Robert was born on December 28, 1981, in San Jose, California. In October of 1985 he and his family moved to Spotsylvania, Virginia. At the age of 7, he joined Cub Scout Pack 358 sponsored by the Knights of Pythias in Spotsylvania, Virginia. While in Cub Scouts, Robert earned the Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos awards as well as the accompanying arrow points. Robert also earned 14 belt loops, 22 activity pins, which represent all activities available, and a soccer letter. In January, 1993, Robert earned the Arrow of Light award, which is the highest Cub Scout award and the only award allowed to be carried forward and worn on the Boy Scout Uniform.

In January, 1993, Robert crossed over into Boy Scouts with his admission into Boy Scout Troop 171, sponsored by Chancellor Baptist Church in Spotsylvania, VA. As a member of Troop 171, Robert earned the rank of Scout on February 2, 1993, Tenderfoot on June 29, 1993, 2nd Class on August 10, 1993, 1st Class on November 30, 1993, Star on May 17, 1994, Life on November 18, 1994, and finally Eagle on December 7, 1995.

Robert's Service Project for Eagle was to design and build a physical fitness course for Courthouse Road Elementary School in Spotsylvania, Virginia. The course consisted of fourteen activity stations that included pull-up bars with 3 levels, parallel bars with 2 levels, a rope/pole climb, balance beam, ring cross with 2 levels, a climbing wall, jogging station, vertical jump, sit-up bench, tire run, 2 sets of tire hurdles, leg raise station, and a long jump. A total of 32 people worked on the project and logged 315 hours.

Robert's Personal Statement for Eagle documents his ambitions and life purposes and lists the positions he held in his religious institution, school, camp, and community where he demonstrated leadership skills. It also lists honors and awards received during this service.