Liam S. was awarded The Medal of Merit for saving his Assistant Scoutmaster’s life. The Medal of Merit successfully recognizes those who have performed acts of service of a rare or exceptional character that reflect an uncommon degree of concern for the well-being of others. Liam was out on a routine walk with his dog and witnessed his neighbor and Assistant Scout Master Jack collapse. He was able to perform CPR and keep up blood circulation until the EMTs arrived. With Liam’s help, Jack was able to make it to the hospital in a timely manner and recover.
During the night of the ceremony, Jack was able to pin the medal on the young Scout that saved his life. Jack not only thanked Liam but reflected on the importance of the Scout skills he teaches his Troop and other youth. These skills prepare our Scouts for life, to be stellar members of the community, and ultimately can contribute to saving a life.
middle Florida Keys. After breakfast each morning we pulled anchor and sailed for the first snorkeling site of the day always dragging a line in anticipation of pulling in a big fish. After a snorkel, we would enjoy lunch and plot the course to the overnight anchorage. Upon arrival, there would be another opportunity to snorkel, followed by dinner and after cleaning up we would enjoy a swim. After the swimmers were out of the water, there would be time to fish, play games, read, or enjoy free time as the Scouts preferred. Most slept on the deck, under the stars and one night had a sighting of the Star Link satellite.
Midweek we were fortunate to dock for the night at a local resort. This provided an opportunity to swim in a pool, play beach games, have power for AC on the boat, and most importantly a shower. That night we had steaks to grill on the barbecue as well. We can attest to the fact that the meals were a step up from the usual Scout fare and there was a lot of food for meals and snacks.
Life Scout TJ D., 14, has been awarded the Medal of Merit by the Boy Scouts of America for using the skills he has learned through scouting to save the life of his grandmother. 
TJ is a very active Life Scout who has been working toward Eagle in Troop 1107 — chartered by St. John’s Lutheran Church in Franconia — since 2020, rarely missing a meeting, camp or service project. He joined scouting as a Tiger Cub with Pack 867 — also chartered by St. John’s — in 2015. He has attended SeaBase (2022) and National Jamboree (2023) and plans on going on a Northern Tier Trek (2024) as well as Summit Bechtel Reserve (2025) to get the High Adventure Triple Crown. He has also taken ILST and plans to participate in NYLT this January, since he has served his troop as Patrol Quartermaster, APL, PL, Chaplain’s Aide, Bugler, Instructor and ASPL. He is currently the Troop Guide and Assistant Patrol Leader.
The Scouts of Troop 3228 under the guidance of Scoutmaster Troy O’Donnell conducted a reverent and solemn flag ceremony on day four of the National Jamboree. The Scouts first lowered the flags of the visiting foreign Scout Associations, and then retired the flags of the Summit Reservation, the State of West Virginia, and the Flag of the United States. The Jamboree coordinator commended the Scouts on their service, saying that they conducted the best ceremony by far.
