Wednesday, July 6, 2011

2011 National Youth Leadership Course

Thanks to Scoutmaster Mark Rice, Assistand SM Dennis Merkel, and Senior Patrol Leader Tyler Rice for a great NYLT course.



The staff.Heading out to the outpost overnight.



The Red Patrol.
The Purple Patrol. The Orange Patrol.


The Green Patrol.

The Blue Patrol.

Dedication of Memorial Tree for Garrett "Gary" Lee

Garrett "Gary" Lee was an Eagle Scout from Troop 510 in Kingsford, MI. He went on to Northern Michigan University where he became president of Iota Chi Chapter of the national service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega which was founded on the principles of the Boy Scouts. After graduating, he moved to Chicago where he began his career. He was drafted in to the Army and sent to Vietnam with the First Cavalry. He was killed in action in the Battle of Ia Drang on November 17, 1965.



This is Gary's Court of Honor with Scoutmaster Floyd Schultz on the right of the Scouts.


Gary's APO brothers felt there should be a memorial on campus to Gary to remind future generations of his valor, sacrifice, and service. The NMU foundation has recently began a memorial tree program. Through a major contribution from Chapter 380 of the Vietnam Veterans of America and other gifts from APO members, Scouters, and friends of the family, the memorial became a reality. It was dedicated on June 25, 2011.





The most recent Eagle Scout from Troop 510, Richard Louys III, learned of Gary's youth from his relatives and related stories of Gary's sense of adventure and bravery.




Larry Collister, who earned his Eagle Award in Pennsylvania, commanded the color guard for the VVA. He presented a letter from Lt Gen (ret) Hal Moore to Gary's sister, Carol Gayan, and brother, Don Lee. Gen Moore commanded the 1-7th Cavalry in the Battle of Ia Drang and authored the book, "We Were Soldiers Once...and Young." The book was subsequently made into the movie of the same name. Veteran Scouter Marvin Gibson represented the Council.






Larry Collister eloquently spoke on behalf of the veterans.



Al Salmi, an Eagle Scout from Rock, APO brother of Gary, and ride captain for the Patriot Guard Riders was the primary initiator of the memorial. He spoke movingly of the purpose of the Patriot Guard and conveyed condolances to the family.



The bothers of Alpha Phi Omega joined in the fraternity's song.







Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Another Glorious Fourth of July

Thanks to Troops 302 and 360 and Packs 361 and 370 for representing Scouting in Marquette's 4th of July parade. There were many well wishers along the route, but none as enthusiastic as Barb Dupras.






The canoe got a lot of attention.







Scout License Plates

Last Tuesday, Gov Rick Snyder signed legislation authorizing a Boy Scout license plate effective January 1, 2012. I was pleased to represent the Council at the signing.

The Mighty Mackinaw

A good Scouting friend, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jim Simmons, is now stationed on the Coast Guard ice breaker Mackinaw. He was stationed at the Soo about 10 years ago and was District Commissioner in Chippewa District and on the Wood Badge staff. The Mackinaw was moored in Marquette for the weekend of the 4th. Marv and Lois Gibson and I were given a tour of the boat by Jim.



















Camp Improvements

The hardworking camp committee continues to improve Camp Hiawatha. Pouring the base for the new flagpole at Camp Hiawatha.


Using the rest of the cement at the Snowshoe Lodge.