Rob Spino, United State Army Ranger, in Afghanistan.

Rob Spino thinks of himself as a teacher. But for now, while his country is at war, he is a soldier.

A 2000 Coastal education graduate, Spino left his position teaching special education and math at Carolina Forest High School in February 2002 to join the U.S. Army. The events of September 11 played a major role in his decision, and even though his family and friends were proud of his patriotism and sense of duty, Spino admits they thought he was a little crazy. “I had just started a career I truly loved, and I had recently gotten married,” he says, “and here was this serious war just getting under way. A lot of people thought I had fallen off the deep end.”

His father, Robert Spino Sr., was in the 101st Airborne during the Vietnam War, so there was never any doubt about which branch of service he would join. After completing 13 weeks of basic training and three weeks in Airborne School at Fort Benning, Ga., he decided to join the U.S. Army Rangers, an elite Special Operations unit.

“I chose the Rangers because it’s one of the very best units in the military,” says Spino. “I wanted to join the Rangers for my country and also for me. I wanted to see if I could do it, physically and mentally, at my age. I’m 28, and the average Ranger is only about 22. I didn’t want to look back one day and regret not trying.”

Spino and Robin Williams

Between September 2002 and January 2004, Spino was sent to Afghanistan twice and once to Iraq. On May 7, 2004, he completed the rigorous three-month Ranger School at Fort Benning and less than two weeks later he was sent to Afghanistan for the third time.

Spino, a native of Watertown, Conn., says his experience in the Middle East has instilled in him a new and intense respect for his own country. “It teaches you not to take anything for granted. After days and weeks in the desert, you can’t imagine how precious simple things become—a pillow, running water. To have the means and the freedom to choose and purchase a car is something beyond the wildest imaginings of many people in the world. It’s amazing when you consider the freedoms and liberties we enjoy compared to other countries.”

When his tour of duty in the Rangers is finished, Spino is eager to return to the Grand Strand area with his wife to resume his teaching career. “Coastal Carolina made me a successful teacher,” he says. "Coastal had a profound effect on my life, and I loved every minute of it.”