Army Veteran of 22 years turns 80

By Stephanie Harris Smith, 01/12/20 10:43 PM

Mr. Robert C. Johnson, an active member of the community, and retired U.S. Army Sgt. First Class celebrated his 80th birthday Saturday, January 11th at the Hope Fair Park event room. Johnson also worked for 17 years at the Hope Housing Authority. Johnson said ” his baby sister” was responsible for the event that hosted a large group of family and friends. Johnson’s sister Mae Sampson said that her brother was the oldest of 10 siblings and she wanted to honor him for his 80th birthday.
“He is well known in the community and active in the community and the church. He is someone who doesn’t mind helping others, ” Sampson said. 
Johnson, also a member of the American Legion, served 22 years in the military with 11 years of that time being overseas.
Johnson said he served two tours in Germany, two in Korea, one in Vietnam, one in Okinawa. He said his stateside duties led him to California, Maryland, Washington, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Texas.