The Andalusia Star-News

Posted on November 15 at 6:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I too was a member of Troop 45 several years ago. Regrettably, I left the troop before I was able to earn the prestigious Eagle award. At the time, support for two scout troops in the Covington county area had suffered and our troop dwindled to only 3 or 4 active members. Being young and naive, I left the organization only to realize many years later the error of my decision.

I will never forget the lessons that I learned while in scouting; many of those learned while "roughing" it at a campsite. To this day, I can still recite the scout motto, slogan, oath, and law. Whether from weekly troop meetings, weekend camping trips, summer camp at AlaFlo, or the primitive experience of Woodsmoke, I have made memories to last a lifetime. Those memories could not have been made without the volunteers who gave their time as Scoutmasters to help us scouts along the way. There were many great Scoutmasters, as well as asssitants, of Troop 45 during my time there, but I don't believe anyone could have served in that capacity and been more influential to me than Mr. C. Crooked Stick, I thank you with all my heart for the time you took to take me under your wing. You are a great mentor and a most caring friend. You hold a special place in my heart and will never be forgotten.

To the young men who are making the journey to Eagle - hang in there. You can do it. It will take a lot of hard work but trust me, it's well worth it. If I could go back and do it all again, I would do it in a heartbeat!

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