Rob’s determined mission to help others has evolved in every stage of his life whether as a marine corps courageously fighting for his country against terrorism or tirelessly helping fellow veterans or winning a bronze medal in rowing while representing the United States at the Paralympic Games or stepping forward to help the community while running for congress in Virginia. Rob volunteered for the Marine Corps while in college and while deployed to Afghanistan lost both his legs to an IED explosion. He has been awarded the Purple Heart, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Operation Enduring Freedom Campaign Medal and the Operation Iraqi Freedom Campaign Medal during his service. Upon his return and recovery including relearning his motor skills, Rob set off on a new mission to help fellow wounded veterans with a grueling cross-country bike ride to raise $126,000. He followed that up with another astounding achievement of running thirty-one marathons in thirty-one days to raise an amazing $225,000.

What inspired you to run for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District seat?R: Throughout my 5 years in the Marine Corps, and my experiences after my injury, I realized that my purpose in life is to help other people realize their purpose in life. In the Marine Corps, I did that by defending our country against terrorism. On my cross country ride, and the Month of Marathons, I did it by creating a story that people could use to inspire themselves. Now, I want to transfer to the realm of government, and give the people of VA-10 a representative that they can trust, that they can believe in, and that they know is fighting for them every day to bring about policies that will keep us on the path to increasing prosperity.

Can you tell us about your mission to help fellow veterans?R: There is a saying in the Marine Corps, "once a Marine, always a Marine." That doesn't change when one leaves service, or even if one is wounded grievously. After I was injured, I had to figure out how I was going to continue my mission as a Marine. I decided that my way of doing that was to create a story about a veteran that went overseas, experienced trauma, and came home and became stronger from it. I knew that that story would show people what veterans are capable of after experiencing war.

What challenges did you face during your Maine to California cross-country bike ride?R: The challenges on the bike ride were many. Tall mountains, strong headwinds, frigid temperatures, and icy roads to name a few. Aside from that, the monotony of a challenge like that where every day is the exact same thing for 180 days is a mental challenge. Lastly, doing it with prosthetic legs added another level in terms of having to figure out stopping points, and making it more difficult to pedal the bike.

What life decisions have helped you to reach where you are today?R: The decisions are many. Joining the Marine Corps. Volunteering to deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan. Deciding to not allow my life to be destroyed by my injury. Going to the Paralympics. Riding my bike across the country. Deciding to speak to my wife for the first time, and do a 4 year long long distance relationship, and getting married. Deciding to run 31 marathons in 31 days. Many of them were centered around doing what was best for the people I care about in my life, and that is where I derived the strength to carry them out.

What are your other hobbies?R:  I like to read, exercise, write, and do work outside on my property.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you love about that place?R: I like to visit wherever my closest family and friends are, because when I am with them, any location is fun.

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?R:  I would say the best thing to do is to encourage them to take on challenges that seem like they may be just beyond their child's grasp, then give them only the assistance they need to get there. It is important for them to have a goal. Also help their child establish a selfless reason for taking the challenge on, so that they will never falter in their motivation.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who want to overcome adversity?R: Find a purpose that is in the best interest of the people that you love that necessitates you overcoming this adversity. For example, I knew that what was best for my mom was for me to fully accept my injury, and make a full recovery. So, with that purpose, I did.

Any special message for our community?R: People with disabilities have been given an extra weight to bear throughout their entire lives. Instead of seeing this weight as an object holding you back from doing what you want with you life, see it as a training device akin to a barbell in a weight room. Put it to your use and you will become stronger than you ever thought possible.