Robert attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville on a track scholarship. He was a nine time lettermen in track and cross country, participating in three national championships and was a cadet in the Air Force ROTC. Upon graduation in 1998, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force and assigned to Little Rock Air Force Base. At his first assignment Lieutenant Dickie quickly got to work collaborating with seasoned non-commissioned officers, leading an overhaul of every aspect of vehicle operations. In doing so he set the standards for the Air Force which enabled his unit to be named the best unit in the Air Force. He was hand selected by General Paul Fletcher to serve as his assistant executive officer and was a planning liaison officer at Little Rock AFB during the Clinton Administration for all Presidential and Vice Presidential visits. He then took over responsibility for the largest aerial delivery support element in the Air Force leading over 117 personnel which supported local training and worldwide deployments. His accomplishments at Little Rock AFB led him to be named the base company grade officer of the year in 1999, the Air Force Athlete of the Year in 1999 and twice named the logistics officer of the year. Robert was promoted to First Lieutenant and reported to Hickam AFB, Hawaii after 9-11 to work in the Pacific Airlift Management Office overseeing airlift requirements for the entire Pacific region. He coordinated major exercises around the region with foreign governments while simultaneously working the deployment of troops and assets to Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Philippines for the war on terrorism directly supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Upon promotion to Captain, Robert was asked by General William Begert, Commander of the Pacific Air Forces to be his personal Aide-de-Camp. Serving directly for General Begert was the highlight and most influential time in his military career. Captain Dickie planned and executed many high level visits throughout the Pacific and continental United States. On these visits he was able to facilitate meetings and interface with ambassadors, defense ministers, host nation leaders, and major media outlets around the country. On many visits to Washington DC he met with members of Congress and Pentagon officials. He was in daily contact with the highest levels of US Government, foreign militaries, and civilian and industry leaders. Education 1998 BA University of Tennessee 2001 MS Industrial Engineering University of Arkansas 2011 Harvard Business School, Executive Program Military Education 1998 Transportation Officers School - Lackland AFB 2002 Contingency Wartime Planners Course - Maxwell AFB 2002 Squadron Officers School- Maxwell AFB Major Accomplishments and Decorations 1998 Air Force Vehicle Operations Unit of the Year 1999 Air Force Athlete of the Year 1999 LRAFB Company Grade Officer of the Year 1999 and 2000 314th Logistics Group Company Grade Officer of the Year 2003 3rd American Finisher Boston Marathon Air Force Commendation Medal (one device) Air Force Achievement Medal Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Air Force Organizational Excellence Award National Defense Service Award