Oral history of Bob RobbinsClemson University Libraries. Special Collections and ArchivesA 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.