ASGA recognizes members who served in armed forces
Women’s Super-Senior Player of the Year Kim Robinson rose to the rank of Colonel and Craig Hall served for 32 years and rose to Colonel as well.
By: Chris Werner
USGA P.J. Boatwright Jr. Intern
November 11, 2023
In honor of Veterans Day, the ASGA asked two of its members about their military service. Colonel Kim Robinson spent 24 years in the armed forces and Colonel Craig Hall spent 28 years serving. The ASGA extends its sincere gratitude and thanks to all current and former military members.
Arkansas State Golf Association: How did you get involved with the military, what do you want people to know about your experience in the armed forces?
Colonel Kim Robinson: I got into the military in 1990 to initially become a physician (Pediatrician), and proceeded to get called to Desert Storm six months later. I was stationed stateside and was trained to become a Hospital Administrator. As a result, I pursued this career field as a Medical Service Corp officer and later on moved to a Line officer. I hold five job specialties including Command positions with my last role as an Inspector General. I put in 24 years mostly in the Air Force Reserves serving in 3 conflicts: Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. In 2014 I retired at the rank of Colonel.
Colonel Craig Hall: My father served in the U.S. Navy for 30 years so I was what we call a "Navy Brat." During my first 18 years of life, I moved around with my Dad and family to five different places including four years in Spain, where I was introduced (although just cursorily) to the game of golf. We moved from Spain to San Diego which is where I really got the golf bug and started my lifelong love affair with the game. When I was 14 years old, I transitioned from being a multi-sport athlete (basketball, baseball, and golf) to only golf, which was the first best decision I made in my life. Through my first semester senior year, I had marginal success in local junior golf and high school golf but not enough to get any serious interest from Division I schools. In the late fall of my senior year, the golf coach from the United States Air Force Academy paid me a visit wanting to recruit me. My first thought was heck no and I didn’t give it a second thought for several months. But after very little interest from civilian Division I golf programs, I decided to give USAFA a try. That was one of the proverbial best decisions people make in their lives, and then 32 years later retired as a Colonel. My 28 years on active duty leading America’s finest young men and women was the single greatest joy and privilege of my life.
ASGA: How has golf played a role in your life, has the sport connected to your military service?
KR: Golf was an important activity while I was stationed or temporary duty on different bases. I was often found on the course after my duty day and played in many tournaments with other airmen! It served as a great way to connect and network with many military members. Military golf courses are a hidden treasure and I felt honored to be able to play and still play them to this day.
CH: Golf has played an integral role in my life from the time I first picked up a club. It has taught me discipline, strategy, interpersonal communication, integrity, and work ethic which I have integrated into every aspect of my life. The people I have met through golf have enabled me to see things and do things that I would never have otherwise been able to do. Golf facilitated extraordinary personal and professional growth and I am so very thankful.
ASGA: What does Veterans Day mean to you?
KR: Veterans Day is a very special day to me in my heart. First and foremost many military members gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom in history and I will be forever grateful for my freedom because of them. In addition, as a retired veteran, it does mean a lot to me when people recognize our service. Many Americans really don't understand all that is sacrificed by Veterans and it's a respectful way to say thank you on Veterans Day.
CH: Serving in the military is a great honor, but also a great sacrifice as there were many birthdays, anniversaries, and special events that I missed because of my commitment to serve and protect the Constitution of the United States. Veterans Day is about our country recognizing the sacrifice of the millions of Americans who served in uniform and saying thank you. I am so thankful to live in a country that places so much value on military service and that is one of many reasons why the United States is the greatest country to ever exist.
We at the ASGA thank all of the brave, selfless members of the armed forces who fight to protect our freedom every day. Happy Veterans Day, everyone.
