Robert D. Schwab

Eagle Scout – Lodge Chief – Waterfront Director

In 1944 Robert D. Schwab started his Scouting career in Troop 39 of Long Branch, NJ. After spending several summers at Camp Cowaw, which was located along the Delaware River, Mr. Schwab was elected to the Order of the Arrow, and inducted as an Ordeal Member. Camp Cowaw was the camping facility for the Raritan Council. During the period 1949 to 1950, there were several highlights in the Scouting career of Robert Schwab. He was responsible for establishing Na Tsi Hi Lodge #71; he completed the requirements to become an Eagle Scout; and he was elected as the first Chief of Na Tsi Hi Lodge #71.
In 1951, Mr. Schwab was elected to his second term as Lodge Chief, he graduated from Long Branch High School, and he commenced his freshman year at Susquehanna University to play football for the famous coach Amos Alonzo Stagg. Due to a family illness in 1953, Mr. Schwab left Susquehanna University, and completed the school year at the then Monmouth Junior College, now known as Monmouth University.
In 1954, he enlisted in the United States Army. After completing basic training, Private Schwab was assigned to the National Honor Guard Unit in Washington, DC. His duties with this elite Army unit included serving as an Honor Guard for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia. During his tour of duty in Washington, DC, Private Schwab would frequently travel home to Long Branch to attend functions of Na Tsi Hi Lodge #71, as well as attending Area 2C Conferences. During one of these journeys, the Vigil Honor was bestowed upon Eagle Scout Robert D. Schwab. After receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1955, Robert Schwab enrolled at Montclair State College, and in 1959, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics.
While actively pursuing his college degree, Mr. Schwab became the first Advisor to Explorer Post 39 in Long Branch, and in 1956, he started Troop 118 sponsored by the Lutheran Church of the Reformation in West Long Branch. During his tenure as Scoutmaster of Troop 118, four Scouts reached the rank of Eagle Scout. In 1956, Monmouth Council purchased Forestburg Scout Reservation, and Robert Schwab was asked to serve as the first waterfront director; a position that he held through the 1959 camping season. At the close of camp in the summer of 1959, Mr. Schwab started teaching mathematics at Manasquan High School; and retired from teaching in 1989. During his tenure at Manasquan High School, Mr. Schwab coached football at the high school.
In 1960, Mr. Schwab married his lovely wife Diana, and they have four children. After being a resident of Monmouth County for over sixty years, he and Diana built a house in Virginia, where today they are enjoying their retirement years.

Mr. Charlie Spitz presents the James E. West Award at the 2008 Winter Banquet to the first Na Tsi Hi Lodge Chief, Mr. Robert Schwab.