Robert H. McCormick III

United States Navy Commander Robert H. McCormick III tragically lost his life on July 30, 2022 due to service-connected cancer.

McCormick was born to Bobby and Jeannette McCormick and grew up in a small, tight-knit community in New Kent, Virginia, alongside his younger sister, Kimberly. Family was the center of his childhood. Living just steps away from his grandmothers, aunts, uncles, and cousins meant his happiest memories were made running around with his cousins until the sun went down and gathering for joyful family meals every Sunday after church. In his early years, he attended a private school where his mother was a teacher. The family fondly remembers a humorous moment from McCormick’s very first day of Kindergarten. He stepped off the bus and declared, “Well, I went to Kindergarten! What are we doing tomorrow?” He transitioned to public high school for his senior year, where he forged lifelong friendships. Even after leaving home for his education and eventual career, McCormick remained devoted, continually visiting and maintaining close ties with his family.

In 1988, McCormick joined the VA Air National Guard, continuing his family’s legacy of service. He came from a long, proud lineage of military service, including his grandfather, father, uncles, and cousins. His enlistment was driven by a deep desire to serve his country, coupled with a commitment to further his education and employment opportunities. His heart for service and his love of learning were satisfied throughout his distinguished military career.

A true leader and mentor, McCormick was characterized by his professionalism and his belief in empowering his colleagues with the autonomy to excel. He went above and beyond to support the mission or job he was a part of, always quick to help, whether by making crucial points of contact or physically stepping in to complete a task. He was humble enough to ask for help and receive corrections when needed, but he was equally known for his personable nature and easygoing demeanor. He was always quick with a joke, perfectly timed deadpan lines, and thoroughly enjoyed sharing “lame dad jokes” to lighten the mood. McCormick was level-headed, loyal, and respectful to everyone he worked with.

McCormick’s dedication to his nation was recognized with numerous awards and commendations, including the Joint Service Commendation Medal Ribbon (with 1 bronze oak leaf), Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal Ribbon (with 2 silver stars), Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal Ribbon, Air and Space Achievement Medal Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Ribbon (with 2 bronze stars), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal Ribbon and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Ribbon.

The story of McCormick’s love began in May 2002 at his best friend’s wedding, where he was part of the Sabre guard. His future wife, Stephanie, remembers him looking so handsome in his uniform. He claimed he had to chase her down because she kept slipping away, but once he “caught” her, it was the start of everything. They began talking long-distance, and Stephanie quickly fell in love with his integrity, his heart for others—especially the care he showed his grandmothers—and their shared values of faith, family, and country. They were married in August 2004.

Some of Stephanie’s most cherished memories together are from seeing his pure, unrestrained love for her and their children, the joy on his face when he saw her walking down the aisle, the smile that lit up the room when they found out the genders of their babies, and the precious joy when she surprised him at the airport after his first deployment. She loved watching him interact with their kids, laughing just as hard as they did during movie nights. From simple moments, like holding hands in the car or sharing coffee on a lazy weekend morning, to major events like deployments and buying their dream home, these memories are cherished daily.

McCormick was distinguished by his servant’s heart. He helped anywhere and everywhere he could, picking up extra duties while deployed or mentoring sailors in his battalion. He made sure everyone knew they could call him if they ever needed help, often checking up on his sailors to ensure they were doing well. He served and helped willingly, believing it was his purpose on earth.

Defined by selflessness, kindness, respect, and encouragement, McCormick’s legacy lives on. Throughout his life, illness, and death, he always encouraged others to lean into their faith, make time for their friends and family, and live fully. His family strives to honor him every day by choosing to show up, regardless of how hard things are. They live by the lesson he instilled: life won’t always go as planned, but they can grow through what they go through and find purpose in the hard moments. He was unwavering in his desire for them to keep pursuing their callings.

to help others, follow Jesus, and stay together. Above all, McCormick leaves behind a legacy that proves a life anchored in faith, purpose, and unwavering love can echo far beyond a lifetime.

United States Navy Commander Robert H. McCormick III is survived by his beautiful wife, Stephanie, and their beautiful children Robert, Mackenzie and Kayleigh.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided the McCormick family with a mortgage-free home through the Gold Star Family Home Program.