Louis Robert “Bobby” Robinson

Louis Robert “Bobby” Robinson is a proud United States Army veteran, dedicated community servant, mentor, educator, and advocate whose life reflects an enduring commitment to service, leadership, and helping others.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bobby Robinson enlisted in the United States Army on March 9, 1964. During his military service from 1964 to 1966, he completed Basic Combat Training, where he developed the discipline, teamwork, and military skills necessary to successfully accomplish assigned missions. His training included instruction in teamwork, military procedures, weapons proficiency, and the proper techniques for handling and throwing hand grenades. He progressed from practice-grenade exercises to live-grenade qualification, demonstrating the focus and discipline required of a soldier.

Following Basic Combat Training, Robinson continued his military education, including instruction in the Army’s Uniform Code of Military Justice and the standards governing the conduct and responsibilities of military personnel. He was subsequently assigned to Fort Rucker in Dale County, Alabama, where he served as Head Clerk for Warrant Officer Candidate Records.

In that position, Robinson was entrusted with important and confidential personnel records. His responsibilities included maintaining and updating records, conducting background checks, assembling legal documents for official filing, handling confidential documentation, typing correspondence and reports, answering telephone calls, and providing professional assistance to military personnel. His position required accuracy, discretion, organization, and a strong sense of responsibility.

During his military career, Robinson earned several recognitions for his service and military proficiency, including the Good Conduct Medal, Expert qualification with the M-14 rifle, and Marksman qualification with the M-1 rifle. He was promoted to Specialist and completed his military service with an Honorable Discharge.

Although his military service concluded in 1966, Bobby Robinson's commitment to serving others never ended.

After returning to Philadelphia, Robinson spent approximately 20 years as an Office Manager with a philatelic postage-stamp business serving avid stamp collectors and individuals interested in the study of postage stamps and postal history. During this period, he continued to pursue higher education, attending Temple University, where he studied Business and Management with a major in Accounting. He also attended Drexel University, studying Computer Training.

Robinson's dedication to young people became another important chapter in his life. For nearly 10 years, while living in Philadelphia, he served as a member and volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, one of the nation's longstanding youth mentoring organizations. Through mentoring, he helped provide guidance, encouragement, and positive support to children facing adversity.

After relocating to Buffalo, New York, Robinson continued that commitment to youth and community service. His dedication to mentoring and maintaining an active lifestyle earned recognition in the Criterion Newspaper, where he was featured as an honored veteran, and in the William Emslie Family YMCA News, where he was recognized as both a mentor and athlete.

At the Williams Emslie Family YMCA, Robinson became a Fitness for Life Instructor after successfully completing specialized YMCA training in advanced aerobics and advanced exercise. His athletic ability, discipline, and willingness to encourage others enabled him to use fitness as another avenue for improving the lives of those around him.

Robinson also continued his education after moving to Buffalo. He enrolled at Canisius College, a Jesuit institution in Buffalo, to study real estate. His education and professional experience ultimately led to his becoming a licensed Real Estate Broker and, beginning in 1978, the Professional Building Manager of the Ellicott Homes. He has remained a familiar and respected presence in that community for decades.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Robinson has consistently looked for ways to serve families and veterans in need. He is an active member of a veterans' group that helps distribute food and educational supplies to families in the community. His service demonstrates that, for Bobby Robinson, being a veteran is not simply a title—it is a lifelong commitment to helping others.

Robinson's dedication to veterans found another meaningful outlet through his membership in the Johnetta R. Cole AMVETS Post No. 24 in Buffalo. His contributions were recognized early in his membership, when he was nominated and elected Second Vice Commander.

As Second Vice Commander, Robinson has been involved in promoting Post programs, supporting regular meetings and membership activities, representing the Post at memorial services and community functions, and helping maintain a welcoming environment for Post members. His commitment has made him a valued contributor to the organization and an example of continued veteran leadership.

Robinson also took on the role of Post Photographer, using his talent behind the camera to document the accomplishments, activities, and service of veterans. He has submitted photographs to the American Veteran magazine and has provided complimentary copies to Post members, preserving memories of important events for both the organization and the broader veteran community.

His camera has accompanied him to numerous national and community events. He has documented the Annual Veterans Day Parade, helping preserve the history and memories of those who gather to honor America's veterans. He has participated in the National Wreaths Across America program, capturing meaningful images of veterans and participants paying tribute to those who have served. He has also photographed the Annual Juneteenth Festival, documenting an important celebration of freedom and African American history.

At the local level, Robinson has documented a wide range of programs and community activities, including Disaster Preparedness Training for veterans and community members, Community School Board Candidate Night, AMVETS Post No. 24 membership drives, the Vietnam Veterans Day Symposium, and Veteran Benefit Information Sessions designed to connect veterans and their families with valuable resources.

Through these efforts, Robinson has demonstrated that service can take many forms: military service, mentorship, professional leadership, advocacy, photography, education, fitness, and simply being present for people who need assistance.

One of the defining qualities of Louis Robert “Bobby” Robinson is that his commitment to service did not end when he received his Honorable Discharge. Instead, his military experience became the foundation for a lifetime of community involvement.

From Philadelphia to Buffalo, from mentoring young people to supporting veterans, from professional leadership to community programs, Robinson has consistently embraced opportunities to make a difference. His life illustrates the values of responsibility, perseverance, discipline, compassion, and service to others.

Even outside his professional and community activities, Robinson maintains an adventurous spirit. An avid motorcycle rider, he purchased his first motorcycle—a Honda 500—in 1972. Over the years, he has proudly owned and operated several motorcycles. Today, he rides a Honda Gold Wing touring motorcycle, traveling with fellow motorcycle enthusiasts and photographing the people, places, and experiences along the way.

Louis Robert “Bobby” Robinson represents the enduring spirit of a soldier who continued to serve long after leaving uniform. His story is one of military dedication, lifelong learning, mentorship, veteran advocacy, community involvement, and an unwavering willingness to help others.

As Grand Marshal, Bobby Robinson is honored not only for the years he served his country, but also for the decades he has devoted to strengthening his community, supporting fellow veterans, mentoring youth, preserving memories through photography, and demonstrating through his actions what it truly means to live a life of service.

Louis Robert “Bobby” Robinson: Soldier. Veteran. Mentor. Leader. Community Servant. A lifetime of service.