Bio - Bob Hinshaw

Well, you asked for it so here goes!
I'm five-feet, eight inches tall from scalp to toes.
Born October 1930 in Indiana - so there, I've revealed my age.
I'm blessed with great health even at this elder stage.
Happily married to my dear Vera for 62 wonderful years,
And we've met life's vicissitudes with laughter and some tears.
Two daughters Leanna and Leslie but, alas, lost Mark, our boy.
Through the years they've brought Vera and me so much joy!
I'm blessed with 6 grandchildren and 4 great grands.
(I hope to stick around for more as my family expands.)
Enlisted at age 17 in the Air Force in 1948 retiring in 1978.
Assigned to Morocco, Germany and Japan which was great!
I 'fought' the Korean War in Bermuda dodging sea shells.
Met Vera in Bermuda and in Texas we rang those wedding bells!
Retired as a Chief Master Sergeant, the top Air Force enlisted grade.
'Twas a challenging, exciting life and I'm sure glad that I stayed.
While in the Air Force I earned a degree in Justice Administration,
And upon Air Force retirement became a Colorado Bailiff for my vocation.
I like folks who keep their word, are punctual and I don't suffer jerks gladly!
Me and the Lord are working on this but I have very little patience, sadly.
I love God, family and nation and enjoy writing poetry and even though,
I've penned nearly 1200, alas, as a bard I've made very little dough!
I like steak and taters and a sip of Beringers White Zinfindel now and then,
And going to Cripple Creek to play the one-armed bandit when I can.
Sorry if I bored you but once I began writing the words just seemed to flow.
Now, you probably know more about me than you ever wanted to know!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
(c) 2014 All Rights Reserved

Entry for Regina Riddle's "Bio Poem" Contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014
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Gauthier Avatar
July 10, 2020 at 8:10 AM
A lovely read, Robert ~ a full and exciting life narrowed down to a few but very meaty lines. I know for a fact you left out some accomplishments ~ Congrats!
Hinshaw Avatar
July 10, 2020 at 10:37 AM
Thank you, Line. Happily, I've accomplished a lot of things that I set out to do. Sadly, my wife of nearly 66 years, Vera, passed away 2 years ago. Best to you and stay safe during these troubling days - Bob
Romios Avatar
May 26, 2020 at 10:04 AM
Hi Bob! I have just met you and did not know of your win in Regina's contest. So here's a late KUDO's for you. You are an outstanding writer that humbles me. I cannot find Those That Served yet. Panagiota
Wells Avatar
November 13, 2019 at 4:00 AM
Hi Robert I work for a publisher and i would like to seek permission to publish one of your poems in an Anthology for students. How can I contact you directly? Best wishes Emily
Hinshaw Avatar
November 13, 2019 at 9:13 AM
Emily: I'm honored that you consider one of my poems worthy of publication. Please contact me at my email: [email protected]
Devonshire Avatar
November 9, 2018 at 12:21 PM
Thank you for a lifetime of service to our country, Bob, and congratulations on your big win in the contest. Beringers does make a fine White Zinfandel! Nothing you tell us is ever boring, my friend. Be sure to check out Vijay Pandit's new poem "Coming Home." It's for veterans and I know you'll love it as much as I love yours! Hugs, Carolyn
Hinshaw Avatar
November 9, 2018 at 4:15 PM
Thank you, Carolyn, for your kind comments and continued support. Yes, I will have both Thanksgiving with daughter Leslie and Christmas at my place with all the kids and grandkids. As I always tell folks when they thank me for my AF service, "I was honored and privileged to serve" I will check out Vijay's poem. Best to you always - love - Bob
Horne Avatar
August 5, 2018 at 10:38 AM
lovely bio, Bob. God bless & take care, my friend
Andresen Avatar
October 21, 2014 at 5:35 AM
- Genuine and very well written bio, Bob - A pleasure to read! - Congratulations on your wonderful 2nd place in the bio contest! - oxox // Anne-Lise :)
A. Sharma Avatar
October 21, 2014 at 1:37 AM
Glad to know more of u Bob! Great to hv known you my dear friend, amazing write abt yourself! Congrats on huge win!
Meier-Hans Avatar
October 20, 2014 at 11:32 AM
Back with my congratulations on your win Robert.
Bauer Avatar
October 19, 2014 at 3:44 PM
i love this one, bob! you've told so many interesting things about yourself and even managed to get some taters in there! if i were judging, yours would be first!
Allison Avatar
October 19, 2014 at 2:20 PM
Such an interesting Bio Robert it was lovely to learn so much about YOU:-) congrats on your podium place:-) hugs Jan xxx
Devonshire Avatar
October 19, 2014 at 1:13 PM
Dear Bob, I have always admired your service to our country, but I didn't know you were a bailiff or that you lost a son. Reading these bios gives us so much insight into a person's character as well as their achievements. Patience is a problem for many of us, so don't fret about it. It seems we have written about the same number of poems. Few obtain wealth writing poetry, but most enrich their lives in this pursuit. Excellent bio, Bob! Love, carolyn
Callus Avatar
October 18, 2014 at 3:25 PM
Far from boring us, I can say that this is a very enjoyable and informative bio, Bob...and in rhyme, too! You have done a lot in life; may God give you more years to enjoy your close and extended family...and keep that pen active! // paul
Callus Avatar
October 20, 2014 at 3:11 PM
Back again...this time with congratulations on your high placement in the contest. // paul
Roper Avatar
October 17, 2014 at 11:13 PM
Nice meeting you Bob, I agree with all the ladies, this really interesting to read I could have heard more, and Vera is such a nice lady. :) eve
Roper Avatar
October 18, 2014 at 10:21 AM
I see that you changed it a little, a lot of what you have said is so like my husband’s comments of the 20 years he had spent in the Navy, 15 on that stationed in Japan Navy shipyards. I really enjoyed Bob. . :) eve
Petersen Potter Avatar
October 17, 2014 at 10:32 PM
So nice to meet you Robert! :) I loved reading your wonderful bio...my friend. And it wasn't that many pages long. Lol let me see maybe you can tell me some more...no problem.... Lol...lol.... Just kidding with you here...it was a real pleasure to read you again...I give you a 7! Good luck in the contest! xxxx love & light! D.
Dietrich Avatar
October 17, 2014 at 10:25 PM
this was an outstanding bio from you!
Meier-Hans Avatar
October 17, 2014 at 10:10 PM
It is a pleasure to meet you Robert. It's so wonderful you can enjoy your childrens, childrens children. What a blessing.
Gorelick Avatar
October 17, 2014 at 10:04 PM
Mr Bob, this is so great to know more about you. Yep theres no money in poetry..lol.But it sounds like you are rich in everything that matters. Glad the military was good to you., it ha been for us too, my husband retired a CMS too. BG
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