FAIRBURY, NE — A Navy veteran is the first woman to be honored as Jefferson County Veteran of the Month.

The Jefferson County Commissioners recognized Bobbi Troutner of Fairbury with the honor on Tuesday morning. Troutner served in the Navy from 1988-1992. She worked as a Religious Program Specialist, which she says was like an administrative assistant to the chaplain. She was stationed in Orlando, Florida and at the Naval Air Station in Key West, Florida.

After being discharged, Troutner eventually settled back in her hometown of Fairbury and works at Prairie View Industries. She is a member of the Jansen American Legion and the Fairbury VFW Auxiliary.

Full news release:

Bobbi Troutner was born in Concordia, Kansas on June 26, 1970 and raised right here in Fairbury, Nebraska. Bobbi attended St. Michaels School from the 1st grade though the 8th grade. Bobbi then attended Fairbury High School and graduated in 1988.

Bobbi Troutner joined the U. S. Navy through the delayed entry program. In October of 1988 I left home for Boot Camp in Orlando,

Florida. Going into the Navy was a culture shock for Bobbi. Being raised here in Fairbury, Nebraska and then one day being in The Navy and in a large metropolitan area plus being on the U.S. Navy Base it was really different for me. After eight weeks in boot camp then off to “A” School in Meridian, Mississippi. I was trained in “A” School as a Religious Program Specialist. Which means in civilian terms is an, Administrative Assistant to the Chaplain. I guess the Navy thought I liked Florida because after “A” School I was sent right back to Orlando, Florida. Not such a shock the second time around. I worked in my trained position and was transferred a year later to Naval Air Station Key West Florida where I remained until my discharge in 1992.

I returned home to Fairbury, Nebraska and after being home awhile I considered going back into the Navy. But after a lot of thought I joined the Active Navy Reserve. I attended monthly weekend drills in Lincoln, Nebraska. After one year or so I went to work here at Endicott Clay working in Quality Control for about three years. At that point in my life I decided to take advantage of the GI Bill and go back to School at Southeast Community College in the Legal Secretary Program. I did land a Legal Secretary Position right here in Fairbury at Ron Brackle’s office. Then three years later I guess I missed Florida this time and was there for two years or so, at which time I decided it was time to return home to Fairbury. Except for a short stop at the Jefferson County Veteran’s Service Office, I have worked for over 17 years at Prairie View Industries where I continue working today.

Bobbi is married to Dallas Troutner who also works for PVI. As of July 1st we have been married 14 years. Between the two of us we have four daughters and one son.

Bobbi is a current member of the Jansen, Nebraska American Legion and a member of the Fairbury Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary.

Bobbi is a proud and dedicated member of the American Legion Honor Guard. We thank you Bobbi, for your continued service honoring our Veteran’s as a member of the Honor Guard.