A Lifelong Connection to Scouting
In December 2012, Robert spoke to Scouts, Cub Scouts, and their families at St. John Bosco Catholic School in San Antonio about perseverance and the lasting importance of the Scout Law.
The Alamo Area Council article identified Robert as the first blind Eagle Scout in Bexar County. At the time, he was a third-year law student at St. Mary's University.
Robert began Scouting at age eight and credited the program with providing a foundation for many of his later accomplishments and his commitment to service.
Service and Accomplishments
Robert's Eagle Scout service project collected more than 4,000 pounds of food for the San Antonio Food Bank.
The profile also highlighted his service with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. By that time, Robert had graduated from the Coast Guard's Instructor Development School and had received several Coast Guard commendations and service awards.
The article also noted his distinction as the first blind person to complete a Coast Guard basic indoctrination training course.
Beyond Scouting and Law
The profile described Robert as having a wide range of interests and experiences. In addition to his work in Scouting, law, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary, he was described as a singer-songwriter and guitar player, an amateur radio operator, and someone who had participated in activities including skydiving, bungee jumping, and water skiing.
A Message About the Scout Law
During his presentation, Robert encouraged young Scouts to think of the Scout Law as something to carry into everyday life rather than simply something to memorize.
He emphasized that Scouting had helped shape the person he became and encouraged the Scouts in attendance to see the program as a source of skills, values, and habits that could remain useful throughout their lives.