100 Years of Service to America

What do CIA Director Robert Gates, Michael Bloomberg, Steve Fossett, Neil Armstong and Hank Aaron have in common? They were all Eagle Scouts.

Boy Scouts of America have been a part of the back bone of America for almost 100 years. Not only has Scouting been actively instilling basic life virtues like Loyalty, Courtesy, Bravery, and Reverence, but the list of Boy Scouts that have gone on in their lives to represent our Country both Nationally and Internationally is a long list of Who’s Who in the United States.

Through 2 World Wars, 16 Presidents, the Admission of 4 States into the Union along with 4 changes to the American flag, the Boy Scouts of America has produced a few of the major leaders along the way – from Presidents to Quarterbacks, Astronauts to Senators. The Boy Scouts of America has been there to hold the flag up high while they brought home our dead soldiers from combat, buried our Presidents, placed American Flags on all the grave sites during Memorial Day, and we still help the occasional little old lady cross the street and into her car with her groceries.

Less than 1.5 million boys have reached Eagle in over 90 years (15,000 a year, roughly). Only 2-5 in 100 that joins Scouts make Eagle–that’s less than 1% of the male population. On the road to Eagle these young men have volunteered millions of hours of service to their communities.

2010 is the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. I will interview and photograph notable Scouts young and old across the United States, to bring awareness to the tremendous good these boys do. My project will document 100 years of their service and their journey along the Scout trail. From the youngest Cub Scout to the oldest Eagle; from your next door neighbor to your Governor each of these has a unique story to tell about how being a Boy Scout has changed them and their communities.

There is a contest running for a photographer to shoot their dream project. (http://www.nameyourdreamassignment.com) This is my dream project for the Scouts. This is not for any personal gain, the money won is used to pay for the project. Please take a minute to take a look and cast your vote. This will be a great way to bring attention to all the good our young men do!

1. Go to http://www.nameyourdreamassignment.com/accounts/register/
2. Complete the short registration form
3. Check your email and login to your account
4. Go to http://www.nameyourdreamassignment.com/the-ideas/wasguru/100-years-of-service-to-america/
5. Click “PIC IT”