Engineering a legacy from Vietnam to the Pentagon

January 2, 2025 2 min read 309 Views

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Veterans: “Meat” The Vet Bob Cullison
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By Dennis McNabb, Contributing Writer

Bob Cullison, a retired Major in the U.S. Air Force, dedicated 20 years of service to our country. His journey began in 1971 when he enlisted during the Vietnam War, driven by financial necessity after attending some college. He chose the Air Force, underwent basic training in accounting and finance, and was assigned to Misawa, Japan. Later, upon reenlisting, he tested into the Air Force’s civil engineering program, where he returned to college to earn a civil engineering degree. Bob’s military career took him and his wife on a global adventure, with assignments at Kingsley Field in Oregon, Germany, Sicily and five years at the Pentagon.

Bob served as a civil engineer throughout his military career and retired as a Major. He recalls the strong sense of community overseas. He describes the experience as feeling like part of a family, and he still keeps in touch with friends he made in Germany in 1979. Bob also appreciates the growing respect for veterans compared to the Vietnam era. “When we first came home, it was a poor reception. Now, people appreciate veterans more.”

After retiring in 1991, Bob moved into civilian life and joined a private firm in Washington, D.C., where one of his former bosses hired him. He spent six years there before returning to Oregon in 1997, where he worked as an engineering manager in Oregon City.

Bob encourages young people to consider military service. It is a place where they learn skills, especially in the trades and technical fields, and also a place where they find lifelong friends. “The military can offer direction to people,” he said, “and give them stability and a trade.”

Bob’s military career deeply influenced his life, values and relationships. The projects he took on, like designing and constructing a new base in Sicily, stand out in his memory. He took pride in seeing the project develop from an initial concept to a fully functional base, knowing it would have a lasting impact on the local community and fellow service members. His engineering work allowed him to leave a tangible legacy, which he views as one of his most meaningful contributions.

Civil engineering and lasting friendships gave Bob a strong sense of purpose, which he still cherishes. Even after the loss of his wife to cancer five years ago, these bonds provide him with support and connection. To him, the military was more than a career; it became a foundational chapter that shaped his worldview and commitment to service.