Susan Schneider honored her late husband, Robin Williams, at a USO of Chicago event over the weekend. Complex reports that "Williams was posthumously awarded the 2016 Angel Harvey Heart of a Patriot Award on the same day as the couple's fifth wedding anniversary." The special award was given by troops to celebrate the beloved actor and his dedication to servicemen and women during his career.
Schneider told a crowd of troops Saturday, "I'm here with you tonight because of my husband's heart."
"Robin absolutely had the heart of a patriot. I cannot think of a more fitting award for him, nor one that he would be more proud to receive, especially in the presence of all of you," she began her emotional speech. "Robin was also a warrior, and like so many of our finest servicemen and women, he had battles to face."
E! Online reveals that Schneider told the crowd that her husband always respected and admired the strength of the troops he entertained, even as he battled a rare form of Lewy Body Dementia. He was diagnosed with such after his suicide in 2014.
"The devastation on Robin's brain from the Lewy bodies, was one of the worst cases medical professionals have ever seen. Yet throughout all of this, his heart remained strong," Schneider said. "He loved his time overseas with the troops. He loved camouflage, gear and all things military. And, he took seriously the idea of 'no man left behind.' When he was signing autographs-always sure to touch everyone's heart with a few words, a handshake or a signature."
Schneider also raised awareness and research for her husband's disease. "Robin may have lost his battle here against LBD. But he did not lose the war. No, he's not done yet," she declared. "The way I see it, he has brought the light of dawn to a new mission for all of us. That mission is to eradicate brain disease."
The same day she discussed that mission is also the day of their wedding anniversary. What better day to discuss that mission than on their wedding anniversary. "The love my husband and I have shared has been my beacon and my guide," she said. "Today is your 75th anniversary. Today, October 22nd, is Robin and my wedding anniversary too, and there's no place I would rather be."
It was on August 11 that marked the second year of her beloved's death, but Susan can still sense him with her. "It feels like Robin wanted me here on this day to celebrate with all of you, with our best man Bobcat Goldthwait, and with our maid of honor Jean Horn," she said. "I also think my honey may have wanted me to put on a pretty dress and to just feel the love in this room tonight."
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