Sarge, whose full name is Robert John Shano, was born on June 26, 1951 to Albert and Gloria Shano at the Saint Cabrini Memorial Hospital in New York City. He and his three sisters and a younger brother grew up together in a small apartment in the south Bronx.

In 1968, at the age of 17, Sarge dropped out of school and voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Army. He attended basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey and completed his advanced training at Fort Bliss, Texas. While on active duty, he served in both Europe and the Far East as an Infantry soldier. In 1982, Sarge left the active Army and moved to Oregon.

In 1983, he entered the Oregon Army National Guard and became the Platoon Sergeant of an Infantry Rifle Platoon. He transfered to the Army Reserves in 1985 to become a senior instructor. In 1987, he left the service and opened a paintball park.

Shortly after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Sarge reenlisted in the Army Reserve and joined Force Protection for Operation Noble Eagle.  On March 4, 2004, he deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom.  In 2007, he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.  Today, he remains on active drill status with his Army Reserve unit in Vancouver, Washington.


MILITARY SERVICE HISTORY

Inclusive Service Dates:
U.S. Army: 1968-1973
U.S. Army: 1975-1982
Army National Guard: 1983-1985
U.S. Army Reserve: 1985-1987
U.S. Army Reserve: 2002-Present:

Rank:
Master Sergeant E-8

Primary Job Title:
Infantry Platoon Sergeant

Additional Job Titles:
Fire Team Leader
Rifle Squad Leader
Infantry Scout Section NCOIC
Mobile Collection Team NCOIC
Ammunition Chief
Training NCO
Sentry Dog Handler
Military Customs Inspector

Teaching Experience:
Patrolling and Small Unit Tactics
Rappelling
Urban Warfare
Land Navigation
Hand-to-Hand Combat
Close Range Marksmanship

Awards and Decorations:
Combat Action Badge
Bronze Star Medal
Army Commendation Medal
Joint Service Achievement Medal
Army Achievement Medal
Good Conduct Medal
Army Reserve Achievement Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Korea Defense Service Medal
Armed Forces Reserve Medal
NCO Professional Development Ribbon
Overseas Service Ribbon
Army Service Ribbon
NATO Medal
Joint Meritorious Unit Award
Army Superior Unit Award