In Memoriam: Robert Luke

By John Wasserman

An unexpected tragedy struck the US VOS family when Robert Luke, the US Program Lead, passed away Friday, October 22, 2010. He suffered a heart attack at just 50 years of age, an event that caught us all by surprise and has left us in a state of disbelief.

"Luke" was born in Waukesha, WI on May 5th 1960, moved to Cincinnati and graduated from Northwest High School in 1978. He immediately enlisted in the Navy, and served his country proudly for 21 years, retiring as a Chief Aerographer’s Mate.

During his Naval career, Luke served in various locations including: Misawa, Japan; Brunswick, Maine; Port Hueneme, California; Operation Deep Freeze Winter Over Party at McMurdo Station, Antarctica; Christchurch, New Zealand; USS Coral Sea; Barbers Point, Hawaii; USS Kitty Hawk; USS George Washington; and the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO).

During his tour in Barbers Point, Hawaii he met his wife, Pam. They married in 1988 and had two children, Caleb (21) and Sierra (18) who both attend the University Southern Mississippi.

Luke started his tenure with the US VOS program in 2001. His first position was as Operations Manager and then quickly ascended to the Program Manager position. He was instrumental in the development of a brand new web-based database which has helped to bridge the gap between US and International VOS programs.

Always thinking of others before himself, Luke spent countless hours implementing innovative fundraising events for charities and non-profit organizations throughout South Mississippi.

SPECIAL NOTE:

Luke was a longtime friend, shipmate and coworker of mine. He was a consummate professional who always put others before himself. He was a kind, warm, light-hearted, caring individual. He was a cherished friend and shipmate to everyone he met. He will be sorely missed.