An Old Soldier Bids LRHS Farewell

Abigail Mendison – LRHS News

(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) – The LRHS Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program is saying farewell to founder, teacher and mentor Lt. Col. Bob Lewis.

Lewis was instrumental in starting the LRHS JROTC program shortly after the school opened and has led the program since.

He spent his childhood and most of his teenage years in Miami, where he developed an interest in trying to improve the community. After graduating from high school he went on to work for the Miami Herald for over two years. The Vietnam War was fast approaching and he was drafted as a soldier in the U.S Army.

He spent over 30 years in the military, learning and enriching his values of respect, discipline, and citizenship. When he returned from the war he yearned to help high school students become better citizens. Lewis spent over 10 years teaching and working with students across Manatee County.

Lewis described himself as being a “realist” who just wants the best for LRHS and the community. Alumni who had him as a teacher still say Lewis was one of their favorite and most memorable teachers. His retirement will be sad for many, but he wants it to be a positive time.

“I always have and always will try to look on the positive side of things. This is a bittersweet moment for me,” said Lewis. “I want to stay, but time runs its course for everything. It is almost like dating, either the boy or girl is gonna get tired after a while.”

He won’t completely disappear from the local public view because he has decided to dedicate his time to giving back to the community, as well as focusing more on his his own children, including LRHS junior Alexandra Lewis.

“You know while I was in Vietnam I burned down a lot of the jungle and feel guilty,” said Lewis. “Recycling is something that is extremely important to me and will try to do my best to recycle and help others recycle. If anyone ever needs me I will always be here to help out anywhere I can. My children are definitely on top of my priority list though. When I retire I will be spending more time on them and family. After they graduate I probably will go back down to Miami to focus more on fishing and my fishing business.”

Lewis helped LRHS‘s JROTC earn the 2012 Manatee County’s Best Youth Program award. The JROTC put in over 40,000 hours of community service through their recycling efforts. He also helps out with graduation by organizing the snacks of crackers, candy, and water that teachers get under their seats.

“I don’t claim to be smarter or tougher than anyone,” said Lewis. “There are probably many here at LRHS who are smarter and tougher than me. All I can do is what I know how to do best and focus my attention on making students better citizens. I’m just Bob. Just Bob.”