Master Sergeant (MSgt) Robert Bell:

MSgt Bell was raised in Roland, Oklahoma. He served in three branches of the military. MSgt Bell served in the U.S. Navy Reserves from June 29, 1946, to April 29, 1948. He later served in the U.S. Army Reserves from June 14, 1955, to June 13, 1961. On March 5, 1965, MSgt Bell enlisted in the 188th Tactical Fighter Group, Arkansas Air National Guard, Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was the first African American to Enlist in the 188th Tactical Fighter Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard.

MSgt Bell’s last duty position in the 188th Civil Engineer Flight was First Sergeant. He retired from the 188th Fighter Wing on July 18, 1977, with over 20 years of military service. MSgt Bell retired from the U.S. Postal Service and Stephens Production Company in Fort Smith, Arkansas. MSgt Robert Bell passed away on January 10, 2020.