"As he grows from Boy to Man"

           
There is one great program that has helped me grow "from Boy to Man" other than my family. That is the Boy Scouts of America. I started out in Cub Scouts and that instilled in my heart a love for the flag and what it stands for and a knowledge of my country. It helped me learn a little while I was young and prepare me for my growth through the Boy Scouts. I remember just how much time Ruth Epperson and Ray Talley devoted to helping us as boys to learn and grow. Then I turned 11 and became a Weblos. In case some of you don't know, it stands for "We'll Be Loyal Scouts." That is exactly what Nathan Udall taught us. He taught us to work hard and be loyal to our friends and others. Then I turned 12 and finally moved to the real Boy Scouts of America. I learned so much from Kris and Kevin Fletcher. I remember many times tying nots and braiding ropes and such. Then my family moved from Apache Junction to Pima. That is when my love for scouting and this great country really took off. At first I wasn't to sure about it. I got homesick to the point where I would throw up every night and Kendall Lunt, Ryan Slade, and Jerry Barney were always there to help me clean it up and get back to bed. They probably didn't care for it and were probably cursing my name but they helped me get through that stage and grow. Because of their persistance and their love for me, I was able to come out on my mission and haven't had to much of an issue with homesickness. I have had many other scout leaders that have helped me grow: Jeremy Hughes, Jason Hughes, Tom James, and many others but the person that helped me grow through this the most and that I really owe a lot to is my Dad. He was an example to me from the beginning. He was right by my side when I went through all of the years of scouts, good times and bad. He is the reason I got my Eagle. The fact that he got his and was always there for me in the process. Because of my involvement in Scouts and the love I have for the United States of America that scouting has instilled in me, I want to join the Air Force after my mission. I want to protect the freedoms that I enjoyed as a kid. I Psalms 32:8 it says "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye." The Lord does this thorugh our parents, our peers, and our trials which make us stronger. He has definitely done it to me and I am greatful to all those who have been a part in the growing process for me.