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SFC Roberto “TICO” Carlos Skelt Jr, 41, passed away Wednesday, February 12, 2014 in Kapisa Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from Enemy small arms fire.
Roberto was born in New York City, NY to working class immigrants from Dominican Republic. He was the fourth of five children. Being the first born son to Roberto and Aridia Skelt, Tico was quiet as a child, but very charismatic. The charisma continued to grow as he aged. Which lead to him to be loved by many and allowed him to make friends easily. As he grew Tico was often the influential person in the groups he was involved in. He was naturally gifted as an athlete and found his first passion in football. Football allowed Tico to have a positive outlet for his tremendous amount of energy and physical strength he possessed. Tico also was known to stand up against injustice. He was a “Protector” to his family and friends. Tico was truly an amazing son, brother, father and husband. Tico is the epitome of an American Soldier and what a man should be and a true example of unconditional love.
SFC Roberto C. Skelt enlisted in the military in 1990. He entered the ranks of the Special Forces in 2004. He was deployed overseas multiple times. SFC Skelt was an instructor at the Special Warfare Center where he grew in experience and knowledge as a skilled operator. SFC Skelt was a great soldier and leader and was awarded the following: Bronze Star (3), Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal (3), Army Commendation Medal (2), Army Achievement Medal (4), National Defense Service Medal w/ Bronze Service Star, Kosovo Campaign Medal Bronze w/Service Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/ Bronze Service Star (2), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Nato Medal w/Bronze Service Star. Combat Infantry Badge, Parachutist Badge, Expert Marksmanship Badge, Special Forces Tab.
He is survived by his wife Jennifer Skelt of Fayetteville; father, Roberto C. Skelt and mother, Aridia Skelt; sons, Devin Antonio Skelt and Nicolas Steven Skelt of Fayetteville; daughter, Gabriella Skelt of Sierra Vista, AZ; brother, Freddy Skelt; sisters, Dania Darbouze, Diana Rutz and Wanda Skelt; father and mother-in-law, Steve and Nancy Rice, many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.