Tomorrow in Ocala another American Hero will be laid to rest, with honor and with sadness. He served with honor and pride.

Spc. Robert E. Blair, 22, a Marion County native who graduated from Lake Weir High School in 2003, was patrolling in Baghdad when the vehicle he was in was hit. He was killed instantly, along with his commanding officer, Capt. Douglas A. DiCenzo, 30, of New Hampshire.

“Robert was not only our son, he was a courageous soldier, strong Christian and our hero,” Allen Blair wrote in a statement distributed by the sheriff’s office.

Rest in peace. God Bless you and your family.