Army & United States Army Reserve - Colonel Robert (Bob) Pelletier

Army Colonel Robert (Bob) Pelletier was honored on Thursday, December 7, 2013, at the Omaha VFW Post 2503. He was awarded a Dove of Peace quilt, recognizing him as one of our nation's heroes for his role, both as a serviceman, as well as an active community member.

The quilt is inspired by the patriotic colors of our flag and represents pride in the United States.

An impressive biography follows his service in the Army, starting when he graduated form The Citadel and was commissioned in May of 1984. As a member of the 4th Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, he served in numerous leadership and staff assignments. This included the roles of a helicopter assault Platoon Leader, a Cavalry Troop Executive officer, and a Squadron Assistant S-4.

After completing the Infantry Officers Advanced Course at Ft. Benning, Georgia, he was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division for three years. During this period, COL Pelletier served as commander of the Headquarters and Service Company, 1-227th Attack Battalion, Ft. Hood/Kuwait/Iraq between 1989 and 1991. Thereafter, he served as the Plans and Operations Officer of the Aviation Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division

His career continued as COL Pelletier was then assigned as the Squadron S-4, 4th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division in Musan, Korea for one year.

Thereafter, his assignments included the following:
⦁    101st AB DIV Aviation Brigade Adjutant
⦁    Deputy Operations Officer, 6th Battalion, 101st Airborne Division
⦁    J-3 Air, Joint Task Force-Bravo, Honduras

As a member of the United States Army Reserves, he held the following positions:
⦁    Maintenance Branch Chief, 561st Corps Support Group, in Omaha, Nebraska
⦁    3rd Corps Support Command (CONUS) in Des Moines, Iowa, as the Aviation Material Manager for Support Operations
⦁    2003 found him mobilized in Germany and Kuwait with the 3rd COSCOM to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. As a member of the Combined Joint Task Force-7, he was the Director of Rail Operations and Reconstruction in Iraq
⦁    2006 found him mobilized in Ft. Hood, Texas as Deputy Director, Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security
⦁    The next two years, COL Pelletier assumed command of the 394th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion in Fremont, Nebraska
⦁    His promotion to Colonel, in 2009, lead to his assignment as the Department of Army's Liaison to the Nebraska Governor for Homeland Security and Defense.
⦁    Two years were spent as the Brigade Commander of the 38th Regional Support Group headquartered at Cross Lanes, West Virginia
⦁    He joined the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) as Chief of Deployment and Distribution Operations Center.
⦁    His finally deployment found in in Afghanistan as the Director of the Army Rail Advisory Team to ISAF from 2012 to 2013

Colonel Pelletier's military education included graduation from the U.S. Army War College with extensive course work in various modes of transportation.

Colonel Robert Pelletier awards include the following:
⦁    Bronze Star with Oak Leaf (2 OLC)
⦁    Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf (3 OLC)
⦁    Joint Service Commendation Medal
⦁    Army Commendation Medal (3 OLC)
⦁    Army Achievement Medal (2 OLC)
⦁    Army Reserve Achievement Medal (3 OLC)
⦁    National Defense Medal with Bronze Star
⦁    Southwest Asia Service Medal (3 Campaign Stars)
⦁    Afghanistan Campaign Medal(1 Campaign Star)
⦁    Iraqi Campaign Medal (2 Campaign Stars)
⦁    GWOT Expeditionary Medal
⦁    GWOT Service Medal
⦁    Korean Defense Service Medal
⦁    NATO Medal
⦁    Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Mobilization device and silver hour glass
⦁    Overseas Service Ribbon with “4” device
⦁    Army Service Ribbon
⦁    Saudi Arabia Liberation Medal
⦁    Kuwait Liberation Medal
⦁    Meritorious Unit Medal (OLC)
⦁    Joint Meritorious Unit Medal (OLC)
⦁    Combat Action Badge
⦁    Army Aviation Badge
⦁    Air Assault Badge

COL Pelletier currently resides in Omaha with his wife, Terry. Besides active community service, he finds himself as a Regional Operations Manager for the Union Pacific Railroad.

The family proudly displayed the quilt on their dining room table for the holidays.