Omar G. Roebuck, Marines, Lance Corporal -- Rest In Peace

Omar G. Roebuck, 23

Marines, Lance Corporal
Based: Camp Lejeune, N.C.
2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force
Supporting: Operation Enduring Freedom
Died: December 22, 2009
Helmand province, Afghanistan
Single
Gender: Male
Hometown: Moreno Valley
High School: Perris High (Perris)
Burial: Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside

Omar Roebuck was more than just a next-door neighbor to Pat and Connie Tatum, who have three sons. "He called me 'Mom'," said Connie Tatum, 46, tears running down her face. "Omar was wonderful, funny, smart. He always had a smile on his face. He loved my enchiladas. He was like another son to me."

She said she tried to discourage Roebuck from enlisting last year. "But he said, 'Mom, the Marine Corps will give me an education and a better life.' And he loved it."

Pat Tatum, 48, described Omar Roebuck as his mentor, best friend and street biker buddy. "He was very wise for a kid his age," he said. "His father would allow him to think for himself."

John Roebuck lost his job as a truck driver several months ago, then lost his house. He said he's since found work as a security guard but lives in a homeless shelter for veterans.

John Roebuck said he raised Omar and his sister as a single parent for the last 11 years. The three were exceptionally close, especially father and son, who rode street bikes together since Omar was four. Omar called him, "Pops." His sister Eboni, 27, of Barstow, jokingly called Omar "Fat Boy" because he was in excellent shape.


"My son continues to shine even in death," John Roebuck said. "His battalion commander told me he was a great soldier."

Omar Roebuck was promoted to lance corporal on June 2. He received the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

"I don't have the words to say how proud I am of him," his father said.

Read the entire Press-Enterprise article about Marine Lance Corporal Omar G. Roebuck here, read more at the 2D Marine Division site, at the LA Times and at Freedom Remembered.