Help Bring a U.S. Marine Veteran Home: Support Clemency for Robin Smith Jr.

Robin Smith Jr.’s story is not just his own—it is a deeply human tale of sacrifice, struggle, and the potential for redemption. As a decorated United States Marine Corps veteran, Robin served his country with honor and bravery, enduring the horrors of war in hostile territories. However, like thousands of other veterans, Robin returned home with the invisible wounds of war—severe PTSD—that went untreated, leaving him to face immense challenges in reintegrating into civilian life.

In 2014, Robin was sentenced to 27 years in prison for Hobbs Act Robbery and Conspiracy to Commit Hobbs Act Robbery. He has already served a decade of this sentence. While he fully accepts responsibility for his actions, Robin has spent every day of his incarceration proving that he is more than his mistakes. He has undergone an extraordinary journey of rehabilitation and growth, becoming a model inmate, a mentor, and a source of inspiration to others. Despite this, his family continues to suffer the profound absence of a husband, father, son, and brother.

This petition calls on the President of the United States to grant clemency to Robin Smith Jr., allowing him the opportunity to return home, reunite with his family, and contribute positively to society. By signing this petition, you are not only advocating for Robin’s release but also taking a stand for veterans who deserve better support and recognition for their sacrifices.

Robin’s Rehabilitation and Contributions

During his ten years of incarceration, Robin has exemplified the ideals of rehabilitation. His achievements include:

• Impeccable Conduct: Over a decade of incarceration without a single disciplinary infraction.
• Skills Training: Completion of HVAC certification and six years of work in the prison HVAC program.
• Veteran Leadership: Leading workout groups for fellow veterans and participating in the FCI Cumberland Veterans Service FIT Program, fostering discipline and camaraderie among his peers.
• Therapeutic Growth: Robin has undergone extensive therapy to address his severe PTSD, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy, and continues to manage his condition with medication and support.
• Community and Spiritual Engagement: As a Piscataway Indian, Robin actively participates in cultural and spiritual ceremonies, such as the American Indian smoking pipe and sweat lodge ceremonies and is highly respected within the prison’s American Indian community.
• Ministry and Advocacy: Serving as an ambassador for Robs Goddess Inc., a ministry supporting prison wives and inmates, Robin has demonstrated his dedication to uplifting others and advocating for rehabilitation.

The Impact of His Absence

Robin’s family has endured unimaginable hardship during his incarceration. His loving wife, Ashlee, has spent the last decade raising their three children—Hailee (18), Rhylee (16), and Jeremyah (12)—on her own. Hailee and Rhylee, though not his biological daughters, have always been cherished and treated as his own, while Jeremyah has spent his formative years longing for his father’s presence. The emotional and financial toll on the family has been devastating, with milestones, birthdays, holidays, and everyday moments rendered incomplete without Robin.

Robin’s parents, now advancing in age, have also suffered deeply from his absence. As the eldest son, he was a pillar of guidance and support for his family, including his younger brothers, who have struggled to maintain their direction without him. His return would restore balance and stability to a family that has endured years of pain and hardship.

Why Clemency?

This petition seeks clemency not to erase the past but to recognize Robin’s remarkable transformation and his potential to contribute meaningfully to his family and community. Clemency would:

• Restore a Family: Reuniting Robin with his wife, children, and aging parents would provide the emotional and practical stability they have longed for.
• Honor His Service: Robin served this nation selflessly as a Marine, and it is time to acknowledge his sacrifices and the challenges he faced upon returning home.
• Highlight the Need for Systemic Change: Robin’s case underscores the urgent need for mental health support and reintegration resources for veterans who have served in combat.
• Set a Powerful Example: Granting clemency to Robin would send a message of hope and redemption, demonstrating that the justice system values rehabilitation and second chances.

Every Moment Counts

As of October 2024, Robin has served 10 years of his 27-year sentence. Each passing day takes away precious time that could be spent rebuilding his life and being present for his family. Time is slipping away, and immediate action is imperative. By supporting this petition, you are taking a stand for justice, compassion, and the power of redemption.

Join Us in Advocating for Change

Robin’s story is one of resilience, growth, and a family’s unwavering love. By signing and sharing this petition, you are raising your voice for a husband, father, son, and veteran who deserves a second chance—a chance to come home, heal, and make a positive difference in the lives of others. Together, we can send a powerful message to the President and the Office of the Pardon Attorney: it is time to bring Robin Smith Jr. home.

Sign today and share Robin’s story far and wide. Let’s show the power of a united community standing for justice, redemption, and the recognition of those who have served our country.