Jefferson County Veteran of the Month for December: Robert Fisbeck

 Service biography from the Jefferson County Veteran Service Office.

In May of 1960, Robert (Bob) W. Fisbeck volunteered to serve in the United States Navy. He graduated from recruit training on December 11, 1960, at the Naval Training Center in San Diego, CA. After nine weeks of training, recruits were part of a full-dress parade and review before military officials and civil dignitaries and presented as Navy Blue Jacket Personnel ready for duty with the United States Navy. During his naval training, Bob developed the skills and knowledge as a plumber, gas fitter, and steamfitter. He received part of his training on the Great Lakes.

Following his basic training, Bob reported for duty to the 9th Naval District: USN7C, Great Lakes, IL. He was assigned to an Assault Craft Unit the USS George Clymer APA-2, an attack transport, a unit of the Amphibious Forces Pacific Fleet. This craft was commissioned on June 15, 1942, and at the time, was one of the largest attack transports for the United States. During his tour of duty, the USS Clymer was stationed in several places in the Pacific including Buckner Bay, Philippines, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Okinawa, Formosa, Sasebo, Midway and Yokosuka.

On September 28, 1962, Bob was awarded the Department of the Navy’s Good Conduct Award which promotes fidelity, zeal and obedience. That same year, on May 16th, he was then appointed as Shipfitter P third class.

Robert was on duty in October of 1962 during the Cuba Missile Crises, a time of confrontation between the United States, the Soviet Union, and Cuba. On October 22, 1962, then-President John F. Kennedy addressed the nation informing the public of his decision to enact a Naval blockade around Cuba due to the presence of nuclear-armed Soviet missiles on Cuba. Robert was part of the blockade, poised to defend and protect the national security of the United States.

Robert was Honorably Discharged on the 28th of September, 1965. Upon discharge, Robert married Leta Bristor and they lived in Colorado, Kansas, and California before settling down in Fairbury, NE where he worked for Scherbarth, Inc. and Schipper Construction before working as an independent contractor in the area. For 10 years, he also worked for the Jefferson Community Hospital doing maintenance and making wood products, frames, and shelves that are still used today.

Bob and his wife have four children, Karrie, Randy, Kenneth, and Michael. He also has 12 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson.