Member Spotlight: Robert Miles

Robert Miles, a West Virginia native and PSPG member since 2010, has dedicated countless hours of his time and energy to both Gazela and his wider community. Since joining the Guild, Robert has become a familiar presence both on deck and at events. Beyond his work as a Guild member, Robert runs his own business and has also taken on the deeply personal mission of supporting families who have lost loved ones to gun violence. This Saturday, October 4th, he will host his third annual cookout aboard Gazela.

What began as his own effort to support his North Philadelphia neighbors has grown into an annual gathering honoring families affected by gun violence. Robert organizes every detail himself—inviting the guests, coordinating food and drinks, and handing out roses to mothers and family members. This year, the event is expected to welcome local news outlets and Mayor Cherelle Parker, underscoring its importance to the wider city. To recognize his work and leadership within the PSPG and his wider community, we decided to interview this valued member of our crew.

Robert holding the Volunteer of the Year Award for Gazela, with Patrick Flynn

How did you hear about the PSPG, and how did you start volunteering?

I met Patrick in 2010 and he asked me to come on, so I did, and I liked it! I fell in love with the boat quickly after that.

What’s the most rewarding part about volunteering with us? 

You get to meet great people. The guild is about meeting all types of people. You get to go sailing and go out, but with the events we had, we meet all types of great people.

What do you do for a living, and how else do you fill your time?

I have my own business. I’m a manager for a rapper in West Virginia. We do all kinds of shows all over, and in 2014, I shot a music video on Gazela. You can actually watch it on YouTube!

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life? Traveling I guess. I’ve been everywhere; California, Vegas, Denver, Chicago, Norfolk, Maryland. I’ve never been out of the country before, though I’d like to.

What would your dream destination be to sail on the Gazela?

If we went sailing more, I think my dream destination would be to sail back to Norfolk. We had a good time out there.

Your event aboard is coming up soon, can you share a little bit about it, and the process you made in going about making it possible?

The whole event is from me. I signed [off on] all of this and all of the guests are from me. This is my third year doing this, so I’m used to setting this up by now. I started this because ,I’m 52, and [I] watched all of these kids grow up. And seeing all of the kids that I watched grow up get killed and their parent’s pain makes me want to host this.

Anything else you'd like to share?

We have the best crew around!