Some people spend their lives searching for adventure. For Bob Roach, adventure seemed to find him wherever he went.

Whether on the athletic field, leading soldiers, piloting mission trips throughout the Caribbean, or teaching others to fly, Bob has lived each chapter of his life with courage, determination, and unwavering faith.

Looking back over a lifetime filled with remarkable experiences, Bob doesn't dwell on awards or accomplishments. Instead, he simply smiles and says he knows he is "highly favored and blessed."

— Bob Roach

Long before Bob became a decorated Army officer and accomplished aviator, he was known as a fierce competitor on the athletic field.

In high school, Bob was competed in five sports every year—football, basketball, baseball, track, and golf—developing the discipline and work ethic that would guide him throughout his life.

He lettered in both golf and basketball at North Carolina State University, where he successfully balanced academics, athletics, and ROTC responsibilities.

Even military service couldn't keep Bob away from competition. While stationed in the Army, he continued his love of sports and played football, helping lead his Fort Benning team to an undefeated 14–0 season.

Whether competing on a court, leading soldiers in combat, or piloting an aircraft, Bob has always approached life with determination, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence.

After graduating from North Carolina State University as a Distinguished Military Graduate in the ROTC program, Bob continued a career with Duke Power in the engineering department before answering a greater call to serve his country.

Over the next seven years, Bob served in the United States Army at Fort Bragg, Fort Benning, Fort Sill, Fort Bliss, Wiesbaden, Germany, and Vietnam. He led paratroopers in more than 133 jumps and became a highly decorated officer.

During his service in Vietnam, Bob served as an airborne artillery officer, directing support fire from his helicopter during active combat operations. For his courageous service, he received the Bronze Star.

One memorable training jump occurred during a nighttime exercise while Bob was serving as Jumpmaster. Shortly after exiting the aircraft, his main parachute failed to fully deploy, creating what he calmly describes as a "bad situation."

As he descended, he noticed the soldiers he was responsible for were above him rather than below him—a clear sign that he was falling much faster than he should have been. His reserve chute opened just before impact.

The next day?

Bob completed three more jumps.

Following his military service, Bob joined IBM and began the next chapter of his life. While building a successful career in technology, he continued pursuing his passion for aviation.

He earned additional flight ratings, became a licensed commercial pilot, and ultimately logged more than 10,000 flight hours.

His daughter, Kim, fondly remembers flying with her father from the time she was a little girl and cherishes memories of having him fly up to Appalachian State University to bring her home from college.

Over the years, Bob has flown friends and family across the country, shared his love of aviation with countless students, and remains an active flight instructor today.

Bob and Lindy's story began with what could best be described as an awkward first date.

Yet something clicked. By their second date, Bob asked Lindy to marry him. By the end of that same weekend, she said yes.

The couple married in the Wake Forest Hospital chapel, where Lindy worked as a nurse. More than 65 years later, they still spend every day together and remain each other's closest companions.

Their story is a reminder that sometimes the best things in life don't require a long deliberation—just certainty.

While Bob's military service and aviation accomplishments are remarkable, ask him about the most meaningful parts of his life and he'll quickly point to family.

Bob and Lindy are proud parents of two children, grandparents to five grandchildren, and great-grandparents to eleven great-grandchildren.

When reflecting on the moments that have had the greatest impact on him, Bob identifies two experiences.

The first was his time stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany, where he commanded an airborne artillery unit.

— Bob Roach

The second was a family trip where they took all 12 family members to Isreal and all were re-baptized in the Jordan River.

— Bob Roach

The Roaches also have deep roots in the local community.

As charter members of Bermuda Run in the early 1970s, they built the 17th home in the development and watched the community grow through the decades.

In 2016, they came full circle when they moved to Bermuda Village. Ironically, years before becoming a resident, Lindy had worked here as a nurse, caring for others in the very community they now call home.

Faith in God has guided Bob throughout every chapter of his life.

It shaped the way he led soldiers, the way he raised his family, and the way he chose to use his gifts and talents.

Combining his love for flying with his desire to serve others, Bob flew dozens of mission trips to Jamaica, Cuba, and the Bahamas. He has also supported ministry efforts by flying his pastor around the world as he shares messages of faith through more than 400 radio stations.

Today, Bob remains active both in aviation and in service to others, continuing to use the opportunities he believes God has given him to make a difference in people's lives.

For Bob, faith has never been something simply believed—it has been something lived.

Today, Bob and Lindy are surrounded by family, with their children visiting almost daily.

After a lifetime of military service, athletic achievement, aviation adventures, community involvement, and faithful devotion to family, Bob's greatest sense of accomplishment isn't found in awards, titles, or accolades.

It is found in gratitude.

Looking back over nearly nine decades of life, he sums it up the same way he always does:

— Bob Roach