CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – (CLARKSVILLENOW) A memorial service was held Saturday for Sgt. First Class, Robert R. Cummings, who went missing during the Korean War in 1950 at the age of 20. Cummings remains were recovered and recently returned to his family in Clarksville.
Cummings wife, Melba Hudgens Cummings and his son Rex, who never met his father, reside in Clarksville. Rex Cummings, said this when asked about his reaction to the call when it came last year in November about his father’s remains being identified and being returned to the family.
“At first I couldn’t breath, but when it soaked in, it was just amazing, I can’t explain it. 66 years of emotions just flooding in and just the main thing knowing I’ve got my dad coming home. It was joy just knowing he was coming home and it’s closure for the family,” said Cummings.
Cummings served with the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team and many “Rakkasan” soldiers from Fort Campbell were part of the memorial honoring their fallen comrade. Speaking at the service, Brigadier General Scott Brower, Deputy Commanding General at Fort Campbell said this about the return of Cummings.
“As a member of the military, being here today makes me very proud. It shows the commitment of our nation, that after 66 years, we’ve finally brought one of our brothers home to lay him to rest and find closure to his family. The message is strong to all of our soldiers of our commitment that we never forget,” said Brower.
After the memorial Service at Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, The veteran was laid to rest at Resthaven Memorial Gardens with full military honors.