Colonel Robert (Bob) Blake is a graduate of the first class of the U.S. Air Force Academy, becoming the first family to have graduates from the Military, Naval and Air Force Academies.
He served in the U.S. Air Force for twenty years, flying tactical fighters in precision weapons activities with two F4 combat tours, downing an MIG-17 aircraft. His most significant award in the over 500 combat hours was the release of the POWs in early 1973.
Other career items in Air Force, DOD and the Executive Branch were two years as the Air Force Aide to Vice President Gerald R. Ford and subsequently, President Ford in August 1974. A National War College assignment was followed by Director of Operations for F4, F15, and F16 aircraft until retirement in July 1980.
Family became the focus as wife Jean, Michael, daughter Kelly, and Rhett moved back to Shalimar with Bob to start a new life, now totaling 36 years. Jean was his childhood sweetheart who passed away in 2001, but still provides inspiration to their six grandchildren. The oldest and only granddaughter continued at Ole Miss and the legacy of three Delta Gammas. Two more grandsons graduated from college, to keep the education standards to transition to a meaningful and productive life, three more grandsons to follow in the family footsteps.
Private business ensued with construction and land development in hurricane Frederic ravaged Gulf Shores, Alabama with three separate projects. The election of President Ronald Reagan in January 1981 signaled a reversal of economic and national security trends after the Viet Nam conflict.
Colonel Blake reentered the National Defense business in precision weapons in 1986 for Rockwell International and the merger with the Boeing Corporation. He has continued as the Southeast Regional Manager for several defense companies to the present and is the Secretary/Treasurer for a defense association. That agency does an annual symposium for local awards and scholarships to Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties middle/high school with three colleges and universities also receiving grants.
Colonel Blake is a confirmed Episcopalian and Lay Minister for 15 years. In addition, charity efforts include fostering new borns for adoptive parents and fund raising events for local charities. Bob continues his love of golf after lettering at the Academy along with a successful basketball effort under his mentor Dean Smith of later North Carolina fame.
A registered Republican for over 32 years, his conservative values has supported a strong national defense and economic reform.
Military decorations include Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with 6 clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Air Medal with twenty one oak leaf clusters.
He holds a Masters Degree with a thesis in laser technology.