Archives for May 2022

Living in Arlington with her husband of 24 years, John and son Robert, Fran began her Scouting adventure in 2010 when she was volunteered to serve as a co-Den Leader for Tiger Den 6, Pack 149 by her then 6 yr old son. She cheerfully supported Den 6 as they earned the Bobcat, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos and Arrow of Light ranks and the Pack as Committee Chair. Fran received Pack 149’s 2015 Unit Scouter of the Year. She also served as the Volunteer Coordinator and a Committee Member for Troop 149.

Starting as an Assistant Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner, Fran has held a variety of roles in Chain Bridge District, including Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner, Lion Champion, Popcorn Kernal and Den Leader Trainer. She became District Chair in 2017 and received the District Award of Merit in 2019.

Fran also has coached youth soccer since 2009, and has been recognized by the Arlington Soccer Association with the 2009 Aces Rookie Coach of the Year, the 2015 Aces Coach of the Year Award and the 2019 High School Coach of the Year Award. Arlington County recognized her as a Connect with Kids Champion in 2013.

When Fran is not Scouting or coaching, she serves as Vice President, Advocacy, for the National PACE Association leading their congressional and government relations, external affairs, coalition and grassroots efforts. She holds a MA in public administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a BA in political science from Davidson College.

Congratulations to Fran and the 2022 Silver Beaver Class!

Eric began Scouting as a Cub Scout with Alaska’s Pack 203 back when Lion was the rank between Bear and Webelos.  He continued Scouting first with Troop 512 in Washington, DC, and then with Troop 694 in Springfield, VA.  He was elected to the Order of the Arrow, spent summers at all five Goshen camps, and became an Eagle Scout.

Eric became an NCAC Scouter when his son started Scouting.  He served as Webelos Den Leader for Pack 1682 and Assistant Scoutmaster and Scoutmaster for Troop 30.  Eric reactivated his Order of the Arrow membership, converted to Brotherhood (45 years after his Ordeal), and served as a Chapter Committee Adviser.  He currently serves as the Sully Chapter Adviser in the Amangamek-Wipit Lodge, a member-at-large on the Sully District Committee, and a Troop 30 Assistant Scoutmaster.

Eric belongs to the United Christian Parish of Reston where he’s been a long-time worship lay leader.  He chaired the parish-pastor relations committee.  Eric’s been an ardent promoter of celebrating Scout Sundays and Girl Scout Sundays.

Professionally, Eric is an information technology management consultant for Federal agencies.  He’s a Cold War veteran, having served as a U.S. Army artilleryman.

Eric is blessed to be married to Jane who he met on a sailboat on the Chesapeake Bay.  Jane survived as committee chair for Pack 1682 and has since been a willing short notice “second adult” for Eric’s Scouting activities.  They are the proud parents of Devlin, who is an Arrowman and an Eagle Scout.

Congratulations to Eric and the 2022 Silver Beaver Class!

As the second born of two children to John, Sr. and Louise Jackson, Phillip Robert-Charles Jackson was born and raised in southeast, Washington, D.C. He graduated from Ballou Sr. High School, and went on to major in Engineering Mathematics at the North Carolina A.&T. State University in Greensboro, N.C. from 1966 to 1969. Afterwards, he returned to DC to be a part-time student at GW Univ. while working full-time as an Accounting clerk with Travelers Insurance Co.

However, Phil’s ultimate desire was to follow in the footsteps of his hero….his older brother, John, Jr. ( aka “Buster”)[now deceased] who was a pilot in the U.S. Air Force. Therefore, in 1970 he joined the 113th Fighter Wing of the DC Air National Guard as a ‘dual-status’ employee (civilian & military), and was trained as an Aircraft Maintenance Team supervisor, called a 11Crew Chief’. This position was exciting, and fulfilling to Phil because it challenged him to remain proficient in technical, and mechanical skills as well as top physical condition.

In addition, he had to supervise 12 specialist personnel who assisted him in maintenance. Phil was assigned his own fighter jet, and was charged with keeping it in tip-top flying condition 24/7. He often found himself in the cockpit of his jet to perform operational checks on aircraft systems. Phil traveled with his military unit all over the world on training, and peace-keeping missions. Some of Phil’s additional duties in the USAF include “Training Manager”; “Career Counselor”; and,  “Commander of the Drill Team & Ceremonial Unit” at Andrews AFB. His Air Force career lasted 34 years including 4 tours in the Persian Gulf War zones. He retired in 2004.

Phil is a life-long member of Campbell A.M.E. Church, and he loves the Lord. These days, he serves God at Campbell through several Ministries including; The Board of Trustees; Church Sunday School Teacher; “Reach Group” Leader (“The Philippians”); “Sons of Allen” Men’s Ministry; and, Church Facilities Manager. Phil is the author of the_ church’s “Resolution° which is read at “Homegoing11 Services at Campbell. He’s a student in the Wednesday afternoon Bible Study class. Phil is also the founder, and leader (“Chartered Organization Representative”) of the scouting Ministry at Campbell, and has done so for the last 20 years. In addition, several years ago, he also served as “District Commissioner” for 3 years. And recently, has served in the capacity of “Unit Commissioner”, as well as on the District’s “Nominating Committee”.

As of this August 31st, Phil will have been happily married to the lovely Joan Jackson for 20 years. They parent 4 adult children, and are grandparents of 5 who affectionately call Phil, “Big Daddy-0”. For fun, Phil enjoys hand-dancing to “oldies”. music, and listening to smooth jazz. He also enjoys biking, camping, and swimming. Congratulations to Phil and the 2022 Silver Beaver Class! Please join us on May 22, 2022 at Camp Snyder for this special Court of Honor. To purchase your ticket, visit https://scoutingevent.com/082-58006

Brian Summers, SR is a scouter who professionally has spent over 30 years as an IT professional and is a Cyber Security Manager, PMP, and CISSP at ManTech international. Brian started his scouting career at age 11 in Troop 154 in Falls Church, VA.  He earned the Youth Religious award, became a member of the Order of the Arrow, and became an Eagle Scout and lifelong membership in the National Eagle Scout Association.

He later enlisted in the US Army as a Combat Engineer Amy, Brian’s lovely wife of 27 years, is an Academic Language Therapist who works with children and adults with learning disabilities.  Their daughter, Ashley Summers, is a chemistry honors senior at Mary Washington University and a chemist for Aerojet.  Brian’s son, Brian Jr, will begin his college career at George Mason University, studying engineering.  Brian Jr is also an Eagle Scout, Order of the Arrow Vigil, and the George Mason OA Chapter Chief.

Brian returned to Scouting after starting his family, first as a Cub Master and then later an assistant scoutmaster with troop 1978 in Vienna, VA.  He is a graduate of Wood Badge N5-82-18-1, Camp School and Powder Horn.  During Brian’s Scouting career, he has earned the Scout Trainer Award, Commissioner Arrowhead Honor, District Award of Merit, the James West Fellowship Award, and received the Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor.  Brian continues as an assistant scoutmaster, George Mason District Shooting Sports Director, and Roundtable Commissioner.  He is also an NCAC Shooting Sports Director and supports most unit, district, and council shooting sports events.

Brian teaches STEM through FIRST and shooting sports and safety outside of Scouting.  He is a US Archery Association Level 2 Instructor and an NRA CRSO, Rifle, Pistol, and Shotgun instructor.  Since 2017, Brian has been a FIRST Robotics coach, teaching STEM to youth.

Congratulations to Brian and the 2022 Silver Beaver Class! Please join us on May 22, 2022 at Camp Snyder for this special Court of Honor. To purchase your ticket, visit https://scoutingevent.com/082-58006

Maria Raffucci-Cooper is no stranger to the busy lifestyle that comes with volunteering for the BSA and being a full-time registered nurse. As a dedicated leader in the National Capital Area Council, she has served in positions at the unit, district, and council levels. She currently serves as a Crew Adviser for Crew 1853 and a council trainer in the NYLT and Woodbadge programs. She also volunteers in the community by making regular food deliveries from a local food shelter to community members in need.

Maria believes everyone should take basic first aid skills. As a result, she has made herself available to teach First Aid/CPR/AED and Wilderness First Aid to numerous groups, including Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, and other volunteer organizations in the community. Maria is a Brotherhood Member of the Order of the Arrow and has received several Scouting recognitions, including the District Award of Merit.

Maria and her husband are the proud parents of three boys. Two are Eagle Scouts and one other working on his Eagle Award. She is extremely proud of all their accomplishments and credits the Scouting program with their success in life.

Congratulations to Maria and the 2022 Silver Beaver Class! Please join us on May 22, 2022 at Camp Snyder for this special Court of Honor. To purchase your ticket, visit https://scoutingevent.com/082-58006