Robert Romines – also known as “Budgie” – died suddenly on Monday, March 29, 2010, at the age of 67. Bob was born in Henderson, Texas, in 1942, and attended Carlisle school his entire 12 years. He graduated in 1960, and attended Kilgore Junior College and Stephen F. Austin University finally graduating from Stephen F. Austin in 1970. Bob used to say he majored in “fraternity.” Serving as President of Delta Sigma Phi, Bob established lifelong friendships and enjoyed the annual fraternity reunions.
Bob joined the U.S. Army in May 1967. Upon graduation from flight training at Fort Rucker, Alabama, in May of 1968, Budgie was assigned to the Republic of Vietnam as a medical evacuation helicopter pilot. He spent a full year in Vietnam where he flew over 1,000 hours, completed over 3600 combat missions and evacuated almost 1,500 patients. Among his combat awards for heroism during his Vietnam tour were the Distinguished Flying Cross and 30 awards of the Air Medal.
He was promoted to full Colonel in January 1992, and assigned to Fort Sam Houston again later that year. Fort Sam Houston was Colonel Romines’ last assignment and he retired in January 1997, after a wonderful 29 years and 10 months serving our great United States in the U.S. Army.
Bob’s military friendships were numerous and longstanding. A great patriot, an unfailing friend, loving husband, devoted father and affectionate grandfather, Bob will be greatly missed. Merle Snyder, Jere Foust, Nick Johnson, Lee Washburn were some of Bob’s closest friends. Merle and Bob served in Vietnam together and made their dream of playing Ballybunion in Ireland a reality in 2006.
Quick-witted and quick-tempered, Bob was fondly known in the military as “Ragin’ Robert.” He had the gift of gab and was a great storyteller.
Bob is also a member of the DUSTOFF Hall of Fame https://dustoff.org/robert-romines/