SOCRS109- Bob & Melissa Sebastian- "HOOAH: Helping Out Our American Heroes"

Straight Outta Combat Radio-Honoring Combat Wisdom

Bob Sebastian enlisted in the United States Army in May of 1983. Following the completion of One Station Unit Training and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia, he was sent to Fort Lewis, Washington where he completed the Ranger Indoctrination Program. Then, SPC was assigned to 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company, 2nd Ranger Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment. SPC Sebastian conducted himself with the upmost honor and integrity throughout his service to the 75th Ranger Regiment. While conducting a jungle training exercise in Panama, SPC Sebastian injured his right knee. SPC Sebastian continued to selflessly serve the 2nd Ranger Battalion; however, due to complications of his injury, SPC Sebastian was honorably discharged from the military in February 1986. Since his separation from the military, Bob Sebastian’s life of living the Ranger Creed has been nothing short of exemplary. In 1999, Bob purchased his first auto repair shop. Over the next 14 years he was able to expand to nine locations with almost 100 employees. He vowed to give back to the community by setting the example for others to follow. Over the years Bob was able to give free oil changes to anyone who donated to the local food shelf, free oil changes for donations to a local police department in order to purchase two working dogs, sponsor several school sports teams, as well as provide donations to many other local charities. Because of his desire to give back to the 75th Ranger Regiment, on 09 April 2011 Bob placed 2 care packages in the mail with CSM Merritt’s name on them. His goal was to do this every other week. After just one month of mailing Rangers care packages he founded Helping Out Our American Heroes (H.O.O.A.H) with the help of his wife, Melissa Sebastian, Ranger Rocky Otte and his wife Diane Otte and Ranger Brett Beaudette and his wife Cathy Beaudette. The foundation quickly began to grow and continues to support all of the military while also still supporting the 75th Ranger Regiment.