HΛ 212, Robert Bager, Brother Venkman
On September 21st, 2005, our chapter along with countless individuals were hit with a heartbreaking loss. Capt. Robert A. Bager, 25, a scout platoon leader with the 1st Armored Division's 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, and brother of Pi Kappa Phi- Eta Lambda Chapter, died Sept. 21, 2005, at a Texas military hospital after fighting for his life for more than three months following an injury sustained during a training exercise in Germany.
Brother Venkman is survived by Patricia and Dr. William Bager; a sister, Christina Warrener of Calgary, Alberta; his fiancee, Tracy Bliznik of Binghamton; three grandparents, Joseph and Jean Bager of Blasdell and Nicia Tocco of Lockport; and over 390 brothers.
Brothers and Bob's loved ones are encouraged to click here and fill out the form with a message, thought, or memory of Brother Venkman. May we never forget what the men and women of our armed forces do and the sacrifices they make to keep America safe.
"We are all born in the middle of what is happening around us, but between birth and death, we the men of Pi Kappa Phi make a commitment to support the journey of making sense of our lives."
In Bob's Words (Thanks to Bob's Mom, Patti for providing these)
Merry Christmas! And a Happy New Year...I am doing well. The holidays are full of activity. Strange things happen when an army used to being at peace is deployed at length in a combat zone...I cannot complain though, all of my soldiers are alive and I do my best to keep them in good spirits and on their toes. Our Christmas celebration will be the best I can plan. We will see what happens, but I predict it will not be bad at all. We will have our true Christmas upon our arrival home.
I am sorry for all the good moments I was not present for. My choice and dream was to be a tanker in the best army in the world. Here I am through many obstacles and side tracks. My only regret is that I will have to buy a lot of beer and Buffalo wings to make it up! Tomorrow the fight will go on. We will go on. Let us never forget the things in life which are truly important. That was my gift this year, and I will never forget. Let us all have a great Christmas and I will see you all soon!
Email to his Dad from Iraq- June 21, 2004
I just wanted to say Happy Fathers Day to you Dad...Because of you (and Mom) and your hard work and sacrifice, my sister and I are here now. All of the experiences we have had as a family made us who we are today and have made us strong to face the challenges that arise in front of us...Everything that has happened....teach us about the joys and sorrows of life. While the news and popular media extol the soldier as the cornerstone of our society, soldiers are just one piece of the foundation of our society. Without parents there would be no soldiers...without excellent parents there would be no great soldiers, doctors, scientists, etc. I love you Dad and Mom. I have seen...in Iraq...and I thank God that He saw fit to bring me to you. All you guys have helped me so much, from the packages you have sent to the advice and good wishes. For the prayers and the thanks, I am in debt to you all.
