Robby Rae graduated from Linn Mar High School in Marion, Iowa in 1981. As revealed in his upcoming book, this is where his battle with alcoholism first began and continued without intervention.
 

At eighteen, shortly after his birthday, Robby enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During his service, he specialized in supply and operated military vehicles. As his superiors recognized his reliability and capability, his responsibilities grew, eventually leading to the honor of serving as the Commanding Officer’s driver.
 

In the photo shown, Robby is seated at the Colonel’s desk alongside several fellow Marines. The Marine to his left has remained a friend for over forty years.
 

The Marine Corps instilled in Robby the core values of discipline, integrity, dedication, and the importance of teamwork.
 

However, this period also marked a time in his life when alcohol had a significant and harmful presence, shaping much of his early adulthood.