If you spent time pre-pandemic at the Indiana Memorial Union’s market, gift shop or coffee shop, you’ve probably met Bob Reynolds. For nearly 20 years, Reynolds has worked in retail at the IMU, offering a welcoming and friendly face on campus. Bob Reynolds gives a booster shot to his sister, Deb Atkins, an EMT and occupational health tech at Cummins, at a vaccination clinic in Columbus, Ind. Photo courtesy of Bob Reynolds

“Bob really connects well with the students and is excellent at making time to train staff thoroughly,” said Tyler Harden, retail manager at the IMU. “He has been a huge asset to IU Dining and the IMU. He leaves a lasting, positive impression on those he interacts with, and people often ask us how he is doing.”

They ask because Reynolds has been on active-duty service, traveling around Indiana for 19 months to administer COVID-19 vaccinations and tests. For the past 26 years, Staff Sgt. Reynolds also has served in the Indiana National Guard as a medic. In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic spread throughout the country and many workplaces shut down and people remained at home, Reynolds was one of the first to step forward and volunteer for the National Guard’s COVID-19 task force.

“I wanted to make a difference,” he said. “I have family members who are immunocompromised, and times were pretty scary back then. In fact, they still are.

“I volunteered for the COVID-19 task force to support my family, friends and my community. I just wanted to make a difference. And I feel we are making an impact.”

Reynolds took military leave from his job at the IMU to serve on the task force. Headquartered in Bloomington, Reynolds goes on missions throughout the state in conjunction with the Indiana Department of Health and local health agencies.

“When we were in lockdown and in my travels throughout the state, I saw a lot of sick people,” he said. “It’s been a very interesting experience. Just touching people’s lives and offering them comfort during those scary times was quite the honor.”

Bob Reynolds provides a test to Brook Rieman’s daughter Lily at a COVID-19 testing site in Bloomington. Photo courtesy of Jerry Pagac
While it was sometimes stressful to treat so many people sickened by a virus that scientists were still working to understand, Reynolds said the use of PPE was critical, even during the hottest and coldest months.

“Bless our National Guard folks who are braving the sweltering temperatures in PPE to get us vaccinated and tested,” Bloomington resident Brook Rieman posted on Facebook. “This guardsman [Bob] had been working for four hours in the sun without a break when my daughter (pictured) was tested. He was full of kindness and patience despite the horrible conditions. Please folks, let’s all support our troops by getting vaccinated, so they have fewer and fewer of these days to endure.”

Reynolds said he took no chances in his personal life, either. He spent most of his down time at home catching up on laundry, mowing the lawn, planting flowers and hanging out with his 18-year-old cat, Harry.

“For about a year, I never went into the homes of my family members who are immunocompromised,” he said. “I’d camp out in the backyard to visit them from a distance. That was a bit sad, but at least it was nice to see family.”

The ongoing deployment is the longest Reynolds has served. When it began, he said he never imagined it would be extended as many times as it has. Reynolds was recently approved by a fourth retention board to remain in the National Guard until he turns 60 in February.

Bob Reynolds’ 18-year-old cat, Harry. Photo courtesy of Bob ReynoldsHe’s not sure when he’ll return to his beloved post at the IMU, but he knows his IU family is supporting him.

“I miss my friends and co-workers at the Union,” he said. “But I stay in contact on an intermittent basis when I can.”

While the National Guard typically requires just one weekend a month and two weeks a year, Reynolds’ service has far exceeded the minimum obligation. But he said that getting the chance to serve his community has been worth the 19 months away from his life.

“I’ve met a lot of good people out there,” he said. “There’s a lot of compassion in Indiana communities and a lot of support for the military, the Indiana Department of Health and what we’re doing. I’m really proud of that.”