and we appreciate his service to America.

LTC & Ms. Max G. Marks

Rest In Peace Patriotic American Hero
Gen Robert M Shoemaker

To The Shoemaker Family,
I met Gen Robert Shoemaker years ago and i was so very impressed by his
love for God, Country, & For his fellow veterans like me, God Bless & Heal Your pain as we celebrate the great life of a truly great patriotic American!!!!
Michael D Dowdy & Family

Our condolences to the Shoemaker family. The general was a great leader thanks for your service military and civilian, rest in peace

Rest In Peace to a fabulous leader and a great man. Hooah, Sir!