Robert Reinman Obituary

It's been ten years. Bob was a great friend and colleague. We used to jog the trails around Stuttgart. My wife, Irma, and I used to walk Volksmarches with Bob, Jean, Erica, and Paul. Bob was a world-class bridge player, who was happy to partner with slow players like me. We enjoyed duplicate play in Arlington, Virginia, and informal bridge during his final days in Colorado Springs. Bob was a great and brilliant officer who especially enjoyed his series of command positions. A close friend. I still miss him.

Aloha O’e Bob, Had the best of times as a young AIC on up to SGT from 1978 to 1980 @ 1836 EIS. You were always looking out for the best interests of everyone. You allowed me to coach our squadron v-ball team and you remained such a humble soul. I’m sorry in the worst possible way to hear of your passing. You truly made the world a better place. To your Family... my deepest sympathies. I’m grateful for the honor of serving under HIS command. He always came by in the field to visit and make sure everything was OK. God bless you Bob!! You have a special place in my heart ! Tommy The “Flyin Hawaiian

He was one of the good guys that I always remembered throughout my 21 year USAF Career my favorite line of his was "Make it happen" RIP Sir

I was in Kalkar Germany on a Classified assignment to on site engineer an Installation with installers from our unit in Germany of which Colonel Reinman was their Commander. I was a Civilian Engineer on site engineering without a written package the team was normally given. Some of the installers had an idea that they would stay there far longer then was necessary since they had been given 30 days of advance per diem pay. The inside installers kept delaying the installation so I finally fired them and sent them back to base. I kept the outside plant crew which were doing a fantastic job. Colonel Reinman thought his team was right after they briefed him and called my boss Colonel Joseph T. Stewart Jr. at Griffiss, AFB,NY. Colonel Stewart and Bob were close friends and Bob informed him that he needed me and thought Bob had more information about what happened and advised him to go to Kalkar, talk to me and if conditions warranted it he had my Commaners permission to fire me. He came into the small transmitter site with tires screeching as he put on the brakes, jumped out of the car and came looking for me. When He found me he asked me to come with him to the Ratskeller at the main base which was a beer hangout and bar setup. He was madder then the dickens but after explaining why he was there asked for my side of the story. I started and after a few minutes he held up his hand for me to stop and remarked "Tom you made a terrible mistake". Now I got really concerned for a GS11 civilian engineer doesn't stand much of a chance arguing with a Lt Col that was much taller then me, with a flat top hair cut and what I had quickly determined was a very intelligent and very supportive Commander of his troops ". What did I do wrong sir " as I quickly started taking on the subservient attitude. " Tom you did not fire them fast enough" then smiled at me and we then started changing ideas and quickly found we were both Electrical engineers who loved our jobs. Then he took out a piece of paper and commenced to draw a rectangle on it with a cut out on it. " This is an oriental carpet" he began and asked me to calculate some ridiculous parameterthat I have lost my since forgotten. I did it in my head quickly. He then said " Tom you are the first engineer that ever fired someone that was a subordinate of mine." From that day on he became my mentor. I got promoted quickly after that and several times he called me to come to Tinker when he was Commander of our HQ unit. He selected me as his Source Selection advisor when I was then a GM14, for the beddown of the B1 bomber at McClellan AFB. Apparently HQ SAC was very alarmed at the huge cost overruns and missed dates of the previous bases and Bob was very concerned McClellan AFB if it turn d out the same way would hurt his chances for getting his first star which he deserved. I never met an Air Force Officer during my 35 years of service like him, absolutely a straight arrow with impeccable honesty and dedication to his Country. God must have had something very important for him to do to take him so early there is no doubt in my mind that he got that first star when his mission was completed from our real Commander. What a terrible loss to us mere mortals.

My favorite boss of all time! The Colonel selected me to be his Executive Officer at the Engineering Installation Division in 1985. The lessons I learned and the guidance provided have been core to everything I've accomplished since.

I think of you often and am constantly telling others of our journeys.

My condolences and prayers for the repose of Col. Reinman's soul. I had the privilege of serving as a young engineer in Reston, VA at the Defense Communications Engineering Center when the Colonel was there. I regret that we did not have a chance to meet after we reconnected by email this year, and I only received the sad news of his passing today. God Bless.

Longtime friend, colleague, and duplicate bridge partner. Irma and I will greatly miss you.

Godspeed Bob Reinman! Your Leadership, Genuine Concern For Those Around You, And Larger Than Life Personality Will Never Be Forgotten. It Was An Honor To Serve Our Country With You And Work For You Under Your Command. May Good Bless You And Your Family.

I met "Bob" through CSVA volleyball and greatly enjoyed our common love of volleyball and VB officiating. Bob was always bringing up unique and unusual situations that tax my brain as an official. I will miss my friend Bob. RIP, Bob. Thanks for all that you did to set up CSVA in CO.

It was a great honor to have worked under your command both at EID/ Tinker, and in the field.
Richard Shoemaker, Msgt. La Air Guard, Ret.

RIP Col Reinman. It was a pleasure serving with you.

Colonel, you were the best - "Rest in Peace" Thank You for your service and your leadership. I was just a young Sra in Lindsey AS when I you were my commander. Pleasure to have known such a great man.

Bob. Was a true friend. We spent many hours together traveling back and forth and playing in volleyball tournaments. We enjoyed a special relationship only "Chiefs and "Colonels" understand. HE WILL BE MISSED!!! Sika Saka!! Sika Saka!! Hoi Hoi Hoi!! RIP SIR.

I was a young enlisted guy at EID, Tinker AFB, OK from 1985-88 when Col R was my commander. Loved the guy! Very supportive of enlisted and intramural sports. He sported a cool flat top which inspired me to get one at that time....I still sport it. RIP Colonel Reinman.

Colonel Reinman was a tremendously personable and successful commander. As a young Airman working in his command section I learned a great deal from him just through casual observation and have thought of him fondly through the years. I didn't realize at the time but he became the standard against which I would judge all future commanders over a 27 year career. Best wishes to his family and friends. - SMSgt Scott Wilcox, First Sergeant
Air Force Retired

Ann & I enjoyed Bob's friendship and expertise since we first met at EURGEEIA in 1968. He was a valued friend.

He was one cool dude. When he gave me my Article 15, he did it with a smile. RIP