Ben Travis Robinson

Brigadier General Ben T. Robinson was born in San Antonio, Texas, in 1947 and raised in Clovis, New Mexico. As an Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter pilot, he flew more than 100 combat missions in Vietnam (1970-1971). He was awarded the Bronze Star and Air Medal with eight oak leaf clusters. 

Robinson’s 34-year military career continued in the US Air Force, flying multiple aircraft. During his final tour, he commanded the 552nd Air Control Wing at Tinker AFB.  Following the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, he directed AWACS missions protecting the President of the United States and helped establish Tinker as a base for NATO AWACS aircraft, enhancing 24-hour protective coverage. Among his many service awards, they include the Department of Defense Distinguished Service Award and Defense Superior Service Award.

After military retirement in 2002, Robinson became a Boeing senior executive, helping to establish growth initiatives and develop Oklahoma City’s Boeing complex that created more than 3,000 local jobs. Robinson served as Oklahoma Secretary of Military & Veterans Affairs (2019-2022).

Robinson’s volunteer activities are many. Appointed to the Oklahoma Science & Technology Council, he advanced STEM education and aerospace opportunities throughout the state. His efforts supported Project Lead the Way and the Oklahoma Education & Industry Partnership which helped establish the “Oklahoma—A STEM State of Mind” program to encourage partnerships among educators, industry, parents, and communities to create 100 career pathways. He assisted Oklahoma State University in establishing its first Aerospace Logistics degree program. Since 2013, he has volunteered as a docent at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

Robinson’s honors include the first Oklahoma Aerospace Alliance Lifetime Achievement Award and the General Thomas Stafford Award for Excellence in Aerospace. Brigadier General Robinson exemplifies the Foundation’s motto, “Spirit of a Warrior, Heart of a Patriot,” as recipient of the Major General Douglas O. Dollar Distinguished Public Service Award.