Robert G. Bell was a loving husband, proud father, distinguished classmate, invaluable friend, and a true leader. His immense sacrifice and contribution to the United States Government was matched only by the powerful and lasting impact he had on all of those who met him.
Robert’s 45-year U.S. Government career included 7 years as the U.S. Defense Advisor at NATO and the Senior Civilian Representative in Europe of the Secretary of Defense (2010-2017), 3 years as NATO Assistant Secretary General for Defense Investment (1999-2003), 7 years at the White House as President Clinton’s National Security Council Senior Director for Defense Policy and Arms Control and the NSC Counselor (1993-1999), 18 years on the staffs of the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees and the Congressional Research Service (1975-1992), and 6 years as an Air Force officer (1969-1975). From 2003-2010, he was a Senior VP at SAIC, directing business development activities in Europe. Robert had a BS in International Affairs from the U.S. Air Force Academy (1969) and a MA and PhD in International Security Studies from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy (1970 and 2021). He has been a Distinguished Professor of the Practice at Georgia Tech, and a Distinguished Fellow at the Free University of Brussel Centre for Security, Diplomacy and Strategy.
He is survived by his wife, Vibeke Roosen Bell; his son, Stefan J. Bell; his siblings: Susan Biggs, Nancy Kimsey, and Janet Isley. Robert was preceded in death by his son, Nathan J. Bell.
Robert will be dearly missed by us all.
A Committal service in honor of Robert will take place at 1:00PM, on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at the United States Air Force Academy Cemetery.
Jim Hursch
19 Sep 2024Bob was my boss at USNATO from 2013 to 2017, though I have known him about 20 years longer than that. I was so fortunate to be his Deputy. He was a brilliant man and so dedicated to his work. I have lost a great colleague, mentor, and friend. My condolences to his family.
MGen (BEL) Geert De Decker
19 Sep 2024I had the pleasure to work with Mr Bell during my time at NATO, and later during different conferences. I remain impressed with the way “Bob” managed to combine empathy and sympathy with the forward looking and solution-oriented guidelines he gave, all based on an incredible knowledge. I will remember him as an example of diplomacy.
All my warmth to the family and friends.
Ambassador Terry Stamatopoulos
19 Sep 2024During the many years Robert and I were at NATO together I got to know him as a person of knowledge, responsibility, integrity and kindness. Bob, my friend, I will miss our discussions on the issues and about Georgia, our cooperation in NATO Summit Communiqué negotiations, and our meetings in and around the swimming pool.
Sue Lancksweert
19 Sep 2024If we can leave this life as having loved and been loved then we can depart in peace . Robert did this and so much more .
Amb. Alexis and Gaby Lautenberg
20 Sep 2024We have lost a close friend, a brilliant diplomat, and, in more récent years, a gifted scholar. Robert’s contribution to the functioning of transatlantic relations over decades will remain. We will remember Robert
as a real gentleman, a liberal traveller of this world and a true human being.
Mike Thiessen
24 Sep 2024Such a good man, generous person, dear friend and wonderful Squadron Mate. On behalf of all of Bob’s USAFA Niner ‘69ers I want Vibeke and Bob’s family to know we are celebrating Bob’s life today with you . Mike T.
Steven Fahlgren
28 Sep 2024My condolences to Bob’s wife and family. Bob was an amazing person and I was so fortunate to get to spend some time hiking Fort clinch with him. His knowledge of world affairs, and the web for his family it was evident. I will never forget him.
Ambassador Csilla Würtz
13 Nov 2024I would like to express my deepest condolences to Mr. Bell’s family. I worked with Mr. Bell from 2013 to 2017 in my capacity as Director of NATO’s Council Secretariat, Secretary of the Council and Director of the NATO Summit and Ministerial Task Forces. He was a fantastic, very calm and kind person with a vast knowledge. He helped me under any circumstances and I could always rely on him. May his Soul rest in peace.