Memorial held for Griswold Green Beret nephew

Marv Griswold, a 25-year Canyon Lake resident, and his family mourned the loss of their nephew, Staff Sergeant Robert Griswold, who died in a helicopter crash, and traveled to Kentucky to honor the fallen Green Beret Saturday.

Robert and his fellow Green Beret squad members were killed in a helicopter crash while on a classified training mission. The Army invited the Griswolds to a Memorial Ceremony to honor those in the crash and to install a permanent memorial at the Fort Campbell, Kentucky base, home of the 5th Special Forces Group.

SSG Robert Griswold

The members of Robert’s family traveling to Fort Campbell to attend the Memorial Ceremony, in addition to Marv, were Robert’s father, Joe Griswold (US Navy retired), Bill Griswold (Colonel US Army ret), Kalen Griswold (5th  Special Forces Group), Steve Gordon and Clacy Griswold.

Robert joined the Army shortly after his graduation from high school and was sworn in by his Uncle Frank Griswold, Colonel US Army. Robert followed in his uncle’s footsteps by serving in the 101st Airborne, then serving in the Rangers before becoming a Green Beret.

A permanent memorial to Robert and his fellow Green Berets killed in the helicopter crash was established at Fort Campbell. Additionally, a tree memorializing Robert was planted on the 5th Special Services parade ground with a headstone bearing SSG Robert Griswold’s name installed next to his tree.

Meanwhile, the Canyon Lake Griswolds mourn the death of Robert, who was like a fourth brother to their children, all of whom raised families in Canyon Lake, according to Dorothy Griswold.

“Our nephew Robert spent many happy and memorable times with his cousins Clacy, Chris and Steve in Canyon Lake,” Dorothy said.