Robert D. Robbins
United States Senate
Impact Statement
Robbins has dedicated his life to public service from the military, teaching, coaching, and being elected to multiple terms in both the House and the Senate.
Biography
Bob Robbins has led a life of public service. He has used his platforms to make an impact for all Pennsylvania citizens.
Robbins attended, wrestled, and graduated from Greenville High School in western Pennsylvania. He was a state champion his senior year. He was appointed to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Robbins continued his wrestling career and was a two time NCAA All American, finishing sixth in 1965 and fifth in 1966 at the Division I National Championships.
Upon graduation, Robbins completed two tours in Vietnam before returning home. He was honorably discharged from themilitary in 1971 with the rank of Captain.
At this time, Robbins returned to school and received his teaching degree. He returned to his alma mater, Greenville High School, as a teacher and the wrestling coach from 1973 until 1977. He coached three state champions during his time at the helm. He was also named the section’s Coach of the Year. Robbins went on to sell insurance for a handful of years after ending his teaching career.
Robbins was elected to the Mercer County’s seat in the House of Representatives in 1982, a position he held for four terms. In 1990 he ran for the Senate and was victorious. On January 1, 1993, Robbins began his journey. Robbins held many positions and sat on different committees during his time in the Senate, including Vice Chairman of the Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee, Agriculture & Rural affairs committee, and the establishment of the National Guard’s Educational Assistance Program. After 32 years of public service, Robbins announced he would not seek re-election and retired at the end of his term on January 1, 2015.
Robbins was honored as the United States Wrestling Federation Man of the Year in 1982. Additionally, Robbins was honored as the Outstanding American in the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame in 2001. He was also inducted as the first honoree to the Army National Guard Hall of Fame. He also is an inductee of the Air National Guard Hall of Fame.
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