Oral history of Bob Robbins
Clemson University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives A video recording of an in-person interview conducted by Caleb Hawkins with Sergeant Bob Robbins on November 25, 2013. Born on July 2, 1986, Robbins enlisted in the United States Army Reserves in 2006.
In 2010, Robbins deployed to Afghanistan as part of a route clearance unit, arriving first in Kandahar before moving to Jalalabad. His unit conducted sweeps for explosives and direct interactions with local villagers. After relocating to the Kandahar Province, his mission became more intense, with his team regularly uncovering IEDs. In 2011, while responding to an IED strike, Robbins' vehicle was hit by an IED, injuring his foot and leading to his evacuation from Afghanistan. Robbins was medically discharged and returned to Clemson to continue his education.
2013-11-25
Oral history of Joseph Snyder
Clemson University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives A video recording of an in-person interview conducted by Jeff Fulton with Specialist Joseph Snyder on September 29, 2013. Born on February 10, 1985, Snyder enlisted in the United States Army Reserves with the 323rd Engineer Company.
In 2010, Snyder deployed to Afghanistan as part of a route clearance unit, responsible for detecting and neutralizing IEDs. He describes the intensity of Operation Strong Eagle, during which his unit was ambushed and encountered heavy fire. He served as the lead truck driver and recounts the psychological challenge of navigating IED-laden roads, often witnessing explosions that hit the vehicles behind him while his own truck remained intact. Returning home, Snyder had a difficult time readjusting to civilian life and reenlisted in 2013, wanting to commit to a 20-year career in the Army.
2013-09-29