In 1960, Robert Patrouille joined the Wisconsin National Guard as an infantryman with A CO 2-127 32nd Infantry Brigade. Throughout his career, 1SG Patrouille held multiple leadership positions to include team leader, squad leader, platoon sergeant and ultimately first sergeant, a position he held for five years. On Oct. 15, 1961, then-Pvt. Patrouille was mobilized as part of the 32nd Infantry Division to Fort Lewis, Wash., in support of the Berlin Crisis. The 32nd became the first National Guard unit mobilized to advance American foreign policy that aimed to prevent a third world war. In addition to his federal activation, Patrouille was mobilized for multiple state active-duty missions, to include the Gresham Menominee Indian Uprising, UW Madison civil unrest, Wisconsin correctional officer strike and several natural disasters.
In 1990, Patrouille was assigned as a recruiter for the Fond du Lac, Waupun and Ripon areas, a position he held until his retirement in 2000.
Patrouille was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, and multiple other federal and state awards. He was awarded the prestigious Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel Wisconsin Military Achievement Award, presented to the finest enlisted soldier in the Wisconsin Army National Guard.
Even after his retirement in 2000, Patrouille continued to serve the Guard through the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Program. Having served in this capacity for several years, he worked closely with servicemembers and their employers to reach an amicable solution to any conflicts that arose.
Patrouille served his community in many different facets. He served as a 4-H leader—Burnett Club, Meat and Animal Board member for Dodge County, Dodge County Fair Board Committee, and board member of Dodge County Veterans Services. For many years, he served as a member of the American Legion Post 210 Honor Guard. For the last 19 years, he has served as commander of the post/unit.