Veterans Upward Bound Outreach Coordinator
Ozarks Tech
Robert served in the United States Marine Corps for eight years as an 0451 Airborne and Air Delivery Specialist, commonly known as a Parachute Rigger. From 2009 to 2017, he was stationed with the 3rd, 1st, and 4th Reconnaissance Battalions, assisting in personnel parachute operations. During his service, he deployed twice—first to Sangin, Afghanistan, in 2011, and later in 2014 on a Marine Expeditionary Unit.
In 2017, Robert made the difficult decision to transition out of the military to prioritize his family. His passion has always been in serving others and with that in mind he chose to enroll in the fire science program at Ozarks Tech. His path took an unexpected turn in 2019 when he was diagnosed with a failing heart valve and an aneurysm. Nearing the completion of his program and on the verge of becoming a firefighter, he was forced to pivot when his medical condition made that career impossible.
Robert underwent his first open-heart surgery in February 2020, but complications required a second surgery. Undeterred, he shifted his focus to education, enrolling at Missouri State University (MSU) to pursue a degree in Communication Studies. Despite balancing the challenges of military transition, family responsibilities, and health setbacks, he graduated with honors in May 2023. Just weeks later he successfully underwent his second open-heart surgery, receiving a mechanical valve.
Robert now serves as Outreach Coordinator for Veterans Upward Bound, where he helps fellow veterans navigate their own transitions and find purpose through education. A firm believer that education is the gateway to new opportunities, he is currently preparing to pursue an MBA at MSU while also training for a marathon in November.
Robert’s journey is a testament to resilience. For him, perseverance is rooted in his "why"—honoring fallen military friends who never had the chance to pursue their futures, setting an example for his children, and proving to himself that roadblocks are just steppingstones to greater achievements.