About
Rob Akers Bibliography
Born on April 6, 1969 in Little Rock, Arkansas and he moved with his family to Collierville, Tennessee in 1979. Graduated from Collierville High School in 1987 and attending Arkansas State University graduating in 1991. While at Arkansas State, Rob was a resident advisor for two years, heavily involved in intermural sports and serving as the Indian Mascot in 1991. He graduated with a B.S. in Psychology.
Following graduation he decided on a career in aviation. Visiting the Air Force recruiter in June 1991, he was told that he would never be an Air Force Pilot because his grades were too low (2.2 GPA/2.5 GPA in his major), he had never flown an airplane before and because the military was cutting back following the first Gulf War. Undaunted, Rob began his journey to prove the recruiter wrong and in the process achieve his dream. He worked for six months on a dock in Memphis loading/unloading trucks earning money to begin his flight lessons. In November 1991, he went to Kennett, Missouri to live with his grandmother and to learn to fly at the local airport. In February 1992, he had earned his Private Pilot License.
Complete with his pilot license, he began the second phase of his journey. Enrolling at the University of Memphis in an effort to prove he was able to find success in the academic world. After completing a year undergraduate studies, a year of Graduate School complete with a 3.7 GPA, and earning his Instrument Rating and Commercial Pilot License he returned to the Air Force recruiter’s office ready to prove the world wrong. A new recruiter accepted his application and he entered a brave new world. He met his first pilot selection board in September 1995 and was rejected for a pilot position. The next board was scheduled to meet in January 1996 but Rob pressed forward on his own plan. He called every Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Unit in the country and within a month, he had scheduled 6 interviews. The first one was Charleston, West Virginia in October. He was hired that weekend to fly C-130 aircraft and sworn into the Air Force in December 1995.
Starting pilot training in May 1996 just as he completed the requirements for a Master’s degree in Instruction and Curriculum Design. Training at several Air Force bases and a Navy base he earned his Wings from Corpus Christi Naval Air Station in March 1998. During the next 9 years, he upgraded in minimal time from Co-Pilot, to Aircraft Commander to Instructor Pilot. Flying to 5 different continents, over 30 countries and 45 US states, his mission was complete but the trek was ongoing. He served in Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq during those 9 years earning 4 Air Medals, 2 Aerial Achievement Medals and 2 Meritorious Service Medals in additional to several others. In 2004, while he was in the Air Guard, he was hired at FedEx as a pilot. Spending all 9 years on the 727, he has worked from the Flight Engineer seat, First Officer seat and is currently a Captain on the jet. In 2007, he separated from the Air Guard in part because he found that he was no longer evolving. He had lost his passion and true to his core he knew it was time to let someone else have his seat.
Personally, he met the former Donetta Copley of Huntington, West Virginia in late August 2000. They dated on and off for the next two years until Rob got his act straight. They married July 5th 2002. Their daughter was born on June 21st 2004 and their son on August 27th 2007. They have two dogs and a cat; making their home in Culloden, West Virginia. He now serves the country in the roles of Husband, Father, Friend, Neighbor, and Tax Payer.
Dedicated, Loyal, Enduring, Hardworking and more than his fair share of Humanity he keeps his eyes focused on the final goal. He has tried to live his life by example, never telling others what to do but showing them by actions. His writing ideology follows this simple philosophy and his writing interests include the military, real sports, fantasy sports, movies, music, books, aviation, family matters and life issues. He is an unashamed Christian, patriot and his love for Arkansas State University is second to none.
Say hi anytime,
robakers 
Rob– How wonderful to know more about WHO you are.
By the way,I was also a RA as an undergrad. That experience along with being a peer advisor prompted me to complete my MA in higher ed. I worked in that field up until a year ago until the passion waned and the burnout increased. I left to pursue writing. How incredibly frightening.
Your bio information adds a depth to what I read from you. “The man behind the words.” So glad you contribute to the board and I get to read your creative stories.
Rob, I will be back to review, read and digest your post I am quite interested in your accomplishments and your writings. I think just at a glance that I am going to enjoy getting to know you and your style of writing. I may even delve into some answers to some of your questions. Take care…sp
Thank you for the visit. You are welcome here anytime. I highly encourage all of my friends to check out sean’s page. He has a skill that is rare. He is one of the few people in the world that can kill with skill and words. Very Cool.
Thanks Rob for sharing. I loved your stories you shared at camp that year, and I’m looking forward to reading your stories here. You are a wonderful story teller. And a wonderful man – I love you and your family very much.
Thanks Emma. I can see that my powers as your “Fearless Leader” are having an effect.
Thank you for everything as well. Love you and Steve!
Hi Rob,
Kris from Murder Lab here. It’s great to see you on the site – I think we can use your unique expertise! Actually, your intro post gave me an idea I’d like to discuss with you. Would you be interested in participating in a “Find an Expert” section of the website? Basically, I’m going to set up a section where people with expertise in fields that can be of interest to thriller readers and writers can say “hi, I’m so-and-so, and I’m a professional [fill in the blank].” Then, when people are writing and they really need to understand (for example) what happens if the engine of a 757 stalls, they would ask – you! I see this as a win-win for both parties, as it will help the author write his chapter while also driving traffic to your website and getting your name out there. So please let me know if you’re interested…
You can e-mail me at kris@kristenelisephd.com for details. Cheers and congratulations on a cool webpage.
Kris
BTW, there is a typo in the link you provided – you forgot to include the //.www before the wordpress blog, so the link doesn’t work. I can’t edit your comment, but maybe you can? Otherwise you can always add another comment to correct it. Thanks 🙂
Delighted to have the opportunity to read this and to get to know a little bit about you. You were the first (and only so far) to comment on my new blog. I have one up and running that’s been around for a while (www.lifeinthegym.wordpress.com). I’m a gym rat and honest to goodness there’s always something interesting/funny/curious to talk about regarding that hang-out spot of mine. The funny thing is that I have a hard time staying on topic sometimes and my passion for fitness and for our country and those who serve in the military are forever blending together. I just did a post dedicated to the Pararescuemen and my Inspired by Chris Kyle entry on the new blog was copied from my gym blog. Luckily my readers put up with me. They seem content to let me wave my flag and do my military appreciation/tribute pieces along with my exercise stuff. Sometimes I publish there and have a feeling they’re reading along saying “Oh goodness…there she goes again.” Guess that’s why it’s nice to have a space you control. You can do whatever you want (I’m clearly drunk with power). The new blog is so I can put more of that type of thing out there without alienating the folks who just want gym talk. Lovely to have run into you here on WordPress!
Thanks for joining in the fun over here. I really appreciate that you chose to honor the heroes of the military. Keep up the great work, and stay strong in the gym. I agree the best thing about the blog is that it is a free space to say what is on your mind. If someone doesn’t like it, then they don’t read. Plain and simple.
I always speak from the heart and I try to vary the subject matter. For a couple of reasons. The first is that I want to show that I am more than just a one topic person. I like many things and they may or may not be natural connections. The second is that I want to give my kids a glimpse of who I am as a person at this time in life. In 30 years when I am old and dead, I hope they can have a new appreciation for the man that yells at them a lot. The third reason is that I am writing a book, and on the off chance that it is successful, I want my readers to have the ability to know what I was about before fame and riches ruined me.
I hope that you find this blog to be a comfortable spot where everyone is welcome.
Hey Rob,
Just a quick note to let you know that I enjoyed your page and look forward to following your work. Thanks again for the comment earlier.
Thank you sir. I hope you find some new friends and valuable contacts on this side of the blogosphere. Make yourself at home.
Hi Rob! I’ve been reading your blog and I’ve enjoyed it quite a bit. I don’t know if you’re into the chain letter thing, but I’ve nominated you for a Liebster award. Take care! Check out the link here: http://dlfwriting.com/2013/02/26/the-liebster-award/
David,
I am extremely honored and thankful for you and the fact that you think I deserve this award. I really appreciate you. You have a great site and one that I use as a resource for all of my writing needs. I am a huge fan of your other site, http://outsidetheredzone.com
Great work and thank you again
rob
Thanks Rob! I’m glad I could help. Like I said, I’ve really enjoyed your work too. Judging by your last post, we may have been in Disney at the same time! My trip was much shorter, considering a short drive up from Miami. Take care!
I think I was the one holding up all the lines. Sorry about that.
Thanks for the follow. I was an airman for six years and proud of it!
Much success to you although it seems that whatever you set your mind to you accomplish! Good for you!! Keep on keepin’ on…
Thanks for offering a great site full of all the information I need.
Where did you serve and what did you do in the USAF?
Don’t give me too much credit. Last year I was determined to win the baseball championship. I bought a magazine and everything. I finished 11 out of 12. But I wasn’t last so I feel better.
Hopefully our site will change where you finish in your league this year. Have you already had your darft? If you have, then please feel free to contact me at fantasyfurnace@yahoo.com. If you haven’t drafted yet, please check out our players to avoid drafting articles and sleepers to watch as well. And good luck to you this season!
I was a chef when I entered the Air Force and after I re-upped I went to school in Texas and became an accountant. I was stationed in Fort Lee Va. ( quartermasters school), then Greece for 13 months, folllwed by England for three years, and finally San Bernadino, Ca.
I have nominated you for a Versatile Blogger Award – as good as your blog is you’ve probably already gotten one!
Wow. Thank you, I accept with humility. I do go out of my way to change the topic of the day. I think it keeps the blog flowing when the topic changes. I do tend to focus on military, politics and sports as the main topics. But I am a guy and those are things that hold my interest.
If I was a talented as you, I would talk more about writing and Christianity. I think you have a great site and I love what you add to the world. Keep smiling. I will do a post sometime in the future to document this award and David’s award of the Liebster Award. Thanks again!
Hey Rob,
Sorry I haven’t gotten back with you, busy week. I have also been trying to find some info on the Liebster Award you nominated me for so I can respond appropriately – have any more info than what you’ve already shared? Thanks again.
No worries. I think everyone is busy this time of year. I do not have any additional information on the Liebster Award. In fact until David nominated me for it, I had never heard of it. I followed his rules for my post if that helps. I appreciate you and your writing. I think you have a real talent and I enjoy everything you put out. Im glad you found your way over to Joe/s site, the crossovertest. It is nice to see your comments out there in the blogosphere.
Hey there. I enjoyed your blog and was so happy you followed us. It made our day! Also, I dig your heart, your flavor, your attitude, and your love for the Lord.
-Tasha, The Bridge Chicago
Tasha,
Thank you for the wonderful comments. For some reason, I cannot get this to appear in the comment list. Hopefully, this will be resolved soon.
Keep up the good work out there!
rob
You’re welcome. Thank you for your encouragement!
-Tasha, The Bridge Chicago
Thanks for the follow Rob. I’m looking forward to what your section of The Legend of Tim Higglemottham. ~Erica
Erica,
I followed your lead but I brought Tim’s biological dad into the story. His dad is nothing like me, he is the dad that all boys wished they had.
Here are some teaser lines.
“Sorry, I’m late.” Dad smiled behind his thick beard and bear-hugged Tim.
“Its okay, how was Afghanistan?”
“Productive.” Said SEAL Team Six Veteran Timothy Higgelmottham III.
Hope it works. I guess we will find out next week…
Oh that’s just down right dirty. I have so many things running around in my head right now. And if you’re going where I think you are, there is some drama to be had in poor little Tim’s life. I like it.
Ha Ha.
I didn’t introduce the drama in little Timmy’s life. But he will get the tools to make things more even. I like it too. By the way, I sent my submission to Josh this afternoon so my part of the story is complete.
Hey, I liked the way you fought back to realise your dream on being an aviator. Not many people would have had the courage to fight back under such circumstances. Cheers 🙂
Thank you for the warm comment. I did fight to keep the dream alive, and ultimately was rewarded by life for some hard work. But if I had done the right things when I was young, I would not have been put into a position that required that struggle.
I really appreciate you taking the time to make a comment. It is very re-affirming that there are wonderful people like you out there in the world. I hope these comments find you is a good place. Cheers!
Dude, is that driver in the gravatar THOU?
Live and in color.
You’ve been nominated! Click http://palinodiae.wordpress.com/2014/05/01/liebster/ for details. Thanks for the stories and kindness.
NIce to meet you Rob! Looks like you are a very diverse man with lots of interesting things to write about. I’ve enjoyed what I’ve read so far and will definitely have to come back and explore some more! Blessings.
Heather,
Welcome and please make yourself at home. I really appreciate the warm comments. I am blessed in so many ways and please join Abby and all the others in making sure I dont get too full of myself. Ha ha.
Ha ha! Will do my best 😉
Really cool blog! My grandfather was a self-starter pilot (he and a friend built their own plane). He trained pilots for the military and worked for Pan Am and Avianca for many years. I loved his stories about flying, so your blog feels very much like “home!” Thanks so much for sharing with us!
Casey,
Thank you for stopping by and looking around. My primary focus on the blog is to make a place where visitors feel welcome to jump in and start participating. I really appreciate your comment about it feeling like a home. Thank You.
Very cool about your father and his experience training pilots. If you want, run over to this site and check out Karlene. She is fantastic and she used to be in instructor at Pan Am. She might know your dad. If you tell her that I sent you, she will charge you triple for that cup of coffee.
http://karlenepetitt.blogspot.com/
Great ‘About’ page. It’s motivating for anyone who’s been told ‘no’.
Thanks Jacqui for the comment. Lately I have been doing my own motivation techniques on my kids. “No.”, “No, don’t touch that.”, “I said No, already.”, “If I say No again, you are grounded.”
It isn’t going so well so I am now just saying. “Go ask your mother.”
Thank for stopping by “That Senior Year” and following my posts. I appreciate it. I look forward to hearing what you have to say.
Steph,
I also appreciate you taking the time too look around my side of the internet. Make yourself at home.
rob
Hi Rob,
I read through some your blog posts and found them interesting and intriguing. I must admit, you are braver than most people for speaking authentically about the world and its controversial issues. I applaud that even if I don’t agree with all of your positions but then where would we be if everyone agree 100% with everyone else. Challenging opinions is a healthy interaction when done with common decency. Let me also say; I appreciate your service. It is men like you who have secured all of us the right to speak and to disagree; not to mention – keeping us safe. Thank you on all fronts.
I’m glad you decided to take a stroll through the Cow Pasture. Welcome to the fence jumpers.
@sheilamgood at Cow Pasture Chronicles
Thank you for the warm welcome to hang out on your side of the pasture.
Also, thank you for the very kind words about my little side of the world. I am so happy that my honesty and open approach didn’t come off as pretentious or self-serving. I might be a lot of things but those two traits couldn’t be farther from who I want to be.
As far as my service to the nation, please know that I got far more out of the experience than I could have ever imagined.
As an aside, I have a wealth of experience in aviation and I am more than happy to share it with you or anyone else who might need insiders knowledge in your writing. If you or any of your friends or followers are writing something that deals with manned flight or military subjects and your not sure if you have the right details, please ask.
rob
My pleasure and thanks for offering your expertise.
” Living life by example.” Love that part. Keep up the good work.
I spend a lot of time writing, but not near enough reading! If I was undeterred by the ‘your grades are too low’ USAF and Academy recruiters like you – maybe I would have flown like I waned to and had an entirely different experience!
Keep writing, and I’ll read more. Thanks for all that you did, and do.
To be very blunt, I am probably not smart enough to have become a pilot. Have I been born in Russia, I would be working in the salt mines but I was fortunate enough to have been born in a country that allows for people to fake it. Ha ha.
I didn’t succeed by talent but by hard work and lots of luck.
Keeping it real!