Robert Degregorio, a Myrtle Beach native and alumnus of Myrtle Beach High School, was promoted to brigadier general in the Air Force on July 16. This promotion marks a significant milestone in his 30-year military career.
Degregorio, known as Bobby D to friends and family, expressed humility and joy regarding his new rank, stating he never pursued a star but is amazed to reach this level. Generals wear stars on their uniform lapels, with one star signifying a brigadier general.
The selection process for brigadier general is extensive and was an emotional experience for Degregorio, who described breaking down in tears of joy, seeing it as a culmination of years of sacrifice by his family. He left active duty in 2005 but has continued to serve in the Air Force Reserve. He currently holds the position of Mobilization Assistant to the 14th Logistics and Engineering Directorate, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, stationed at Camp H.M. Smith in Hawaii. This role requires him to travel to Hawaii for 10-14 day stints quarterly, while his wife, Tricia, and daughter reside in Charleston.
Degregorio’s roots in Myrtle Beach include his time as a standout wide receiver, defensive back, and backup quarterback for the Myrtle Beach High School Seahawks in the early 1990s. During his three-year prep career, the Seahawks reached the Lower State championship game twice. He credits former coach Doug Shaw as a significant mentor during that period. His football career continued at Charleston Southern, where he scored the first touchdown in the school’s history. Degregorio believes that lessons learned from team sports, such as leadership and fellowship, align perfectly with military service.
After two years at Charleston Southern, Degregorio realized professional football was not his path and enrolled in the university’s ROTC two-year program, which led to his commission as an Air Force officer. His early assignments included Guam from 1996-1998, Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii from 1998-2001, and a NATO assignment in Naples, Italy, from 2001-2004. His active duty concluded in 2005 as the Installation Deployment Officer for Team Charleston.
Degregorio initially intended to focus on the private sector in Charleston, where he is a principal with Flexspace. However, his military career resumed when he was recalled to the Air Force Reserve in 2009, becoming a full-time reservist for many years. He holds a master of science degree in military studies (Joint War Fighting) from American Military University. He has been in a general officer’s billet since June 2024, making him eligible for promotion, which required approval from the Department of the Air Force, the Secretary of War, the President, and Senate confirmation. To retire at the rank of brigadier general, Degregorio must serve three years in that position.
