Military Profile - Staff Sgt. Robert D. Rauch

In what branch of the military did you or do you serve and during what years?

U.S. Marine Corps, 2001-present (active duty)

What is your rank?

Staff Sergeant, E-6

What led you to join the military?

Following in my father's military footsteps. He served 27 years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force.

What is the most valuable lesson you've gained from your military services?

What I've learned from being in the military is that the Marine Corps is about the Marines we surround ourselves with. It's that Devil Dog in front of you and the Devil Dog to the side of you, that Devil Dog behind you and that Devil Dog looking down from above. That being said, no matter what the adversity is, we overcome it.

What are some medals, commendations, citations or other military honors you are proud of having earned?

I'd have to say the two awards I am most proud of are the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. These medals were presented to me but don't reflect a total image of me. They reflect the performance of everyone I worked with at that time. They reflect how well we worked together. They remind me of some of my best times I've had in the Marine Corps.

What would be your advice to someone considering or planning a career in the military?

Get strong and get smart.

Immediate family members?

Married with two children.