Hello and welcome to the forum
Thank you! I see you have Texas as your avatar. My Dad is a Texan; however I am a Florida native.
So without hijacking the thread too much what is required to qualify as an Eagle Scout? Is it similar to our Duke Of Edinburgh scheme?
it follows the basic outline of the British Boy Scout rank structure. Each rank required skill knowledge, merit badges and progressive leadership req’s.
Starting at the Scout Rank, you progress to Tenderfoot
Second Class Scout
First Class Scout
Star Scout
Life Scout.
Once you reach life scout, you must plan an Eagle Service Project. The service project is a project that helps the community in some way. The onus is on the scout to develop, plan, and lead the project. My best friend in high school, built a trail shelter on one of the local overnight trails in the area.
For my project, I built a concrete and bronze memorial for my friend SSgt. Dan Clay, who was killed in Iraq. It was built in front of our high school. The entire community got involved. Over a year period, local community and veteran organizations helped me raise nearly $15k for the project. His brother and sister Marines across the country came out of the woodwork to help honor him. The local newspaper and TV stations took the story and ran with it! It evolved from a simple service project into a community effort to honor not only Dan but every man and woman who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Seeing Dan’s mom and dad at the unveiling is one of the greatest memories I have.
It took two and a half years from the initial planning to the unveiling. I spent every day with Dan. Although he is no longer of this world, I felt him with me.
I firmly believe he is my guardian Angel. As a police officer, I have six of what I call “Alive Days,” each of which I should have been killed on the job. I distinctly remember fighting for my life in the middle of the street with a suspect who wrapped my radio mic around my neck choking me, my backup was still ten minutes out, but I didn’t feel alone. I know Dan was with me that night and I’m still here!
I apologize for the long winded monologue! The path to Eagle Scout shaped who I am today.