Patriotism never retires

MSG Richard Lambert

Public Affairs Office

94th Regional Readiness Command

Alert eyes, a smooth calm demeanor, and a deep voice greet you when you get your security badge for the 94th Regional Readiness Command (RRC) Headquarters building from the acting Provost Marshall Officer (PMO), MSG Robert Risner, physical security specialist and senior mobilization NCO for the 94th.

After 30 'good years' over a span of 37 years, Risner will retire on paper, but his spirit will remain on call, and his patriotism strong.

"It is not one weekend a month, and two weeks in the summer. It is the potential to be called up at any time to fill the needs of the Army world-wide," said Risner of the commitment needed to fulfill the Army service.

"Commitment is the number one virtue you need to have. It is not about what the Army can do for me, but what can I do for the Army," said Risner of his dedication to duty.

Risner monitors the Global Command and Control System (GCCS), commonly called 'Geeks,' acting as the first-line of notification in the command for units being alerted for mobilization and deployment. In addition he monitors the world situation.

As the acting provost marshal and physical security specialist, Risner has been responsible for the force protection budget for the 94th RRC. This entails prioritizing access security projects at Reserve centers throughout New England. "Since 9/11, there has been a huge emphasis placed on physical security and anti-terrorism issues," said Risner.

"Everyone in some way owes this country for the freedoms we enjoy. I do not care how they contribute, but they should contribute," said Risner.

Risner's roots in the military are significant, and indicate why his patriotism is deep.

"My whole family is green," said Risner.

During World War II, Wesley, Risner's father, served in the Army as a major and a PMO in Iceland for three years where he met Inga, Risner's mother, who worked for the U.S. Army as a chief interpreter during that time, according to Risner.

"My brother Warren retired after 20 years as a guidance counselor in the Active Guard Reserve (AGR) and was also a master sergeant," said Bob.

"I had another brother, PFC Wayne Risner, who was killed in Vietnam in March, 1968. He had just turned 18," said Risner.

Tradition for serving his country has passed down to Risner's children as well.

"My oldest son, CPT Robert W. Risner, is serving as a physician's assistant in the hospital clinic for the 1st Infantry Division in Bamburg, Germany. My daughter, SPC Jennifer D. (Risner) Grant was a medic, and is currently in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR), and her husband was in the Active Component," said Risner.

"We all have different experiences to share. The one thing we all share is our spouses' support" said Risner.

Risner's service included locations around the globe.

"I spent two years in Korea from 1968-1970," he said. "I got out of the Army in the 70's then went back on active duty for 12 years in 1976 to become an Infantry Operations and Intelligence NCO, earning the Expert Infantryman Badge in Germany."

Upon returning to the States, Risner was assigned to the US Army Recruiting Command; first as a Field Recruiter, then Station Commander and ultimately as a Guidance Counselor earning the Gold Recruiter Badge w/3 Star Sapphires. He attained excellence in every endeavor he took part in.

As Risner served his country the Army changed. "Attitude changes, mostly for the positive, to include no draft," said Risner.

Despite the time spent away from his family, he has taken his service in stride. "All gave some, and some gave all. I just hope that my small contribution has somehow made a difference" said Risner. His official retirement date is March 12, 2005.

COPYRIGHT 2005 U.S. Army Reserve
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group