The American College of Financial Services has announced that Major General Josue "Joe" Robles Jr., USA (Ret.) will be the 2016 Soldier-Citizen Award recipient. Robles, a highly decorated Army veteran and recently retired President and CEO of USAA, will receive the award during a ceremony in Lake Geneva, Wis., in September.
"We are proud to honor Major General Robles with this award," said Ted Digges, Executive Director of The American College Penn Mutual Center for Veterans Affairs and chair of the selection committee. "He perfectly embodies what this award celebrates: sacrifice, success and service. He's an inspiration for so many, especially the veterans in our scholarship program and in the financial services profession."
Born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, Robles joined the U.S. Army in 1966. For the next 28 years, he served in a variety of command and staff positions, including active duty posts in Korea, Vietnam, Germany, and Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm in the Middle East. He served as the director of the Army budget and as commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division (the Big Red One).
During his military career, Robles was recognized numerous times for service and honor. He received the Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
During Robles' tenure as President/CEO of USAA from 2007-2015, he led this FORTUNE 500® financial services company to national prominence for hiring veterans and military spouses. USAA grew customers, 63 percent; revenue, 67 percent; net worth, 86 percent; assets owned and managed, 70 percent; and significantly increased employee engagement. His emphasis on innovation resulted in the number of employee-generated patents increasing from five to more than 550.
Among his many awards, in 2009 The Christian Science Monitor named Robles the "No. 1 Veteran in Business," and American Banker named him "Innovator of the Year."
The Soldier-Citizen Award was established in 2014 to recognize extraordinary individuals who have served honorably in the United States military, have achieved success in the financial services profession, and have selflessly given back to society and their community.
About The American College of Financial Services
The American College of Financial Services is the nation's largest non-profit educational institution devoted to financial services. Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has served as a valued business partner to banks, brokerage firms, insurance companies and others since 1927. The American College faculty represents some of the financial services profession's foremost thought leaders. For more information, visit TheAmericanCollege.edu.
About The American College Penn Mutual Center for Veterans Affairs
The American College Penn Mutual Center for Veterans Affairs provides educational support and career opportunities to eligible men, women, and their spouses who have served in the armed services of the United States. To learn more about the Center and scholarship opportunities, visit Veterans.TheAmericanCollege.edu.
