while serving in the U.S. Air Force.
This month, VMSI is thrilled to honor Robert Wesp for our July VetSpot!
- Name: Robert Wesp
- Rank: E-8, Senior Master Sergeant, SMSgt
- Branch: U.S. Air Force & Kansas Air National Guard
- Years of Service: 4 Years Active Duty & 22 Years Air National Guard
- Any awards or medals: Four AF Outstanding Unit Awards; AF Good Conduct; Air Reserve Meritorious Service.
Bob’s father served in the Air Force for over 20 years and for a portion of that time, their family was stationed in the Philippines at Clark Air Force Base. About 10 years later, Bob found himself stationed back there again, this time on his own tour of duty. One of Bob’s most memorable experiences in his career was being able to find the house his family had lived in several decades before – which had since been turned into a bar! With close family ties spanning back to his Grandfather in WWI, 3 Uncles in WWII, and a Father and Brother who both served in the Air Force, you could say that serving in the Air Force certainly is something that runs in the family!
Throughout his time in the U.S. Airforce and the Air National Guard, Bob valued the ability to meet people from all walks of life and create lasting friendships which he still values 40 years later. He was afforded several unique opportunities during his years of service, one of the more memorable ones being an incentive flight in an F16 he earned during his time with the Air National Guard in Wichita, KS. Having worked on the flight line and with various aircraft for many years, it was a truly exceptional to experience the pilot’s perspective from the air!
While in the U.S. Air Force, Bob held the position of Supply Specialist then Contracting Officer which helped propel his career with the VA after moving into civilian life. As a VMSI team member, Bob currently supports the VA as an Acquisition Specialist and works directly with Contracting Officers in SAO Central to complete a variety of contract actions to include closeouts and modifications to obligate or deobligate funding. Due to Bob’s experience as a prior Contracting Officer with the VA, he works hard to help train new contracting personnel with a number of contract databases and procedures.
Bob recommends these tips for anyone transitioning into civilian life:
- Make sure you always follow-up with your military/retirement benefits.
- Don’t procrastinate because life is too short, stay in touch with your friends and the relationships you build.
- Always treat people how you want to be treated, with respect.
Thank you for your service, Bob, and for sharing your experiences with the #VMSIFamily!