Survey of Servicemembers and Veterans that were in the Boy Scouts of America and the highest Scout rank that each attained?

2015-05-27T15:40:52-04:00

Survey to see highest scout rank attained, percentage of Servicemembers as well as Veterans who were Boy Scouts before going into the Armed Services.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 27 at 2015 3:48 PM

2015-05-27T15:48:56-04:00

I Only went as high as Webelos II but both my boys became 2nd Class

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 27 at 2015 3:47 PM

2015-05-27T15:47:51-04:00

I enjoyed my time in the Boy Scouts but wasn't able to stay with it because I was working after school and on weekends.

Response by SFC Walt Littleton made May 27 at 2015 3:50 PM

2015-05-27T15:50:20-04:00

Prior to joining the Army I was an assistant scout master.

Response by MSgt Jeff S. made May 27 at 2015 3:52 PM

2015-05-27T15:52:22-04:00

I didn't make the cut -- was thrown out for "being a terrorist".

hehehehehe

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 3:55 PM

2015-05-27T15:55:43-04:00

I reached First Class before our troop was disbanded. We were told we could either merge w/ the other troop (which we REALLY didn't want to do), or disband.

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made May 27 at 2015 4:06 PM

2015-05-27T16:06:18-04:00

I made Life and a few merit badges. I hit age 18. My son joined as a Bear Cub and he earned his Eagle at age 15. I was a Woodbadge Scout leader and a District Award of Merit winner while he was in Scouts. I enjoyed my time as a leader much more than I did as a youth

Response by LTC Stephen C. made May 27 at 2015 4:34 PM

2015-05-27T16:34:51-04:00

PV2 David Minnicks, I made Star Scout. I had enough merit badges for Life, but we relocated to another state and I put the BSA aside. It's still one of my greatest regrets.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 4:37 PM

2015-05-27T16:37:11-04:00

I earned Eagle, and all three Eagle palms. I am also a member of The Order of the Arrow.

Response by SSG Kenneth Lanning made May 27 at 2015 5:13 PM

2015-05-27T17:13:48-04:00

I made it to Wolf in the Cub Scouts; got kicked out for punching someone in the face for stealing my brownie (get your mind out of the gutter; talking chocolate baked good, not when I was 8 years old sweetheart lol)

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made May 27 at 2015 6:33 PM

2015-05-27T18:33:03-04:00

Order of the Arrow and onto First Class. Loved the experience. Unfortunately, sports got in the way. Now, I'm paying it back as a Patrol Leader (Fanged Bunny Patrol, Pack #872) --Fear the Bunny!

Response by SrA Daniel Hunter made May 27 at 2015 8:38 PM

2015-05-27T20:38:19-04:00

I don't recall my rank. I loved being in the Scouts but my folks divorced and could not afford to let me continue.

Response by 1st Lt Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 9:53 PM

2015-05-27T21:53:56-04:00

Eagle with two palms!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 10:00 PM

2015-05-27T22:00:16-04:00

Tiger cub all the way to Eagle here. Also, Order of the Arrow. Lastly, I had a great trek at Philmont to cap it off!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2015 7:36 PM

2015-06-07T19:36:24-04:00

I did not stay in the entire time. I had so many other things going on I could not balance all so I eventually left scouting.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Jun 7 at 2015 7:57 PM

2015-06-07T19:57:50-04:00

Earned my Eagle Scout in late 1979, went on to earn Bronze Palm as well being a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow.

Response by SSG James Arlington made Jun 7 at 2015 8:06 PM

2015-06-07T20:06:47-04:00

Eagle. Thanks.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 7 at 2015 8:11 PM

2015-06-07T20:11:10-04:00

I fulfilled the requirements for Second Class but my troop for whatever reason keep on putting off my promotion, so I quit as a Scout.

I was very torn over my decision, as I had worked my way all the way up in Cub Scouts to Webelo and even got awarded the Arrow of Light. I was actually one of the few Scouts in my Boy Scout troop to have one.

Response by SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA made Jun 7 at 2015 8:14 PM

2015-06-07T20:14:51-04:00

I wasn't in the BSA, however I was in the 2nd oldest Boy Scouts Association after the British. Asociación de Guías y Scouts de Chile.

I made it all the way to the equivalent of Eagle Scout (Condor Scout), then progressed to the Rover Scouts where I was Clan Chief.

Eventually I became a Scout Leader where I earned my Gilwell Wood Badge.

Awesome memories and I'm still in touch with most of the kids I mentored.

Some became world class climbers, some went into politics, some into the military, all types!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2015 9:38 PM

2015-06-07T21:38:56-04:00

I'm calling BS on this Eagle percentage. Doesn't align with reality.

Response by PO2 Jeffrey Sheibels made Aug 8 at 2015 12:02 AM

2015-08-08T00:02:52-04:00

I only made it to First Class. Mostly because they wouldn't allow my mom, who was a girl scouts leader to sign off on things and when I went to the troop leaders I was often told that I had to do everything all over again in front of them. My parents were not allowed to vouch that I had in fact done it even though my dad was a cop and my mom was a girl scout leader and teacher.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2015 12:49 PM

2015-10-26T12:49:40-04:00

I was in Webelos for a year and in Boy Scouts for a year. I learned some valuable lessons that are still with me today!

Response by SA Harold Hansmann made Oct 26 at 2015 12:51 PM

2015-10-26T12:51:50-04:00

We didn't have Boy Scouts where I grew up.

Response by CSM Michael Poll made Oct 26 at 2015 1:12 PM

2015-10-26T13:12:54-04:00

Unfortunately my father wouldn't allow me to join the scouts even though I really wanted to...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2015 1:22 PM

2015-10-26T13:22:37-04:00

I got kicked out of Cub Scouts.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2015 7:07 PM

2015-10-26T19:07:52-04:00

I loved Boy Scouts unfortunately my late start in the program along with the distractions that normally occupy a young 13 old boy pulled me away however, as a result of the memories of what I did participate in I became super involved with my sons troop and eventually stepped up as a leader in the troop.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Jan 20 at 2016 9:58 PM

2016-01-20T21:58:25-05:00

The highest that I got was Life. As a teen ager I just seemed to find too many things to take up my time including sports, band, auto racing and girls and as a result didn't spend enough time on any one of them. However I did serve as an assistant scoutmaster for a couple of years when I was in college. I think that scouting is a wonderful program.

Response by 1SG James Wise made Mar 22 at 2016 1:49 PM

2016-03-22T13:49:47-04:00

I earned my First Class rank, and was also a Cub Scout and attained my Arrow of Light. Scouting is an important part of who I am today, my beliefs, and my morals. I still volunteer with BSA, and am currently the Webelo Den Leader for the pack my step-son is in. I will follow him into Boy Scouts and volunteer in any position the Troop needs, and am also a Merit Badge Counselor. As far as what it does for my military career, just the volunteer hours and being awarded the MOVSM by a grateful BDE Commander (4th MEB) who was happy to see someone doing something so important to the growth of our youth.

Response by SGT Ray Grooms made Mar 24 at 2016 1:10 PM

2016-03-24T13:10:32-04:00

Star. My family moved afterwards and I tried to continue with a new troop, but it wasn't a good fit so I left scouting. I was only in 8th grade at the time and could have made it to Eagle. I wish I would have continued. Attaining Eagle is quite an honor.

Response by Maj Rev. Fr. Samuel WATERS - Traditional RC Priest made Oct 22 at 2016 8:50 PM

2016-10-22T20:50:24-04:00

I am an Eagle Scout, Class of 1975

Response by Maj Rev. Fr. Samuel WATERS - Traditional RC Priest made Oct 22 at 2016 8:52 PM

2016-10-22T20:52:36-04:00

I am an Eagle Scout , Class of 1975

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2016 10:05 PM

2016-10-22T22:05:00-04:00

I still kick myself for not trying. I did well as prior to being a Boy Scout as a Cub Scout but I was too intimidated to call for make an appointment to get the merit badges done. how do I have the maturity level I was too intimidated to call somebody at that time for merit badge. I'm now a major in the Army and I passed cgsoc so I know that if I had the motivation then I would have been an eagle scout.

Response by SFC George Smith made Oct 22 at 2016 10:30 PM

2016-10-22T22:30:47-04:00

Cub, Boy, and Eagle Scout1960-1968

Response by SPC Americo Garcia made Oct 22 at 2016 10:38 PM

2016-10-22T22:38:36-04:00

I'm an Eagle Scout and knew what it meant to be proud and be unselfish. Thats why I joined the Marines.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Oct 22 at 2016 10:40 PM

2016-10-22T22:40:17-04:00

Troop 107, Guayama, Puerto Rico (March, 1992). Great memories. And still serving.

Response by PO1 Tony Holland made Oct 23 at 2016 3:29 AM

2016-10-23T03:29:57-04:00

After a late start I attained Star while serving as treasurer. Switched over to the Explorer program and held several leadership positions. I then became a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster and worked with both a Cub Scout Den and a Boy Scout Troop before my dad was transferred to Japan for my last two years of high school. After my return to CONUS to attend San Jose State I pledged Alpha Phi Omega and served as Historian; the following summer I served on the staff of Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. The following summer I lost my deferment and enlisted in the Navy.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2016 5:25 PM

2016-10-23T17:25:43-04:00

Eagle w/Bronze Palm and Brotherhood in the Order of the Arrow. Now an Asst. Scoutmaster with Troop 180 on Oahu.

Response by PO1 Richard Cormier made Oct 23 at 2016 8:49 PM

2016-10-23T20:49:42-04:00

I Made it to Second Class. Joined Law Enforcement Explorers (LAPD) and had a great time.
Made Lt. at Harbor Division.

Was a Scout Leader (CS/BS) from 1979 to 2014 in Puerto Rico, CA, CT, Panama (RP), OR, and TX.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2016 1:17 PM

2016-10-26T13:17:25-04:00

We didn't have the Fuller Theological Seminary or the Bodhi Tree Bookstore in Moraga where Marie Osmond found her husband. So it was off to the boy scouts instead. I'm sure I could have gotten to my merit badge meetings and made Eagle if I had a drivers license when I was fourteen years old. When I was sixteen someone drove me to the Billy Graham Crusade and a few months later I saw myself on television there. Moraga had to be good for something.

Response by Sgt Clyde Sinclair made Oct 27 at 2016 12:14 AM

2016-10-27T00:14:13-04:00

Those of us who did not earn Eagle as a young Scout have most likely regretted it over the years, I know I do. Fortunately I have had the pleasure of seeing two of my sons achieve the rank of Eagle. My youngest son became very active in the OA, served two terms as Lodge Chief and one as Section Chief. Given the experiences he has had while achieving Eagle and then serving in the OA, he is truly prepared for the future. I was voted into the OA as a youth, my son, the Lodge Chief presented me with my Brotherhood sash 11 days short of being in the OA 50 years. Two years later I was humbled when he presented me with the Vigil Honor. There is no other program like Scouting. I sincerely enjoyed the time my sons and i had together.

I spent my last four years serving as an Assistant District Commissioner and I'd like to take this opportunity to encourage each of you to consider becoming a commissioner. Scouting units need the support of committed, experienced Scouters. You can still have a tremendous impact on boys. Become a Unit Commissioner!

Response by MSgt Randy Martin made Oct 27 at 2016 12:52 PM

2016-10-27T12:52:55-04:00

Life for Life. However, I was talked into becoming the Scoutmaster of my boyhood troop when I got out of the Air Force and came back home (it's only one hour a week, LOL). Held that position for 10 years. Our troop is one the oldest in the nation at 103 years old. Troop 44, Van Alstyne, TX. My father was in the troop, as well as my brother, myself and my son. I am still a member of the Troop Committee.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2016 6:11 PM

2016-11-02T18:11:59-04:00

Made it to Star. I had a break in service you might sat until my son came home and said I want to be a cub scout. That was 14 years ago and I am proud to say he is an Eagle Scout. My younger son is a Life scout with his eagle project going. We are all OA Brotherhood. Something I mever did as a scout, but glad I did now.

Response by SGT Ron Murphy made Jan 4 at 2017 11:54 AM

2017-01-04T11:54:05-05:00

I am an Eagle Scout, Brotherhood Member of the OA, worked on Camp Staff.
Both my Sons made Eagle, served in the OA, and worked on Camp Staff too.
As an adult, I have been involved as a Cubmaster and Webelos Den Leader. Later a Scoutmaster and Asst. Scoutmaster (many times), Venturing Advisor (formerly Exploring) and now Asst. District Commissioner (Venturing).
One of the most rewarding times of my life, especially with my Sons.

Response by SPC Richard White made Feb 21 at 2018 12:38 AM

2018-02-21T00:38:00-05:00

I earned my Eagle Scout in 1988 and I earned 2 Eagle Palms before aging out

Response by SGT Nathan G. made Mar 14 at 2018 8:42 AM

2018-03-14T08:42:26-04:00

I am a proud Eagle Scout as of 12/10/2017 and am a Brotherhood member of the Order Of The Arrow

Response by SPC Gary Welch made Jul 1 at 2018 10:40 PM

2018-07-01T22:40:08-04:00

I made it to tenderfoot but then JROTC took over and now my two sons that are eagle scouts won't let me live it down(all in good fun)was their leader fourteen yrs (den,scoutmaster,crew advisor)still doing the job though(scoutmaster,crew advisor,pack committee chairman,district training chair)my youngest son 22 works at range control on fort hood eagle was big part of that

Response by Sgt Clyde Sinclair made Feb 19 at 2019 5:10 PM

2019-02-19T17:10:26-05:00

Star

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2019 8:34 PM

2019-06-26T20:34:13-04:00

and NESA Life Member

Response by PO3 John Jeter made Sep 23 at 2020 8:12 PM

2020-09-23T20:12:50-04:00

Eagle with Silver Palm, Order Of The Arrow -Brotherhood. Taught me what it meant to put others before myself. To be happy in helping others to improve and grow. At the same time I gained confidence, compassion, and knowledge. At 63 years of age I’m doing my best to pass along what I can to the youth of today. PC is a bit of an obstacle at times but the reward is worth the fight.