LEXINGTON, Ky. –
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Robert (Robbie) Andersen, commander of the 138th Operational Fires Command, was promoted to the rank of colonel during a ceremony at the Lexington Armory, surrounded by family, friends and fellow Soldiers, May 30, 2025.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone in Andersen’s military career, which spans more than two decades of service in the Kentucky National Guard. Three of his children pinned on his new rank, symbolizing the support of the family behind the Soldier.
“None of us get here on our own,” Andersen said. “I’ve been blessed with incredible mentors, dedicated Soldiers and the unwavering support of my family. This isn’t just a celebration of my promotion—it’s a celebration of all the people who have walked this path with me.”
Brig. Gen. Joseph Lear, Kentucky’s director of the joint staff, spoke during the ceremony and praised Andersen’s commitment to the Guard’s mission and its people.
“Col. Andersen is the kind of officer who makes a difference wherever he goes,” Lear said. “He leads with character, builds trust within his teams and never loses sight of the bigger picture. We are proud to have him leading the 138th.”
Andersen was first commissioned in 2003 and said this was his sixth and probably, last promotion.
I always saw my “mountain top” rank as O6,” he added. “It feels good to know that my hard work over the last 20+ years paid off and the Army provided me the honor and privilege to serve at this rank.”
During the ceremony, Andersen made sure to thank, by name, all those who had impacted his career, many of whom were in attendance at the ceremony.
His biggest thanks went to his wife, his kids and his Savior.
“Stacey, thank you for being the strong, beautiful grace under fire woman that you are," he said. "Kiddos, I want you to know that I'm really proud of you guys. I am really proud to be your dad, and I love you."
He continued.
"Above all, thank you to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that wherever I am, I am there because He wants me to be there, or He allows me to be there.”
He closed with a scripture reading from Genesis 2:15, and added some advice to go with it.
“And then God placed Adam into the garden to cultivate and protect it. So whatever garden God has put you in, just focus on cultivating and protecting whatever and whoever is in that garden with you," he said. "The rest will sort itself out."
The event concluded with a standing ovation, reflecting the respect and admiration earned by a leader dedicated to service and the future of the Kentucky National Guard.