Pentagon Will Reconduct Search for Missing Airman's Remains
By: Rachel Spangenthal
Updated: February 26, 2012
"It leaves a big hole in your heart and it was very hard. And still is," said Ronnie Gilbert
For years, Ronnie Gilbert and his wife have been begging to bring their son home from Iraq.
"Knowing that a piece of you is gone and won't be back. We just know that one day we will see him again," said Ronnie Gilbert.
Major Troy Gilbert was killed in Iraq in 2006 while providing air support to ground forces. Gilbert's plane was flying so low that the tail of his F-16 struck the ground.
The Gilbert's asked the government to do everything they can to bring back their son's body.
"Please, please help us get him home," said Mrs. Gilbert.
A piece of him did come home, recovered in the crash and now buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Then the military closed the case. But his family wants the remains back in Texas, asking the government to open the case.
"His whole body is still over there somewhere, buried in a shallow grave," said Ronnie Gilbert.
After his death, insurgents released a graphic video of his body, seen lying next to pieces of his plane. Then on Friday, their wish was granted. The Pentagon reopening their case and restarting the search for his remains.
Ronnie Gilbert says he wasn't in the military for 24 years and he's never seen a mountain moved so quickly. His wife says a load has now been lifted off her chest.
For years, Ronnie Gilbert and his wife have been begging to bring their son home from Iraq.
"Knowing that a piece of you is gone and won't be back. We just know that one day we will see him again," said Ronnie Gilbert.
Major Troy Gilbert was killed in Iraq in 2006 while providing air support to ground forces. Gilbert's plane was flying so low that the tail of his F-16 struck the ground.
The Gilbert's asked the government to do everything they can to bring back their son's body.
"Please, please help us get him home," said Mrs. Gilbert.
A piece of him did come home, recovered in the crash and now buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Then the military closed the case. But his family wants the remains back in Texas, asking the government to open the case.
"His whole body is still over there somewhere, buried in a shallow grave," said Ronnie Gilbert.
After his death, insurgents released a graphic video of his body, seen lying next to pieces of his plane. Then on Friday, their wish was granted. The Pentagon reopening their case and restarting the search for his remains.
Ronnie Gilbert says he wasn't in the military for 24 years and he's never seen a mountain moved so quickly. His wife says a load has now been lifted off her chest.
