Bob Senter

Army Veteran | Military Police Investigator | VSD Alumni

Bob’s story begins with a family tradition of service.

His grandfather served in the Army during World War I and was highly decorated. His father served in the Navy during World War II. Inspired by their example and driven by a desire to protect and serve, Bob eventually answered the call himself.

After graduating early and completing technical training, he joined the United States Army in 1978 as a Military Police officer.

Over the course of his military career, Bob served in Europe, worked high-level security assignments, conducted military investigations, and served on specialized drug suppression teams. Much of his work was conducted in covert and plain-clothes roles.

His service also came at a cost.

While stationed in Germany, Bob was involved in a high-speed pursuit accident that resulted in a crushed skull and lasting injuries. Combined with other service-related injuries, those wounds ultimately led to a medical retirement from the Army.

Yet retirement was not the end of his service.

After leaving the military, Bob returned to college, earned a degree in social work, and continued volunteering with organizations that supported fellow veterans.

Throughout his life, one belief has remained constant:

“I have always been a protect and serve type person.”

For Bob, freedom carries deep meaning because he has witnessed firsthand the sacrifices required to preserve it.

“Freedom is not free. It is paid for by the sacrifices of people you have never met.”

Like many veterans, the years following service brought additional challenges. Living with traumatic brain injury, PTSD, chronic pain, and long-term medication use eventually took a toll.

“I reached a stage of anger that was not healthy.”

Determined to reclaim his life, Bob worked with therapists, transitioned away from pharmaceuticals, and pursued alternative therapies.

One of the most important parts of that healing journey arrived when his wife contacted Victory Service Dogs.

There he met Rufus.

“I was teamed up with the most incredible dog, Rufus.”

The partnership changed his life.

“Thanks to VSD and Rufus, I live a good life.”

Today, Bob and Rufus continue volunteering in support of veterans and first responders, carrying forward the same spirit of service that has guided his entire life.

Even after being diagnosed with a rare neurological disease and transitioning to a wheelchair, Bob continues to embrace life with determination. His love of motorcycles remains part of that journey, now riding a three-wheel motorcycle that he affectionately describes as his “wind therapy device.”

Through military service, injury, recovery, and healing, Bob’s story remains rooted in one simple belief:

“Serving is the reason this country is free.”