A Veteran for Veterans and the Power of Uplifting Diverse Voices
Robin Smith, Program Director of Veterans Services at Services for the UnderServed (S:US), was recently inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame, an honor that recognizes her advocacy, leadership, and lifelong commitment to serving fellow veterans. This recognition spotlights Robin’s passion to uplift the voices of all veterans, especially those whose stories often go unheard.
Robin’s journey with S:US began in 2012 during a difficult chapter of her life. After unexpectedly losing her job of 15 years, she found herself struggling to keep up with rent and unsure of where to turn. A chance encounter at a career fair introduced her to S:US, where she received support that helped her maintain stable housing and inspired her to join the organization.
Today, Robin leads S:US’ veterans outreach efforts across New York City and Long Island, driven by a deeply personal understanding of the challenges veterans face. “I view my role as a vital continuation of my commitment to serving our nation. Giving back to veterans is not just important to me, it is a responsibility,” she shared, “Our outreach program is the heartbeat of our initiative. Without veterans, there is no program.” Whether mentoring a veteran navigating post-service life, advocating for someone facing housing instability, or motivating individuals to believe in their own potential, Robin treats every person with respect, empathy, and support. She speaks their language because she has lived their reality.
Robin’s leadership reflects a larger mission to create space for diverse veteran voices and experiences. “The issues veterans face are as varied as the veterans themselves,” she explains. “A one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work.” From systemic barriers in housing and employment to persistent stigmas around mental health, Robin emphasizes the need for tailored, culturally responsive support. For her, this means creating diverse teams that reflect the communities they serve and ensuring that veterans from all walks of life see themselves represented in the solutions designed to support them.
“While it’s essential to amplify the diverse voices of veterans, understanding the unique challenges they face is equally important. Inequities in access to housing, employment, and healthcare, often intensified by entrenched stigmas, continue to leave too many veterans behind. By building inclusive teams with veterans actively involved in service delivery, we not only improve outcomes but also ensure the solutions are shaped by lived experience. When our services reflect the diversity of the people we serve, we foster a more equitable environment where every veteran can receive the support they truly deserve.”
S:US’ work is made stronger by the ongoing support of the Bob Woodruff Foundation, whose grant funding allows our veterans services teams to go above and beyond in addressing all aspects of our veterans’ journeys by providing emergency financial assistance, workforce development, and other supports. “Their commitment has helped us close gaps in care that would otherwise leave many veterans behind,” Robin says. She recalls attending the Foundation’s Stand Up for Heroes fundraiser and speaking with Lee Woodruff, an experience that left her deeply inspired by the family’s devotion to uplifting veterans and shining a light on the visible and invisible wounds of war.
Robin’s induction into the Veterans’ Hall of Fame is a testament not just to her resilience and leadership, but to her strong belief in community. “Veterans have given so much,” she expressed. “It’s our responsibility to ensure they feel valued, heard, and supported in their journey forward.”
