United States Marine Corps

Corporal, Marine Corps Aviation, 1994–1998

Rob enlisted in the Marine Corps after graduating from high school in 1994 and served four years in Marine Corps aviation. Stationed in Hawaii, he worked as a plane captain and crew chief on CH-53 heavy-lift helicopters. He was responsible for maintaining $50 million aircraft and for the safety of their crews over more than 1,000 flight hours.

The work required extensive mechanical training on engines and aircraft systems, along with the discipline to get every detail right, every time. While on active duty, Rob also studied supervisory leadership and aviation crash investigation at Hawaii Pacific University.

Rob received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and was honorably discharged as a corporal in 1998.