Leadership at Home and in the Community
By 1940, Wesley Robbins was Manager of Glen Bros Music. He had moved from sales into executive responsibility, managing operations during a period of wartime shortages and changing supply lines.
But business was only part of his life during those years.
After December 1941, when the United States entered World War II, Ogden changed quickly. Hill Field expanded as a major aircraft maintenance and logistics center. Rail traffic increased. War bond drives, blood campaigns, and civil defense efforts became part of daily life.
Wes held leadership roles across several organizations simultaneously. He served as Post Commander of Herman Baker Post No. 9 of the American Legion in Ogden. The Legion coordinated patriotic programs, supported veterans and their families, and helped mobilize public participation in the war effort. His name appears regularly in newspapers tied to ceremonies, public addresses, and organizational leadership. After his year as Post Commander, he continued in executive roles throughout the war.
At the same time, he was Vice-Chairman of the Red Cross for the Ogden area. The Red Cross oversaw blood drives, civilian training, public relief support, and major fundraising campaigns. He was re-elected several times alongside the chairman.
Wes served as Secretary of the local Salvation Army Advisory Board and chaired major civic events, including the Days of '47 Parade. In 1942, he was appointed to the Weber County Selective Service Board.
He also served as United War Chest Division Chairman for Weber County (outside Ogden City). The United War Chest coordinated community-wide fundraising during World War II, supporting organizations such as the Red Cross, the USO, the Salvation Army, and other relief agencies. As division chairman, Wes oversaw district leaders and helped organize county-level participation in the campaign. The role reflects that his wartime leadership extended beyond individual organizations into broader civic coordination.
Wes served as Civilian Defense Training Officer for the Protection Division in Ogden. Civilian Defense units organized air-raid preparedness, blackout enforcement, industrial protection, and emergency response training during the war. In a city closely tied to Hill Field, the work was practical and necessary.
In 1944, when the Ogden mayor resigned amid controversy, community recommendations were forwarded to the county commissioners regarding a potential replacement. L. Wesley Robbins was among the names recommended. Although he was not appointed, his name appears among established civic officials considered for the role.
Vennetta served in leadership positions of her own. She was active in the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, working on committees and eventually as President of the Auxiliary. The Auxiliary supported veterans' families, organized community efforts, and participated in patriotic observances. She was a leader in her own right.
She also served four years as Secretary of the Relief Society in the 13th Ward of the Ogden Stake, coordinating records, communication, and welfare efforts.
For at least two years during the war, she worked at the Administrative Branch of the New Specialized Depot at Hill Field. Hill Field was a critical wartime installation. This was the only documented period of outside wage employment after her early married years and before the Provo period. It shows that she stepped back into paid work during national need while still raising four children.
Bud entered military service in 1943 and served in the South Pacific and later in China. Sharon and Renee were in school. Dick was still young. During the war years, both their parents worked and volunteered their time extensively.
In 1945, Wes suffered a heart attack. Bud was granted furlough from San Diego and came home briefly. He returned to San Diego to complete his three years of service and was honorably discharged.
During the peak years, both Wes and Vennetta appear frequently in Ogden civic records — Wes through Legion leadership, Red Cross administration, Selective Service, fundraising, and public events, and Vennetta through Auxiliary presidency, Relief Society, and wartime employment at Hill Field. This was the period when "civic leader" became visible in the record.