On February 25, 2006, 2nd Lt. Robert Eugene Hayes born October 11, 1978, was robbed and killed at a Bank ATM machine in Lawton, Oklahoma. Lt. Hayes was attending Fort Sill Oklahoma Officer Leadership Field Artillery Training at the time of his death. Before his death, Lt. Hayes accomplished many of his goals.

In 1996, he graduated from St. Joseph High School in Kenosha, Wisconsin where he played Football, Basketball and Track and Field. His peers fondly knew him as "Bobcat". While attending St. Joseph High School Lt. Hayes was nominated twice for Who's Who Among American High School Students. After high school Robert attended Southwest State University of Minnesota on a partial Football Scholarship. In his sophomore year of college, Hayes decided to join the Army National Guard Reserves to become a Military Officer.

In October 2002, 2nd Lt. Robert Hayes graduated from the Academy of Health Sciences in Fort Sam Houston, Texas in the Medical Specialist Course.
On May 12th, 2003 Lt. Hayes earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Cardio Vascular Rehabilitation from Southwest State University of Minnesota.

In August 29th, 2004, 2nd Lt. Hayes graduated from the Minnesota National Guard Officer Candidate School in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

On May 12th, 2005 he earned a Master Degree in Business Administration from Southwest State University of Minnesota.
In June of 2005 2nd Lt. Hayes begin military training at Fort Sill Oklahoma Field Artillery Leadership course.

On February 25th, 2006 one week before 2nd Lt. Robert Hayes graduation from Fort. Sill, Oklahoma.
At 10:30am Hayes died at the age of 27, from multiple gun shot wounds as a victim of a Bank ATM machine robbery in Lawton, Oklahoma.

On March 6th, 2006 a Memorial Service was held for 2nd Lt Robert Hayes at Fort Sill Oklahoma Military Base. The Army National Guard Honored Lt. Hayes with the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. The legacy of his dedication and outstanding duty performance were in keeping with the finest traditions of Military Service.

Before the time of Robert's death he was engaged to marry Candice Castillo of St. Paul, Minnesota.