Master Sergeant Robert Bruce Bob Griffin, (U.S.A.F, Retired) was born February 10, 1930 in Trenton, NJ to Robert H. Griffin and Wilbelinina Griffin.

In May of 1947 he enlisted in the US Army Air Corp and began a distinguished military career. In1948, he was assigned to the 332nd Fighter Wing, (now commonly referred to as the Tuskegee Airman), in the maintenance and supply squadron as hangar mechanic, working on P-47's, P-51's and other base assigned aircraft. On July 26, 1948, President Harry S. Truman announced Executive Order 9981, ending segregation in the armed forces. This resulted in his reassignment to the 61th Troop Carrier group.

After his duty bours, Robert would volunteer to fly as a mechanic. His exception performance was noticed by many and resulted in this selection for flight Engineer School in September, 1949. He completed the course with flying colors and became the first African American flight Engineer in the United States Air force.