Colonel Chris Robinson and his wife, Stephanie, have returned to Scott Air Force Base, bringing with them a strong foundation built on family values and a commitment to service. For those eager to “Meet The Robinsons Family Tree,” understanding their history together is key to appreciating their approach to leadership and community. Both natives of Charlotte, North Carolina, their story began in junior high, blossoming into a marriage that now spans 23 years and four children. This deep-rooted partnership is not just a personal cornerstone but also the bedrock of their dedication to the Airmen and families under their command at the Showcase Wing.
Their journey, reminiscent of building a strong family tree, started in an art class when they were just 14. Stephanie recounts their connection through different high schools and the eventual decision to unite their paths in Charlotte after realizing separate colleges couldn’t keep their love apart. Married at 20, their enduring relationship serves as a testament to mutual respect and shared priorities. Stephanie emphasizes their philosophy of prioritizing each other, explaining, “He puts me first and I put him first. We’ve put our relationship over our kids. Our marriage is the No. 1 thing in our house, but it gives our kids the stability that they need. They know that we’re a solid unit.” This strong marital foundation, the very trunk of their family tree, provides stability and strength that extends outwards to their family and now, to the Air Force community at Scott AFB.
This intentionality and selflessness are hallmarks of Colonel Robinson’s leadership style. Stephanie highlights his proactive approach to parenting, “He never just hopes that things will turn out the way he wants them to. He takes steps to make sure things will.” This translates into how he leads his Airmen – with planning, purpose, and a commitment to fostering growth. He doesn’t just hope for good leaders; he cultivates them, much like nurturing branches of a family tree.
Navigating the challenges of military life, particularly deployments after 9/11 when their twin boys were young, Stephanie leaned on family and the Air Force community. She notes, “We sort of were able to come up with a new normal. That’s very cliche right now, but we were able to figure out life and how we could do this.” This adaptability and resilience, essential for military families, further strengthens their family tree, allowing it to weather any storm. She always knew, despite the demands of his service, that she and their family remained his priority, a crucial element in maintaining balance in their demanding life.
Colonel Robinson acknowledges the demanding nature of his role as wing commander, stating, “you work weekends and nights.” However, he emphasizes Stephanie’s understanding and unwavering support, “She knows that if she needs him, he will be there for her, too.” He deeply values her genuine care for people and her strong moral compass, “She genuinely cares about people. She’s very solid in her core beliefs and who she is. That’s why I trust her more than any human alive. I trust her more than I trust myself. That trust comes from the fact that she will tell me the truth every time.” This profound trust is the binding force within their family tree, allowing them to navigate the complexities of military life and leadership together.
He also shares his perspective on balance, crucial for Airmen and families alike. “The things that the Air Force tells us to be balanced on are good things that you should always consider – fitness, family, work, personal life and hobbies. How am I going to fit those things in? What are my priorities?” He provides a relatable example, prioritizing his children’s education over personal desires, illustrating the need for mindful prioritization in achieving balance. This balanced approach, carefully pruning and nurturing different aspects of life, ensures healthy growth for their personal and professional “family tree.”
For those struggling to find balance, Colonel Robinson offers simple yet powerful advice: “Give it a minute.” He encourages a step back to gain perspective, “Whatever you think is stressing you now and you believe it will never change, or that you can’t cope with it, give it a minute. People can get used to a lot of things. You will find workarounds and you will find solutions to problems.” He reassures Airmen that support and resources are available, emphasizing the caring community within the Air Force.
Looking towards the future, he advises planning but stresses present focus. “Whatever it is that you’re doing now, be the world’s best at it. A lot of times that actually will take care of the future.” Using his sons’ cross-country running as an example, he highlights the power of present effort in shaping future success, advocating for control over the controllable – the present moment. This forward-thinking yet present-focused approach ensures the continued growth and strength of their family and the Air Force community they serve.
Stephanie Robinson is eager to strengthen spousal connections within the Scott AFB community. “I feel like spouses have traditionally formed very tight bonds very quickly and that’s one of the ways we cope with this unique life that we live. That’s how we get through the unique set of challenges we have as military spouses. I just want to give spouses every opportunity they can to connect.” She is actively involved with various spouse support organizations, aiming to create a network where military spouses can thrive. This focus on community and connection is like tending to the roots of a large family tree, ensuring nourishment and support for every member.
Her vision for military spouses is to “bloom where they are planted,” encouraging positive and supportive attitudes. Meanwhile, Colonel Robinson’s focus remains on providing Airmen with the best resources for success. “Our Airmen are outstanding,” he affirms. “We couldn’t be more excited to be here and our Airmen need to know that. They need to know that their leadership appreciates where we are and what organization we are in.” Together, Colonel and Mrs. Robinson, with their strong family roots and commitment to service, are poised to lead and support the Airmen and families of Scott Air Force Base, ensuring the continued strength and growth of this vital military community.
