Robert Gene Brashears from Harrisburg, AR, joined the Army in 1961 and served two tours in Vietnam, earning three Bronze Stars and an Air Medal. After being promoted to Sergeant Major in his 19th year, he served two tours in Germany and was renowned for his expertise in personnel and training, leading programs cited by Major General Niles Paul Weiler. Brashears also had assignments at the Pentagon, Army Personnel Center in St. Louis and Alexandria, VA, Health Services Command, White Sands Missile Range, Missouri, and the US Army Community and Family Support Center. He received the Legion of Merit and five Meritorious Service Medals. He served as Department of Army legislative liaison to the Veterans Administration, senior enlisted advisor to the Soldiers' Home in Washington, DC, and represented the Sergeant Major of the Army on welfare and recreation issues.