Jul 01 2009
Brown May Be Getting a “Blue Dog” Challenger
I received an email from someone with a tip about an alleged Democrat challenger to Henry Brown in next year’s election. The information I received was regarding a Robert A Dobbs, a resident of Wisconsin who I am told has purchased a business in South Carolina’s First Congressional District and will be residing there with his family. I am told he is of the “Blue Dog” persuasion of the Democrat Party, a name for a coalition of Democrats in the House that are more conservative and centrist. I looked him up in the FEC and sure enough he does appear as a registered candidate. I also received his resume which notes that he once served as a City Councilman for the town of Two Rivers, Wisconsin.
Now interestingly enough, I did a little more digging myself and came across some archived election information on a Robert A Dobbs in Two Rivers, WI, who ran for the U.S. Senate in 2000 as a Republican, not a Democrat, and also made a donation of $215 to the Republican Party of Wisconsin back in 1999. This would appear to be the same guy, unless he has a politically active father with the same name who is a Republican.
Not a big deal I guess, but I just found that somewhat interesting. We’ll see if this gentleman eventually surfaces and officially kicks off a House campaign against Brown. Assuming he ends up being the nominee for his party, being a Blue Dog Dem will probably help him peel some voters away from Brown who may not care for him. On the other hand, I am skeptical as to how well he will appeal to voters in the district being that he is an outsider just recently moving here.
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Could this be the Robert Dodds who was a member of the Mount Pleasant Town Council a few years back?
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No, it is actually Robert Dobbs, and it is me. I had served 8 years as a county supervisor for Manitowoc County-WI, similar to county council or county commissioner, for 8 years and 2 years on the City Council for the City of Two Rivers, WI. I also have served 8 years on the Board of Attorney Review for the State Supreme Court of Wisconsin, appointed by the Chief Justice-Shirley Abrahamson.
I didn’t leave the Republican Party, it left me! Conservatism had and continues to leave the Republican Party by becoming pro-big government, non-inclusive, fiscally irresponsible, and willing to sacrifice the lives of our young men and women in the Middle East stalemate. While at the same time, Republicans had forgotten about the everyday people in America who do need government services.
I have a 4 year old with Autism, who would not have gotten any help in receiving treatment if it had not been for my perserverance and the fact that President Obama and Congress sent additional money for State Medicaid programs 30 days after taking office in 2009. My daughter was on a wait list for therapy services, which would have cost our family over $3,000 per month, and would have been on the list for about 2 years with no assistance for her. She now is receiving therapy services which have made dramatic changes for her and will put her on tract to mainstream into the public school system. President Bush and the Republicans did nothing to get money into the States to deal with Autism for 8 years.
The Republicans have also forgot to come up a with a common sense approach to immigration, forgot the NAFTA and Free Trade have destroyed our American jobs, and under George W. Bush’s final days decided to spend like idiots with an unreasonable bailout for the financial industry.
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So Mr. Dobbs, your post has some inconsistencies. You complain about fiscal irresponsibility of Bush and the Republican Congress. About them becoming pro big government. A complaint I certainly share.
Is it your contention that the Democrat Congress since 2007 and Obama are fiscally responsible? That the Democrat Congress and Obama are anti big government since coming to office? If you do, I think you are delusional or a very bad liar.
Come on, be honest.
You state that during “Bush’s final days decided to spend like idiots with an unreasonable bailout for the financial industry.” Didn’t a very high proportion of the Democrat controlled House and Senate vote for this bailout? Would have voted against your Speaker Pelosi and financial wizards Barney Frank and Chris Dodd by not voting for TARP. Do you also oppose the bailout of GM and Chrysler and the UAW?
I certainly want a “common sense approach to immigration”. But as you give no specifics, and you being a Democrat, I am assuming you are for amnesty for the 10+ million illegals in this country. Close the borders to trade but allow anyone who can get in to stay is your economic philosophy?
You are specifically against free trade, which even Paul Krugman realizes is a net positive for the US. You would basically want a Smoot-Hawley world trade war again.
Finally, I am glad your child is getting help. But that money comes from taxpayers, not Obama and Democrats. The decision on how to spend Wisconsin State Medicaid money resides with the citizens of Wisconsin and the Democrats they elect. You come across as someone who was bought off by other people’s money. Something I can understand if I was in your shoes and needed care for one of my children.
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I’m curious, Robert, exactly how does the fact that you’re in arrears for over $3900 in child support fit with being fiscally responsible? I did some research on you after learning of your move from Wisconsin to South Carolina. An odd decision I must say, but one I completely understood after what I learned. Apparently, you’ve had some serious legal troubles in Two Rivers over the past year and a few in NC as well. Your bar, Tippys, has been foreclosed on with no payments being made by you for over a year. Apparently, not meeting your own fiscal responsibilities is a habit for you; so I can see why you made the move to the Democratic Party. In addition, there was an allegation of spousal abuse that made the rounds in town. In NC a few years back, you were found in contempt of court not once or twice, but three times for not adhering to court orders. You were also charged with a child custody felony (NC Gen Stat 3-14.1). All of this information is a matter of public record and I will make sure the voting public is fully aware so that they can be educated about the new candidate. I will continue to research and find out what I can since all this info only took me about 45 minutes. I’m interested to see what I can learn about you in a day or two, maybe with a couple phone calls. Good luck in the election.
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WJ,
I have never been bought off, look at how ridiculous your own Republicans are in South Carolina, ie Lindsay Graham, Mark Sanford, Henry Brown (who burns down government land and attempts to use his Congressional seat to intimidate government employees to get off) and so forth.
How would you feel if your child needed therapy services just so she could learn how to verbally communicate her thoughts and couldn’t? My daughter has abilities beyond her age, she’s 4 and at many levels is at a 12 year old level, but she couldn’t speak. What I find is that we blow money on ridiculous pork projects that even Republicans feasted on for 6 years while in control during the Bush Administration and now Democrats do as well, and leave many of the disabled who should get services fall to the wayside. I personally experienced this myself with my daughter!!!!
The Liberal Democrat Congress is not one I would support and as I have stated I am a fiscal conservative. The borders should be closed, ie fence, immigrants who commits crimes and are not citizens should be deported, and develop a plan to get the rest on a path to citizenship or out of the country. Neither Democrats nor Republicans have the intestinal fortitude to do either.
I oppose the bailout of Chrysler and GM because we gave them money to send jobs overseas, why bailout an industry to further erode the American jobs we need so badly. Why bailout the financial industry as well!
Free Trade? Nothing is free and we have huge trade deficits with China, who we now have to beg to buy our Treasury securities. NAFTA is a joke and has destroyed American jobs in Wisconsin, South Carolina, and all over America.
Bottom line is that Bush was a failure as a President and the Republican Congress is no different than what we have now! As I have stated I didn’t leave my fiscal conservative values, the Republicans left mine and Republicans forgot to help those who can’t help themselves, disabled, and rather flush money down the Iraq toilet and gamble the lives of our young men and women. This I know about as well, I was US Army Airborne, SGT/E-5, and now a disabled veteran!!!!
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Mr. Dobbs,
After that last post I did a little research myself. I found your campaign website:
http://www.democracyforamerica.com/campaigns/3328-citizens-for-robert-dobbs
Interesting. I do have a question, however. Your military experience states:
MILITARY EXPERIENCE
Sergeant/E-5 – United States Army Airborne, Ft. Bragg, NC
June 1986 – June 1989
• Directed supply personnel in establishing supply and inventory control management functions. Maintained property under standard property book system (SPBS).
• Reviewed daily and monthly records of issues of petroleum products and operating supplies. Provided technical assistance to equipment records and parts specialist.
• Assisted and advised supply officer and commander.
• Lead an infantry squad and reconnaissance (scout) team during combat operations.
• Supervised tactical deployment of assigned element in offensive, defensive, and retrograde operations.
• Provided tactical and technical guidance to subordinates and professional support to both subordinates and superiors in the accomplishment of their duties.
I was also in the military during this time and I have some issues with your “experience.” First of all, it is clear from your first two bullets that you were in the supply field, not the infantry field. There is simply no way a supply soldier would ever be leading an infantry squad. Also, exactly where was the US involved in “combat operations” between June ‘86 and June ‘89? Please enlighten us.
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I was never charged with a child custody felony, at the time my daughter left my ex-wife to live with me and I had to go to NC to fight and win the custody of my daughter.
The business is still going strong and making it through a bad economy as are most businesses. There is more to the foreclosure action than what you just attempt to make of it. The prior owner was involved in a major sports gambling operation in which I was a witness on and I had to deal with him attempting to destroy the business as a means to get back at me.
Also, never convicted of spousal abuse (my wife and I are still together), because I was falsly charged and the case dismissed. I was a witness in a case in which several law enforcement officers were involved in a sports gambling ring and an attempt was made to come after me.
The arrears in child support are being contested because I did not owe them and in fact my ex-wife still is in arrearage with me.
I had three MOS’s, infantry, supply, and chemical warfare specialist. I did lead a infantry squad as would any E-5 would considering my three MOS’s. I was also the Supply Sergeant and NBC NCO.
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Again, I have difficulty believing you. Three MOSs in a career lasting a paltry three years? You have to attend Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for each one. Almost impossible in only three years, not to mention that each AIT would require a permanent change of station, therefore requiring you to move from Fort Bragg. Sir, excuse me, but you’re full of it. Worst of all, you’re trying to come off as a combat veteran transparently aimed towards boosting a pathetic political career (again, eerily Democrat of you). Care to address the “combat” in which you were allegedly involved? Tough to get out of this one, Mr. Dobbs since the answer is that the 82nd Airborne was not involved in any combat operations between June ‘86 and June ‘89. In fact, between Grenada (23 Oct, 1983) and Panama (Dec 19, 1986) the only real world deployment of which the 82nd was a part was Honduras in 1988. (By the way, a simple fact the voting public can easily google to uncover your lie.) A deployment I happened to be a part of where not a shot was fired. Mr. Dobbs, you’re flat out lying, and lying in a blatant attempt to curry the favor and sympathy of potential voters. South Carolina voters will absolutely not stand for this kind of deceit. I’ll make certain of it.
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There are more than just the 82nd Airborne as airborne units and there were many more operations going on than your “facts”. I am a 20% disabled veteran and don’t really care about your stupidity.
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Obviously there are other airborne units, but not one that you were stationed with were there, Robert Alan Dobbs? I’ve done my homework, you’re the same guy. Either way, understand this: THERE WERE EXACTLY ZERO (that’s none) airborne units stationed at Fort Bragg or anywhere else involved in combat operations during your claimed military career. Solve that, genius. By the way, if you were involved in combat operations, you would have received awards for that service, Combat Infantryman’s Badge (for infantry only of course) and Shoulder Sleeve Insignia to name just two. This claim makes you liable to be prosecuted under the Stolen Valor Act of 2005.
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In response to your post on 4 July at 8:30 pm, you’re simply not being truthful. In fact, you’re distorting the truth just enough to sound credible, but not enough to change the facts. Certainly a disturbing attribute for a budding politician with aspirations of leading a state. Let’s pick apart your claim regarding the custody first:
I have obtained copies of all three court rulings, one of which authorized your ex-spouse to travel to Two Rivers to recover the child (with you being held responsible to reimburse her expenses for doing so), your driver’s privileges being revoked in NC, and, yes, you being held in contempt of court with a NC arrest warrant issued. I also have copies of the WI court throwing out your ex-parte order thus placing you in violation of NC Gen Stat 14-320.1 (my apologies for misquoting the statute previously, but I pulled this directly from the original felony arrest warrant. Yep, found that too.) Better not travel through NC on your way to SC, Mr. Dobbs. You may find yourself actually having to face those charges instead of running from your troubles all the time. I’m sure holding yourself accountable for your actions would feel extremely uncomfortable for such a strong political candidate as yourself.
Also, in response to your allegation of your ex-spouse being in arrears; that must be recent, VERY recent since I have court documentation dated 18 Jun of this year (FYI, that’s 16 days ago) referencing a court hearing held the day prior that states you are indeed in arrears and are required to pay monthly beginning 1 July. (I wonder if I took a peek at your checkbook, would there be a check already written to the NC Child Support Agency? Oh, you were JUST about to get to that, right?) Got anything more recent than that? I doubt it.
On the spousal abuse issue, I have to call you on that as well, since I also happen to have a copy of the paperwork clearly stating that your own wife (Kirstin, if I’m not mistaken (hint: I’m not mistaken), NOT the police department, was the one who claimed the abuse. Again, a fact easily researched on the internet. The fact that you’re still together means little and does nothing to dissuade the public that in every story there’s always a shred of truth. “The charges were dismissed” you say? Make any friends while you served on the City Council? Hmmmmm. There is something that seems to be incredibly difficult for you over the years, Mr. Dobbs; telling the truth.
I have documentation to support everything here. My next step is to call your daughter, currently living in Arizona. I’m curious what she’ll have to say on your behalf. I’m guessing it won’t be flattering, but definitely enlightening and most assuredly educating for SC voters residing in the 1st District.
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Your are actually wrong on all of the above and since you now have exposed yourself as either Michele Burdick or Peter Beckwith, ex-wife and new husband and stepfather of my daughter, who have done nothing but attempt to spread lies and are quite dilusional.
I have documentation as well and guess what slander and defamation are civil torts and seeing you like to put those in writing, you have to live by the sword.
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Robert, thank you for commenting here and good luck with your race.
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Not sure who those two are, but I assure you I would never have put anything in writing that I couldn’t back up with evidence. I’m certain your political opponents would appreciate copies of what I’ve found. It appears “Military Member” might also have a case. I’ve researched his allegations as well and, as it turns out, his information checks out as well. By the way, the Stolen Valor Act is quite an interesting document.
All that said, if Mr. Beckwith or Ms. Burdick is behind Military Member (not sure which one was in the service), either one’s status, current or past, is irrelevant to me. The comments made in their posts above still check out as true and valid.
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I took a closer look at your last post and I now have some new questions.
First, it seems as though you are implying that your disability is combat related. Again with no combat in which to become disabled, this is also very troubling. Were you wounded in combat?
Second, you stated:
“There are more than just the 82nd Airborne as airborne units and there were many more operations going on than your “facts”.
Are you trying to insinuate that you were involved in some sort of “black” unit or operation? The 82nd Abn Div is not a “black” unit, nor does it participate in “black” operations. These types of things are reserved for special units such as Delta or Seal Team 6. Stating that there was a combat action of some sort that occurred during your military career is nothing less than a lie. US Military history is very publicly documented. Even if the unit can’t be identified, the fact that US forces were involved in any combat operation is all over the media and recorded. There simply wasn’t anything in which to be involved in between June 1986 and June 1989. Nothing. Are you claiming to be some sort of secret agent or something?
Mr. Dobbs, I’m not asking you to juggle razorblades here. I’m simply requesting clarification regarding a portion of your resume that YOU posted. Did you post something you never intended to expand upon? If you can’t answer a simple question regarding your own words, how can you possibly expect yourself to survive on the campaign trail? Just answer the question. If you’re being truthful, it shouldn’t anywhere near this difficult to get some type of answer out of you.
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From a legal prospective, keep this in mind: felony kidnapping is a FEDERAL matter if the minor is transported across state lines. I find it impossible that Mr. Dobbs would have his freedom if NC DA, let alone the federal authorities were actively pursuing the case. How did he win custody of his daughter then?
Couldn’t find info on the child support or custody info in detail. NC Family court files involving minor children (and in practically every other state) are not available in detail, for public consumption, over the internet or through a records request unless a legal guardian involved releases the info. Names, dates, case numbers, court docket and few monetary notes but that’s all.
But a simple call to Cumberland County Sherriff Department gave me an answer: there is no active state or federal warrant for Mr. Dobbs. Dobbs was telling the truth and I guess he can feel free to drive through the lovely state of NC. Hmph.
You also fail to grasp the fact that a candidate cannot file and run for a federal seat if he is facing or has been convicted of a felony. Are you familiar with election law? From a purely analytical and legal standpoint, you just lost a huge argument and are doing neither Brown or the voter any service.
Dug a little more:
Checked out his business info, and he is still running. There is a Ch. 11 reorganization filing in federal court and no longer a forclosure matter. Ch. 11 requires you to keep the business operational. That checked out for Mr. Dobbs.
The explicit detail of personal matters leads me to believe you are directly involved in personal matter with Mr. Dobbs that you are clearly unhappy about and are now bringing to a political forum. Read your posts, we can figure it out. How the heck would you know where his daughter lives?
If the facts checked out, you would have had me. But you are
0-2 , it ticks me off and frankly I’ll pass on anything other than SC politics going forward.
Do you think voters cannot find objective information outside of a forum?
Politics is game for gentlemen and clearly you need to return to your sandbox.
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CarolinaBelle,
“From a legal prospective, keep this in mind: felony kidnapping is a FEDERAL matter if the minor is transported across state lines. I find it impossible that Mr. Dobbs would have his freedom if NC DA, let alone the federal authorities were actively pursuing the case.”
- Actually, there are both state and federal felonies, hence the cited NC Gen Statute. You are correct, however, that Mr. Dobbs was never convicted of that felony. Since it was only a NC state felony, it carries no jurisdiction into Wisconsin. States often throw out warrants if they are too expensive or time consuming to execute. I believe this qualifies, but it doesn’t change the fact that he was indeed investigated and a warrant issued.
“Couldn’t find info on the child support or custody info in detail. NC Family court files involving minor children (and in practically every other state) are not available in detail, for public consumption, over the internet or through a records request unless a legal guardian involved releases the info. Names, dates, case numbers, court docket and few monetary notes but that’s all.”
- In fact this information is available. Again, you are correct detailed information is not available through online searches, but enough is there to make a few creative phone calls and exercise the Freedom of Information Act. I do have the benefit of some well-placed friends and routinely make it my business to educate myself on every candidate for public office as every citizen ought to do prior to casting a vote.
“You also fail to grasp the fact that a candidate cannot file and run for a federal seat if he is facing or has been convicted of a felony.”
- Again, I never stated he had been convicted, only that there was a warrant issued for the charge. I’m sure you’re not so naive to think that EVERY candidate is fully investigated. Just take a look at the current political incumbents country-wide.
“Checked out his business info, and he is still running. There is a Ch. 11 reorganization filing in federal court and no longer a forclosure matter. Ch. 11 requires you to keep the business operational. That checked out for Mr. Dobbs.”
- Great. Again, this doesn’t change the fact that he purchased a business and then proceeded to make no payments. How is that meeting with financial responsibilities? By the way, Tippy’s WAS foreclosed on 1 May of this year.
“How the heck would you know where his daughter lives?”
- Please pay attention. I HAVE THE COURT DOCUMENTS. Whether an oversight or not, her name is clearly stated as the minor child on every custody document. That’s how I obtained her name. Where she lives? Easy, I just made a few inquiries at the post office and found that she had recently submitted a change of address form from NC to AZ. Please try to keep up, this is not rocket science.
I understand your concern regarding politics. I share that same concern, which is why I’m smoking out Mr. Dobbs. I will not argue on this post any longer. I indeed have the evidence to back up all of this and will post it for all to see and send the facts to everyone who might be able to use it to get the truth out. You can argue with a blogger, however I will ensure Mr. Dobbs answers every one of these facts during his campaign. You’re most certainly entitled to your opinion, but I can back up my statements up with proof. Look for this proof to be presented at the most inopportune time for Mr. Dobbs.
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No comment on your alleged “combat operations” Mr. Dobbs? Can you at least tell us whether you received a CIB for your duty? Which campaign medal did you pin on your chest? I’m sure we won’t hear anything else regarding your world of military make believe. Don’t worry, I didn’t think so. Believe me when I tell you that I’ll make absolutely certain this issue won’t go away for you until you provide irrefutable evidence of your claim of wartime experience. If it’s true, I will gladly thank you for your service and be on my way. If not, however, rest assured I will not allow you to disrespect the men who’ve given their lives in this nation’s defense and are unable to tell their stories themselves. It is their sacrifices you’re trampling if you’re lying.
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Military Member,
I am considering running against Henry Brown in the upcoming election.
Enclosed is an extract from my resume.
Please run your due diligence audit on me and let me what you find.
V/R
Colonel Robert D. Burton
December 2002 – May 2003 (Deployed) Deputy Commander and Commander, 405th Air Expeditionary Group, Sultanate of Oman
February 2004 – Oct 2006 Reserve Chief, Air Force Operations Group, Current Operations Division, Headquarters Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia
October 2006 – April 2007 Detachment Commander (Deployed), Headquarters 2nd Air Force, Fort Bragg, North Carolina
April 2007 – September 2007 Action Officer, Air Force Quadrennial Defense Review Office, Office of the Vice Chief of Staff, Headquarters Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia
October 2007 – March 2009 Operations Chief, Core Element Bravo, Standing Joint Task Force Headquarters, Joint Forces Command, Norfolk Naval Station, Norfolk, Virginia
February 2008 – November 2008 (Deployed) Director of Operations (J-3), Task Force Ramadi, Multi-National Force West, Camp Ramadi, Al Anbar Province, Republic of Iraq
March 2009 – Present Individual Mobilization Augmentee to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Reserve Affairs, Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia
June 2009 – Present (Deployed) Chief of Combat Operations, NORAD – Continental Region, 601st Combined Air & Space Operations Center, Tyndall AFB, Fl
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Rating: Command Pilot
Hours flown: More than 10,000
Aircraft flown: C-130, T-37, T-38, KC-10, C-26,
B-727, B-737, B-757, B-767, B-777
MILITARY CAMPAIGNS
Urgent Fury, Grenada – October 1983
Just Cause, Panama – December 1989
Desert Storm, Kuwait – January 1991
Enduring Freedom – January 2003
Iraqi Freedom – March 2003
Iraqi Freedom – March 2008
Noble Eagle July – 2009
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman Basic July 9th, 1977
Airman January 9th, 1978
Airman 1st Class October 23rd, 1978
Senior Airman October 23rd, 1979
Second Lieutenant May 27h, 1981
First Lieutenant July 18th, 1983
Captain July 18th, 1987
Major May 15th, 1995
Lieutenant Colonel October 1st, 2002
Colonel August 1st, 2007
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Bronze Star
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal
Air Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters
Aerial Achievement Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal
Army Commendation Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal
Army Achievement Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Southwest Asia Service Medal
Iraqi Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
Kuwait Liberation Medal – Saudi Arabia
Kuwait Liberation Medal – Kuwait
SECURITY CLEARANCE INFORMATION
SCI DCID 1/14 Eligible
Type Clearance: Single Scope Background Investigation
Clearance Date: 03 Feb 2006
CIVILIAN EMPLOYER
B-777 Pilot, Delta Air Lines
John F. Kennedy Airport, Jamaica, New York
PUBLIC SERVICE
• Democratic candidate for the Adjutant General of South Carolina – 1998
• South Carolina Housing, Finance, & Development Authority Commissioner 1999 – 2003
• Steering Committee Member for Bill Richardson’s Presidential Campaign – 2008
HOME
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
FAMILY
Married to the former Nancy Reid Player of Columbia, SC
Two Daughters
• English Ann Burton – 24
• Lauren Elizabeth Burton – 19
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Mr. Burton,
That’s quite a bit to check. Keep in mind that my insight into Dobbs’ deceiptful resume is drawn from my own experiences. I was in the same unit he was during the same time frame. That experience allowed me to notice blatantly obvious lies he is trying to pass off as his “military experience,” especially his fraudulent combat experience he is claiming.
Additionally, since Dobbs implies that his disabled veteran status is due to combat action (not only my perception, but several others as well), it is important to note that his disability is due to being a “hung jumper” during an airborne training event AND the investigation (conducted for all malfunctions during training airborne ops) found that it was due to jumper error. Basically, his injury was his own fault.
Now, to your resume. I would assume based on the fact that you were running for elected office in 1998, you are in the reserves, rather than active duty.
I would also note that Operation Noble Eagle changed to Enduring Freedom prior to July 2009. That raises a question. Also, if you indeed served in Afghanistan, one award you may have overlooked is the Aghanistan Campaign Medal.
Again, this is a cursory review. I am not, by any means, up to speed on the US Air Force (Bless you hearts for the things you’ve gotten me out of, however).
Lastly, it seems you and I served in Panama together. Where were you?
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Military Member,
You are absolutely correct. I am a Reservist. I left active duty after the first Gulf War and went to work for Delta Air Lines.
Enduring Freedom was of course Afghanistan, but since I never landed there, I never qualified for the award of that campaign medal. I forget what the specific requirements are, but I know that I am not qualified for the award.
From my perspective, Afghanistan was nothing but brown mud, except for the beautiful snow capped mountains. There were very few lights on at night anywhere in Afghanistan.
Iraq was brown as well, but my time there was on the ground.
I’m confused about what you said about Noble Eagle as it is a continuing mission we are still perform. It is the mission to protect the CONUS from another 9-11 attack. Here is the Wikipedia reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Noble_Eagle.
I have two different connections to Panama. I was stationed there in the early eighties. Nancy and I lived on Albrook Air Force Station and was a navigator on a very interesting mission. My second connection to Panama was when I piloted air refueling missions out of CONUS to Panama ISO Operation Just Cause.
I think we probably have more of a connection through the 82nd Airborne, Pope AFB, and Bragg. We use to take you folks out to the big drop zones north of Bragg all the time. I also flew a few missions out of that triangular shaped airfield west of Bragg.
Later I came back to Bragg to train all the deployers in the 2007 PRT cycle. I was the DETCO for the AF PRT folks and 2nd AF’s LNO to CAPOC & JASOC.
I was also a Brigade ALO a long time ago. Have you had much contact with the AF’s TACP community?
So tell me about the tight spots the Air Force has gotten you out of.
V/R
Robert
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Gotcha on the Noble Eagle reference. It seems when Bush changed the name it only applied to the operation overseas.
It’s very possible you may have piloted a drop for me on one of those Bragg DZs. I’ve been on Bragg for the majority of my career, first in the 80s with the 82d, then in the SOF community. In 7th SFG we worked closely with the TACP guys, in my current unit not as much.
I can tell you about one incident in AF when you guys helped me out. We were north of Khowst (myself and 8 others) operating in the mountains near the village of Kantiwa when we were getting some harassing fire from the ridge lines. Even with our NVGs we couldn’t quite pin down their locations and we couldn’t really move freely enough to do what we needed to. We called in an AC-130 to assist and they absolutely lambasted the area from which we were taking fire. Never heard another peep out of them. Just one example.
Thanks for your service and good luck in the election.
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Hello all, I know it might be a little late to say this…but…I am Robert Dobbs’ daughter. For whoever is bringing up the whole federal kidnapping or whatever, UNTRUE. My dad and Kirstin actually took me under their wing when I needed some help. Everyone has family issues, some are more complicated than others. They did a lot for me during that time, which was YEARS ago. Living on my own has been the best for everyone, I brought a lot of trouble into the household but I’m glad he did let me live with him when i asked for help.
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