Honorable, brave, patriotic, and true leader are just a few words to describe Robert (Bob) C. Green. These words are just a glimpse into the character and qualities that make Bob not only a beloved member of the community, but a devoted hero for our county.
Bob was born in Pontiac MI in the spring of 1962 to father, Charles L. Green and mother, Jacqueline J. Green. Growing up with three sisters, Bob was eager to follow in his father’s footsteps and sought out his duty into military service.
Volunteering to join the US Army at just 17 years old, he reported for active duty on June 7, 1980. He was then sent to Fort McClellan, Alabama for Basic Training, and Military Police School.
The following October he was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas as an MP (Military Police) and then transferred to Pforzheim Germany and was stationed there as a Nuclear Missile Security Guard until his honorable discharge in June 1983. Bob was recalled to active duty in the summer of 1986 to work as an MP at Fort Dietrich Maryland.
After leaving the Military, Bob worked at Tahquamenon Falls, Rahilly Motors, and Big Rock Nuclear Power Plant. In 1986 he was married and proceeded to have two children, Charles, and Sarah.
In February 1987, Bob joined the Michigan State Police as a State Trooper. In 1996 he was awarded the Trooper of the Year Award for the entire Upper Peninsula. He was stationed at the Newberry Post until 1997, when promoted to Sergeant at the Jackson Post. After marrying his current wife, Janet, he transferred to the Gaylord Post in 2000, and in 2003 transferred to the Houghton Lake Post, where he retired in 2016.
Bob is a recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, Expert .45 Caliber Pistol, Expert M-16 Rifle, Expert M-60 Machine Gun and Expert Hand Grenade badges.
For the past 3 years, Bob has been a bailiff for the Crawford County Sherrif’s Department. In his spare time, he takes pride in his Presidency of the Mid- Michigan Honor Flight. The honor flight program transports veterans to Washington D.C. to visit memorials dedicated to honor them.
As President of the honor flight and a Crawford County Veterans Committee Member, Bob has participated on 12 flights to Washington D.C. Each flight carried between 55- 75 World War II era, Korean War era, and Vietnam War era veterans. The heroes on these flights are treated to a once in a lifetime Tour of Honor with an all expenses paid trip. These voyages consist of visiting the WWII Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Wall, and the Lincoln Memorial. On some occasions they can lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown soldier and visit Arlington Cemetery and see the Changing of the Guard. Veterans are welcomed home with a special ceremony at the airport.
Dining and reminiscing with Pearl Harbor, Iwo Jima, and Omaha Beach survivors has been a humbling experience for Bob. “I was able to meet the oldest living Sentinel of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, who served there in 1938, 1939, and 1940. We took him back to the Tomb to see his name added to the list of Tomb Sentinels.” Bob said as he looks back on some of his fondest memories of his time with the Honor Flight. “The United States Military is the greatest fighting force in the world, as demonstrated by our involvement is wars and battles all around the globe. The men and women that went before you worked hard to preserve the rights and freedoms that you now protect, our future is in your hands”!
Remember, it’s never too late to thank a veteran.
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
