In partnership with the Veterans Coordination Commission, we are pleased to present the May, 2004 Veteran of the Month, Robert Boyer.

Robert J. Boyer grew up in Oil City, Pennsylvania and after high school joined the Air Force. From his basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas, Bob was sent to Lowry AFB, Colorado for Armament Specialist Training. Bob’s first “real” assignment was to Cannon AFB, New Mexico where he spent 18 months, before going on his first overseas short tour to the Republic of Vietnam. While stationed at Phan Rang AB, Bob remembers taking direct enemy fire at least thirty-five times while loading weapons on to the aircraft. For his efforts, Bob was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation, the National Defense Service Medal with one bronze star and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm.

After his tour in Vietnam, Bob was stationed at McConnell AFB, Kansas assigned to the F-105 Aircraft Gun Shop. After reenlisting, Bob was again sent to Cannon AFB before going to Misawa AB, Japan. He worked to close the War Reserve Materials Division and relocate it to Yokota AB, also in Japan. At Yokota AB, Bob met his future wife Carol on a blind date, and they were married three months later, and have been for over 31 years. Carol and Bob spent a couple of more years in Japan, he at Yokota and she at Takakawa AB. Their first assignment together was to Kadena AB, Okinawa where Bob loaded weapons on to the F-4 Phantom aircraft and in March 1976, Bob and Carol moved to Ellsworth AFB where Bob was assigned to the B-52 Stratofortress.

Leaving his wife and ten month old son behind, in March 1979, Bob was sent to Osan AB, Korea for the next year. Bob returned to Ellsworth AFB, where he spent the last twelve years of his military career. It was during this assignment that Bob served in many roles, the most memorable being the Resource Advisor for the B-52 to B-1 transition.

It was also during this tour that Bob and Carol’s second son Christopher was born. Bob retired as a Master Sergeant in 1992 and the Boyer’s made Rapid City their permanent home. Bob is a licensed contractor and owner of E Z Home Repair, where his motto is “No Job Too Small.” Bob is active in the community, where he is a lifetime member of the VFW, a member of the American Legion and the Elks BPOE, as well as the Handy Man Club of America and the Bassmaster Fishing Club.

For over 20 years, Bob has devoted countless hours to the Boy Scouts of America, most recently serving as Scoutmaster of Troop 1187. He was recently recognized for his service by receiving the National Presidential Scoutmaster Award of Merit and the Penjahame District Award of Merit.