LeAnn Robinson
By Jeffrey G. Mulcock, ‘03
There is no doubt that LeAnn Robinson, ’81, has a pretty exciting resume. A lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army, Robinson’s experiences have ranged from rappelling in the Wasatch mountains to serving at the front during Desert Storm—and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Robinson was one of the first women to graduate from BYU‘s ROTC program and has continued her service in the Army Reserves throughout her life.
“The ROTC was a great introduction to what possibilities were out there,” Robinson says. “It really whetted my appetite more than anything else.”
While in the ROTC, Robinson received physical as well as mental training, including instruction in leadership styles. She particularly remembers when the cadets went rappelling.
“It’s a tremendous feeling of accomplishment when you know you did something despite your fears and doubts,” Robinson says. “The ROTC is a chance to gain a lot of growth and maturity for the responsibility of leadership.”
After graduation, Robinson went directly into active duty. She has been stationed in Ft. Lewis, Wash.; Korea; and Fort Hood, Texas. She also served in Desert Storm and Operation Restore Hope in Somalia.
Robinson recently assumed command of the 3rd Battalion, 377th Infantry, a basic combat training battalion of the U.S. Army Reserves in Texas.
“There are always a million balls to juggle and constantly keep in the air,” Robinson says of her new assignment. “Our biggest challenge right now is recruiting and finding people to serve.”
