Stephen Robinson, a 23-year veteran of the U.S. Army and Kentucky National Guard, and a Laurel County native, took another step up the ladder as he was formally promoted to the rank of colonel.

At a gathering of family, friends and comrades at the National Guard’s Joint Readiness Center in London Friday, Brig. Gen. John Heltzel, deputy commander of the Kentucky National Guard, removed the silver oakleaf from Robinson’s right shoulder and pinned on the eagle, signifying his promotion from lieutenant colonel to colonel.

“It doesn’t get any better for me than to recognize and reward the efforts of one of our great leaders,” Heltzel said.

Heltzel said Robinson embodies all of the Army values, which include: loyalty, duty respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage.

“Steven Robinson has dedicated a great number of years to this day,” Heltzel said.

During his military career, which dates back to 1985, when he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army after completing ROTC at the University of the Cumberlands, Robinson did a three-year tour of duty in Germany.

Robinson thanked Heltzel for his leadership and for being wilIng to travel from Frankfort for the ceremony.

“The general has been a mentor,” Robinson said. “He is really one of a kind.”

While in service with the National Guard, Robinson volunteer for a tour of duty in Iraq. In addition, he has served as company commander of the 2123rd Transportation Company, battalion commander of the 1st Battalion/ 238th Regiment and in January, assumed command of the 238th Regiment, which is the training command stationed at the Wendel H. Ford Regional Traning Facility in Muhlenberg County.

“The Kentucky National Guard has been very special to me,” Robinson said. “It has been one of the very best things in my life.”

David Altom, public affairs officer with the National Guard, said the 238th Regiment has 61 people permanently assigned to the staff and has 50 to 60 students at any given time, undergoing Officer Training School, artillery, infantry and military police training for the Army Reserve and National Guard.

Robinson’s family was called upon to complete the ceremony. His wife, Lisa, and son, Luke, pinned the eagle on his left shoulder, while his parents, Albert and Lucille Robinson, donned his new “cover” bearing the colonel insignia.

“I was the proudest father in the United States,” Robinson said. “He is a soldier at heart.”

Stephen Robinson thanks his family, friends, fellow soldiers and others who came out for the ceremony.

“It takes a family and a community to support our military,” Robinson said. “It makes me feel really, really good to see this.”

Staff writer Dean Manning may be reached at dmanning@sentinel-echo.com.