The Kennedy Detail's Robert Faison

(from Blaine's website)

"Monday, July 4, 2011
The Kennedy Detail's Robert Faison

It is with deep sadness that we must inform you of the death of Kennedy Detail agent Robert Faison, after a long illness. He was a true American patriot, and he will be greatly missed. Having served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict, Bob became the first African American permanently assigned to the Secret Service White House Detail, in 1962. After a distinguished career, Bob Faison retired from the Secret Service in 1982 as Assistant Inspector, in the Inspections Division."

The Kennedy Detail's Robert Faison

"Robert Roy Faison, 81, of Palm Coast, FL passed away at Stuart F. Meyer Hospice on June 28, 2011. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 5th at 11:00 am at Palm Coast United Methodist Church, 5200 Belle Terre Pkwy., Palm Coast.

Bob was a Special Agent with the US Secret Service, he was the first African American permanently assigned to the White House and served during the Kennedy and Johnson administration. Bob traveled to thirty countries while assigned to the White House Detail. He was the third African American Special Agent hired by the Secret Service.

Bob was assigned to the midnight shift in Fort Worth Texas the night before President Kennedy's assassination. The Shift had flown to Austin where they received word the President had been shot. The shift immediately flew to Washington DC and protected President Johnson at his home the night of the assassination.

Bob served his country in the US Army, during the war in Korea. He rose to the rank of Warrant Officer, and was the youngest 1st Sgt. in a combat infantry company. He was awarded the Bronze Star while in Korea.

Bob was commissioned by the Secret Service in 1962 and was assigned to the Washington Field Office. He was assigned to President Kennedy in October 1963 after serving a thirty day temporary assignment on the Detail. He retired from the Secret Service after achieving the rank of Inspector.
He was a member of the Palm Coast United Methodist Church, a fifty year member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, a member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, The African American Cultural Society, and the Association of Former Agents of the Secret Service, the NAACP, and the Eagles Golf Club.

Bob will be missed by his fellow agents."