Robert was born and raised in a small agricultural town in upstate NY just a few miles from the Canadian border. Dad was a heavy machine operator in the winter but worked the family farm during the warm seasons and taught Robert much about nature and the world. These lessons were not lost on him and his passion for knowledge grew. Upon graduating high school he announced his intention to study at the state university.
Once immersed in his studies, Robert found his true calling. He majored in Biology and focused heavily on Microbiology in particular. Viruses, bacteria, parasites...he couldn't learn enough about them. His lucky break came when his professor invited him to assist in his lab work. Soon he found himself right where he wanted. Day after day he learned new techniques and methods, concepts he devoured at an alarming pace. Before long, however, his time at university was almost over. While initially he considered continuing his studies and earning his doctorate, he soon discovered a more enticing path.
The military recruiters had been to his school many times and he often spoke to them at length about the opportunities he might find in the service. The idea of studying new, unknown bacteria or finding the next lethal super virus truly seemed to appeal to him. Shortly before graduation he enlisted in the Army Medical Corp. His superiors were immediately impressed with his knowledge and lab skills and upon completion of basic he was sent for additional training in germ warfare.
His training and subsequent service time was a whirlwind of activity. His 16 years would see him (amongst other things) studying chemical and viral attacks in the Pacific theatre, more specifically the Philippines, collecting toxic plants and fungus throughout the Balkans and teaching emergency wilderness medicine to Canadian soldiers.