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<p><em>Robert Lawrence “Bob” Grete</em> was born in Teaneck, NJ to William and Lina Grete. Prior to his appointment to West Point in 1954, he graduated from Marple Newtown High School in Newtown, PA. </p>
<p>During his plebe year, he chose French for his second language and played football. As a yearling through to graduation, he played lacrosse (undefeated 1958) for Coach Touchstone and Coach Adams. For fun, he spent Sunday afternoons receiving passes from Don Holleder. </p>
<p>Bob’s early assignments included the 3500 Pilot Training Wing, Reece Air Force Base (AFB), TX (air traffic control) and the 3566 Navigation Training Squadron at James Connally AFB, TX (ATC). While in Texas, Bob earned an M.A. (political science) from Baylor University, TX. He was sent to Wright-Patterson AFB, OH to continue his studies in political science and economics at Columbia University. His studies secured an instructor position within the Department of Social Sciences at USMA, where, as an assistant professor, he wrote Managing Insurance and Personal Finance, a text used in the orientation and instruction of officer candidates. </p>
<p>He pursued a Ph.D. at Columbia in public law and government; however, he was granted a leave of absence in September 1967 to serve in Southeast Asia. As a captain, he was assigned to the 23rd Tactical Air Support Squadron in Nakhon Phanom, Thailand. There, he directed fighter aircraft strikes against enemy forces as an airborne forward air controller. He was awarded two Silver Stars, a Distinguished Flying Cross and 13 Air Medals. While in Vietnam, he also taught economics and U.S. government (adjunct professor) for the University of Maryland, organized a clothing distribution for children of local villages, presented Bibles to local village Tien chi, and raised funds for missionary assistance for pilots at Nakhon Phanom Royal Air Force Base. </p>
<p>With a total of 5,711.4 flight hours (800 combat flight hours), Bob’s most memorable mission included his assistance with the rescue of Colonel Norman Phillips, in which he took ground fire that severed the prop-feathering oil line in his O-2A Skymaster’s front engine. By God’s grace, Bob was able to nurse his aircraft back to base, a feat the mechanics claimed was impossible. Bob believed it was one of the times God overruled the laws of physics just for him. He had more for Bob to do after his military service. Bob’s role as instructor continued in the University of Maryland’s European Division while he was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany and Osan, Korea.</p>
<p>His military decorations include the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Longevity Service Ribbon with five oak leaf clusters (OLC), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (three OLCs), Air Force presidential Unit Citation, Silver Star (one OLC), Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (one OLC), Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal (one OLC), Air Medal (12 OLCs), Army Commendation Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. </p>
<p>In addition to his M.A. and his work at Columbia, he earned an MBA from Auburn University. Bob’s passion for teaching continued with classes at Okaloosa-Walton Jr. College and Troy State University. He later received an honoris causa from Clearwater Christian College.</p>
<p>Bob’s MBA from Auburn prepared him for his final duty station and the work he accomplished after leaving government service. His last duty station at Hurlbert Field, FL placed him in beautiful Northwest Florida. During this time, the Lord laid the importance of biblically based education for his children on his heart. In 1973, he co-founded Rocky Bayou Christian School (RBCS) in Niceville, FL. The first year consisted of 22 students and four teachers. The school has grown to over 1,000 students, 200 faculty and staff on three campuses. He also assisted the local Ministerial Association as treasurer, taught Bible study classes, served as an elder at Forest Lake Bible Church and then Grace Presbyterian Church, lead a teen political affairs club for high school students, organized the Okaloosa Policy Counsel, and superintended RBCS while teaching American history, government, and economics at RBCS.</p>
<p>Bob has been recognized by the National Directory of Who’s Who in Executive Professionals, Oxford’s Who’s Who Among American Teachers and the Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in school administration and military service.</p>
<p>One of his most rewarding endeavors is teaching, especially American history, and igniting his students’ interest in the political and governmental foundation of the United States. He loved observing his students grow and flourish. His work in the field of education has touch thousands of lives.</p>
<p>He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Katherine Marie “Trinky” Grete, formerly of Monsey, NY; their three daughters: Katherine, Marilina, and Nancy; and their three sons: William, Robert, and Brian. Bob and Trinky have 32 grandchildren, (six serving in three different military branches) and 39 great-grandchildren. As each grandchild turned 18, he or she became a member of the “Grete Investing Grandchildren Club” and learned about investing and how to grow wealth in the stock market. Papa got them started with a graduation gift and subsequent birthday and Christmas gifts. Bob enjoyed the annual FAC Association dinner in Fort Walton Beach, FL. He loved staying active with yardwork and walks, visiting around the dinner table, and playing cards with willing family members. Ever the teacher, he was even giving government lessons to his nursing staff when asked, “Who is the president?” We lost a unique, loving, talented husband, father and mentor. Rest in Peace.</p>
<p><em>— Kathy Kiser, Daughter</em></p>
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