SCOUT EXECUTIVE'S MINUTE

 

Dear Fellow Scouters:

            Recently I read the book A Gathering of Eagles by Colonel Jimmie Dean Coy.  In it, 345 distinguished American leaders offer advice on leadership and success.  There are quotes from Medal of Honor recipients, ex-POW's, along with military, political, religious and social leaders.

            In reading the book, I realized that I have met and personally talked with 14 of these 345 leaders over my lifetime.  I recruited two of the fourteen  to serve as Scouting volunteers: General Norman Schwarzkopf served as a Council Scout Show Chairman when he was a Major General commanding the 24^th Infantry Division in Georgia and Bishop Sam Jacobs was a Council Vice President for Membership/Relationships when he first served as the Bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria in Louisiana.

            Scouting is prominently mentioned in the book with multiple references on how Scouting is valuable to America as a country as well as to the individual youths growing into adulthood. One of my favorite quotes from the book comes from Colonel Charles McGee, National President of the Tuskegee Airmen. "In my youth," Mc Gee says, " I learned the oath to 'do my best to do my duty to God and my country.' The order is exactly right: put God first, then country, and both above self.  High character and moral value are what the services are asking of leaders."

            What a positive difference one person can and does make! Character education is what America needs today. What a difference each one of you makes through Scouting with today's youth.  What a major responsibility we share.  Who knows --- we may have one of the next 345 distinguished American leaders in one of our Scouting units!  Please know that your Scouting volunteerism is truly appreciated.  May God continue to bless you in your holy work.

Best regards,

Stephen J. Taylor, CFRE

Scout Executive

Northwest Suburban Council