Robert Darrol Shanks Jr PhD

“A Father’s Stories for His Children” Background

Robert D. Shanks Jr., PhD

Growing up in Nebraska and being exposed to the “Midwest work ethic” and being taught the importance of serving others with a Christian ethic with family always coming first made such a positive impact on me. My family has several members of the “greatest generation” instilling in all of my family a patriotic love of the United States. My dad along with many of my uncles served in WWII helping to preserve the special brand of freedoms we all enjoy.

After serving myself for 31 years in the military, most of it in the reserve component and being called to duty at various times serving in many countries and areas in the U.S., I felt I should share my experiences and background with youth. My civilian job was as a public-school educator but my military job in the United States Air Force (USAF) was in the intelligence field. I also taught at the university level as well as teaching for the USAF when called to active duty. I was able to achieve my college education due in large part to my military background using the G.I. Bill and reserve support for members to achieve their college degrees.

I felt in my heart, that I should share some of my stories so mainly wrote the book for my children hoping to instill in them the desire to serve with a Christian heart by connecting my experiences with a Biblical background using scripture.

Robert D. Shanks Jr. PhD

Col. USAFR (Ret.)

University of Nebraska Graduate

Go Huskers!