Boot Camp

In January of 1995, Rob entered basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina as a member of platoon 2072. After attending the School of Infantry at Camp Geiger, North Carolina to become a Marine Corps infantryman, Rob was assigned to 2nd Battalion 8th Marines at Camp Lejeune. He served under some very influential leaders to include his first platoon commander, 1stLt J.W. Jones, who recognized Rob’s potential and began urging him to apply to become an officer.

First Float, Bosnia, and Training

In 1996, Rob deployed with Battalion Landing Team 2/8 to the Mediterranean as an element of 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable). During that deployment, Rob took part in Operation Decisive Endeavor, which was part of the overall NATO Operation Joint Endeavor in Bosnia. Rob trained in numerous countries while deployed and was also assigned duties aboard the USS Saipan, where he worked hand-in-hand with personnel from both the Marines and the Navy. Upon returning to the United States, Rob attended many Marine Corps infantry schools, including the Marine Corps Close Combat Instructor Trainer’s Course where he learned hand-to-hand fighting under Master Sergeant Ronald Donvito. Rob also attended the Infantry Squad Leaders School in late 1997 where he was awarded a Certificate of Commendation for leadership and academic achievement.

Commissioning, The Basic School, and Camp Lejeune

In 1998, Rob applied for and was selected for the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program and chose to earn his college degree at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. After receiving his commission upon graduation in 2001, Rob reported to The Basic School, where Marine Corps officers train to become basic rifle platoon commanders. Upon graduating, Rob reported to the Infantry Officer Course in Quantico, Virginia, where he received the prestigious Major General Edwin B. Wheeler Award, symbolic of infantry excellence, which recognizes the outstanding graduate of each Infantry Officers Course. Following entry-level officer training, Rob was assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion 8th Marines, 2D Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and was assigned as an Infantry Rifle Platoon Commander for 1st Platoon.

Iraq, Liberia, and Iraq

In 2003, Rob deployed aboard the USS Iwo Jima with Battalion Landing Team 1/8 to the Mediterranean as an element of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable). During this deployment, Rob’s battalion took part in Operation Iraqi Freedom in Mosul, Iraq and Operation Sheltering Sky in Liberia. After a brief return and refit in the United States, Rob then deployed with Battalion Combat Team 1/8 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II in Haditha, Iraq. During this deployment, Rob’s battalion took part in Operation Phantom Fury in Al Fallujah, Iraq. The account of Rob’s battalion in Al Fallujah is documented in the book Fallujah with Honor: First Battalion, Eighth Marine’s Role in Operation Phantom Fury, by Gary Livingston (2006) and in a This American Life radio broadcast “In Country / Marine Life”, by Jack Hitt (2005).

Back to where it all began

In 2005, Rob reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina as a Series Commander for Charlie Company, First Recruit Training Battalion. Promoted to Captain in October of 2005, Rob assumed command of Company A, First Recruit Training Battalion in 2006. In 2007, Rob was assigned as the Headquarters Company Commander and Operations Officer for First Recruit Training Battalion.

The Basics

Rob attended numerous schools throughout his Marine Corps career including, but not limited to: Marine Corps Close Combat Instructors Course (1995); 2nd Special Operations Training Group Scout Skier Package (1996); Corporals Leadership Course (1996); Marine Corps Close Combat Instructor Trainer Course (1997); Infantry Squad Leaders Course (1997); Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP) Course (2002); and Expeditionary Warfare School Seminar (2006) while at Parris Island. Rob qualified for his Green belt in the Marine Corps Marital Arts Program in 2003.

The Awards

Rob’s decorations include: the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device (‘V’ for Valor) for operations in Al Fallujah, Iraq; the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for leadership during cold weather training in Bridgeport, California; the Combat Action Ribbon for operations in Iraq; the Navy Unit Commendation for operations in Mosul, Iraq; the Good Conduct Medal (X2); the National Defense Medal (X2); the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; the Iraqi Campaign Medal; the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; the Armed Forces Service Medal; the Humanitarian Service Medal for Operation Sheltering Sky in Liberia; the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (X3); the Marine Corps Drill Instructor Ribbon; and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Medal. Rob is also a Marine Corps rifle expert (X5) and pistol expert (X2).