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In accordance with the County’s policy concerning Naming of County Assets, which requires Board approval of the proposed name, following consultation with the Board Chair, Supervisor Rexroad requested during the September 13, 2016 Board meeting that the portion of County Road 102 between Woodland and Davis be named in honor of Navy SEAL Neil C. Roberts. Note: the policy provides guidance on convening a workgroup to assist staff in naming recommendations. Staff recommends this exercise be waived.
Born and raised in Woodland, Neil Roberts was one of 12 children, including twin brother, Galen. Roberts was well regarded in the community, and by his junior year, was one of two voted most valuable player on the junior varsity wrestling team at Woodland High School. After graduating from High School in 1987, he went into the Navy.
Upon completing basic training at NTC Orlando, Florida, he went on to Aviation Electrician’s Mate training at NATTC Millington, Tennessee. He got his start during the Gulf War serving as an EP-3 Aries I Aviation Technician in Guam as a part of VQ-1, Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron One, from 1988 to 1992. During that timeframe he deployed twice; first in support of Operation Desert Shield from 1990 to 1991 and then as part of Desert Storm in 1991. Before he was done with his years in Guam, he announced his intent to become a Navy SEAL. Following a rigorous year-long process, Roberts graduated with Navy SEAL Class 184 in October 1992.
In November of 1992, Roberts was assigned to SEAL Team Two at NAB Little Creek, Virginia, and for six years took on an untold number of dangerous and covert missions. What is known of his service is that he spent time in San Vito, Italy, during the Bosnian War and also in Sarajevo. His final assignment was to the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, DEVGRU, in Dawn Neck, Virginia, in June of 1999. He was among the elite of the elite, serving his country until his final battle, the Battle of Takur Ghar.
The Battle of Takur Ghar was a brief but intense skirmish between U.S. special operations forces and al Qaeda insurgents that took place between March 4 and 5, 2002. For the U.S., the battle proved to be the deadliest entanglement of Operation Anaconda, an effort early in the war in Afghanistan to rout al Qaeda forces from the Shahi-Kot Valley and Arma Mountains. The battle saw three helicopter landings by the U.S. on the mountain top, each greeted by direct assault from al Qaeda forces. Although Takur Ghar was eventually taken, seven U.S. service members were killed and many wounded.
In honor of Navy SEAL Neil C. Roberts, who was the first to be killed following a valiant fight in which he demonstrated courage and heroism under fire, the battle is frequently referred to as the Battle of Roberts Ridge. For more information on this battle, and Robert’s heroism, visit: http://blog.uspatriottactical.com/american-heroes-navy-seal-neil-c-roberts-uncommon-valor/ and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Takur_Ghar.
During his time in the Navy, Roberts didn't forget his hometown, returning frequently to visit. Once he even dropped by the local Navy recruitment office to sign his name on a poster, urging others to join. Roberts is survived by his wife and son. |