CSM Robert G. Lachance
Command Sergeant Major Robert G. Lachance was born on April 8, 1935. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1953 and served until 1956 with service in Korea, 326 Communications Reconnaissance Company. He enlisted in the Rhode Island Army National Guard in 1956 and served until 1962 when he transferred into the recently activated Company D, 16th Special Forces Group (Airborne). He completed the Basic Airborne Course in 1965. In 1967, he requested discharge from Company D, 19th SFG(A) as a Master Sergeant. In 1979 he reenlisted in Troop Command (Special Forces) and completed the Jumpmaster course in 1983. He was promoted to CSM in 1985. He retired as CSM, Troop Command (Special Forces) RIARNG in 1990. Among his many decorations and awards were the Master Parachutist Badge and the Special Forces Tab. He was a Life member of Chapter 48, Special Fores Association. He died on November 18, 2024. CSM Lachance was buried with military honors in the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery. An honor guard from Chapter 48, SFA was present at the burial. Bob’s grandson, CPT Austin Lachance, USMA graduate, presented the flag to his grandmother, Milly Lachance, Bob’s widow.