Steve Robinson is a retired Non-Commissioned Officer and Gulf War veteran who served twenty years in the Army. In his final assignment, Robinson served as a briefer and analyst for the Gulf War Illnesses research effort in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, where he took a keen interest on the health effects related to the war and its impact on his fellow service members.
After retiring in October 2001, he became an advocate for veterans. He has held the position of Government Relations Director, Executive Director and Program Director in three separate non-profits where he monitored Department of Defense, and Department of Veterans Affairs, programs and policies. He also served on the Department of Veterans Affairs Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Illnesses and has been a Special Advisor on chemical and biological weapons exposures to Vietnam and Gulf War Veterans.
Steve shares his knowledge and experience with the challenges facing America’s veterans in the PBS documentary This Emotional Life. As a subject matter expert, he has been called to testify numerous times before the House and Senate on matters pertaining to suicide, PTSD, Mental Health and the resiliency of the force. His investigations led to Congressional hearings on veterans care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Ft Carson Colorado, Ft Stewart Georgia and other military bases.
Steve currently serves in a Program Outreach and Development role with Swords to Plowshares Iraq Veteran Project. Ensuring that recent veterans receive the support, services and protection they need to successfully re-enter society, The Iraq Veteran Project helps men and women who served after September 11, 2001 regardless of discharge type. The organization offers a wide range of services, including, Employment Services, Education Issues, Legal Services, Health & Social Services, Housing Services, General Services, and Policy education.
In this role he interfaces regularly with the highest levels of Government including the White House, Congress, DoD and the VA.
Robinsons’ military decorations include: the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Humanitarian Service Medal, Expert Infantry Badge, Master Parachutist US, Master Parachutist German, Master Parachutist Korean, German Marksmanship – Silver, German Expert Infantry Badge – Bronze, Ranger Tab, and Special Forces Shoulder Sleeve Insignia.
