Robert William Briggs, 42, of Hillsboro, IA, formerly of Keokuk, IA, passed away Tuesday, June 28, 2011 in Washington County IA from injuries received on April 16, 2005 for which he received the Purple Heart Award, while serving his country in Iraq. He is survived by his wife, Michelle and their children, Ashlea and Cody. He was born in Keokuk, IA to Bob and Sandra Steele Briggs of Keokuk, IA who survive. He is also survived by his sister, Brenda and her husband Terry Best and their children Chelsi, Lydia, Caleb, Tiffany, Sean, Alexis and Alex, many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Russell and Alma Steele and William H. and Lelah Briggs. Bob was employed by the State of Iowa Department of Transportation from November 1999 to April 2005. He served with the National Guard 224th Combat Engineers Co. C in Keokuk and Mt. Pleasant from September 1991 to December 2007 when he was retired due to injuries he sustained while serving in Ramadi, Iraq. Bob enjoyed staying active by hunting, fishing, skiing, golfing and helping other veterans and their families. Bob enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, meeting new people and experiencing new challenges. He was in the first GIVE (Golf for Injured Veterans) class in Riverside, IA, a member of the VFW Post 1797, American Legion Post 94, an advocate for the Wounded Warrior Project and a life time member of AM Vets. He was also the Vice President of English River Outfitters in Washington, IA, an organization "Designed by Veterans for Veterans" that offer a safe outdoor experience with other veterans to help promote healing and closure all at no cost to the veterans. Bob was very passionate about helping other veterans and their families. He and his wife spent many hours and traveled extensively to bring about the necessary changes to legislation on both the local and federal level in support of veterans and both were instrumental in the development of the recently passed "Caregiver Bill" and the passing of the "Iowa Injured Veterans Grant" of which he was very proud of. Bob was loved by many and has touched every person he met, never meeting a stranger and always offering his love and support to others. Bob was also extremely proud of his Native American heritage. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established toward English River Outfitters, an organization that was important to Bob. Memorials may be mailed to Bob Briggs Memorial, c/o West Liberty State Bank, P.O. Box 78, West Liberty, IA 52776. A graveside service with military rites will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 11, at the Keokuk National Cemetery. A procession to the cemetery will leave at 10:30 a.m. from the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA. Anyone wishing to be in the procession should arrive at the funeral home by 10 a.m. There will be no visitation.