Cmdr. Robert L. Smith

Brooklyn, NY

United States Coast Guard Commander

At Brooklyn's Flatbush Boys Club, future Coast Guard Commander Robert Smith gained the confidence to dream big. Knowing Robert would benefit from its safe supervision and positive male role models, a school counselor introduced him to the Club. There, Robert thrived under the guidance of a Club tutor and loved to swim in the Club's pool. Commander Smith's many contributions to the Coast Guard include providing service and support to more than 2,000 personnel in northern California and successfully developing the Coast Guard's Diversity Strategy.  He has also developed numerous mentoring programs for middle and high school youth.