Press Releases

Scouting Salutes the Military: Celebrating Leadership, Service, and Community

NCAC Announces Return of Prestigious Military Event

BETHESDA, MD, March 3, 2025— Scouting America National Capital Area Council (NCAC) is proud to announce the return of Scouting Salutes the Military on April 23, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, VA. This distinguished event, held during the Month of the Military Child, will honor the shared values of leadership, service, and resilience that unite Scouting and the military.

Vice Admiral (RET) Ricky Williamson, former Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, will serve as both emcee and chairperson for the evening. With a legacy of leadership and service, Williamson will help guide this special occasion and expands its recognition beyond active duty military members to also honor veterans, military spouses, Department of Defense civilians, contractors, and Scouts who have made a lasting impact on their communities.

“This event highlights the powerful connection between Scouting and the military,” said Williamson. “We are proud to honor individuals whose service exemplifies the values of leadership, integrity, and selfless service—the cornerstones of both our communities.”

“The return of Scouting Salutes the Military has been met with incredible enthusiasm,” noted NCAC Chief Development Officer, King Laughlin. “In its first year back, we received nearly 40 nominations—a testament to the extraordinary service and dedication found within the military and Scouting communities. The overwhelming response underscores the profound impact of this event and the importance of recognizing those who lead with courage and commitment.”

Honoring Excellence

The evening will celebrate six distinguished individuals for their outstanding contributions to the military and their communities:

• Distinguished Service Award (Active Duty): US Army Colonel Rick Sonnenfeld, Troop 104
• Veteran Achievement Award: Dave Myrda, Troop 1814, Pack 415, Crew 1814
• Military Spouse Support Award: Katie Hinman, Pack 1533 and Troop 150
• Military Scout Excellence Award (Current Scout): Ben Skaggs, Troop 118B
• Distinguished Civilian Service Award (DoD): Marjorie J. McDonald, Pack 1100, Troops 1176 & 1145, Ship 1176
• Mission Partner Award: Michael Corcoran, Troop 980

The event’s theme, “Leadership Begins Here” will guide the evening’s celebration. With a goal to raise $100,000, funds generated will support Scouting programs for military-connected youth, ensuring they have the resources to grow into the leaders of tomorrow.

Why Support Scouting Salutes the Military?

This event offers a unique opportunity to:

• Celebrate the leadership and service of honorees whose actions embody Scouting’s core values.
• Directly impact future leaders through sponsorships that fund youth programs for military families.
• Build meaningful connections with military leaders, executives, and policymakers in an exclusive, inspiring setting.

The Scouting-Military Connection

For more than a century, Scouting has instilled leadership, service, and resilience—qualities that are essential in both military and civilian life. Many of today’s military leaders, including NASA astronauts, governors, and members of Congress, began their journeys in Scouting. Studies show that 57.4% of NASA astronauts, 36.4% of West Point cadets, and 25% of U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen participated in Scouting as youth.

Beyond shaping future leaders, Scouting also provides vital support to military families, offering continuity and community across the world. As military families transition from base to base, Scouting provides a stable environment for youth to connect, build friendships, and thrive—no matter where they are stationed.

Past Honorees and Speakers

Notable past honorees include:

• Brigadier General Charles McGee, Tuskegee Airman
• Captain John Rotruck, Commander of the USNS Mercy
• The Honorable Joe Manchin III

Past emcees and speakers have included The Honorable Togo D. West, The Honorable Louis Caldera, and General J.H. Binford Peay III, USA (Ret.).

Sponsorship Opportunities

There are many ways to support Scouting Salutes the Military, from attending the event to becoming a sponsor which can be found at www.ncacscouting.org/military

Scouting America has been inspiring generations of leaders since 1910. Join the movement at BeAScout.org.

WASHINGTON, DC (February 7, 2025) – On February 8, Boy Scouts of America will celebrate its 115th birthday, marking a pivotal moment in the organization’s journey as it officially adopts its new name, Scouting America. Scouting America is the nation’s foremost youth program providing young people with unique opportunities focused on character development, leadership, fun and outdoor exploration. The organization continues to adapt to meet the evolving needs of young people, ensuring that future generations will have the opportunity to benefit from this transformative program.

For more than a century, Scouting America’s mission has remained the same: to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Whether it’s a camping trip, a pinewood derby car race, or a trail hike, every adventure encourages personal growth by teaching youth how to set goals and achieve them with determination. As we look to the future, Scouting America is dedicated to providing young people with the values, skills and experiences they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

“Scouting America has helped instill timeless values for multiple generations of Americans,” Roger Krone, Scouting America president and CEO said. “In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the values and skills instilled by Scouting are more critical than ever, and the need for strong character, ethical decision-making and effective leadership remains paramount. As we celebrate 115 years of service to our nation, we are reaffirming our commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment where young people can develop these essential qualities, empowering to reach their full potential, and preparing them to become responsible and engaged citizens.”

Scouting America has remained committed to providing youth with a safe environment where they can learn meaningful life skills, create lifelong memories and grow into tomorrow’s leaders. In fact, more than 130 million Americans have been through Scouting America programs since our founding in 1910. Currently, more than 1 million youth are served by 477,000 dedicated adult volunteers in local councils throughout the country.

The annual report of 2024 for NCAC showed membership at 31,107 with 957 total units. Out of all the youth in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Explorers, Venturers, Sea Scouts and those in the U.S. Virgin island or abroad, 4,330 of them are female Scouts. The entire organization of Scouting America has also seen over 8,000 females earn the rank of Eagle Scout.

“The rebranding marks an important moment for the organization to celebrate its growing inclusivity,” NCAC Scout Executive Mario A. Pérez said. “Our Council has been dedicated to welcoming all youth, no matter what gender, race, ethnicity, or background the child may have.”

The opportunities for all youth are limitless in Scouting America. In 2018, Scouting America started single-gender dens for boys and girls in the Cub Scout programs. A year later, Scouts BSA was introduced so older boys and girls could join single-gender troops and earn their Eagle Scout. Co-ed programs are also available in Venturing, Sea Scouting, STEM Scouts, Exploring and Learning for Life.

NCAC has seen approval and positivity about the rebranding from parents, Scouts and leaders. This change will improve the impact of the organization and NCAC will reach out to more youth to showcase its inclusivity and opportunities. Scouts across the board recognize skills they have learned from their program, which includes confidence, leadership, teamwork and friendship.

“We welcome families who want to have fun, and learn about important life skills, personal safety, and environmental stewardship. In Scouting we participate in outdoor activities, get involved in the local community, and learn teamwork,” NCAC Field Director and Eagle Scout Keenan Pallone said.

The weeklong birthday celebration will kick off with historic sites from coast-to-coast illuminated in red, white and blue lights in honor of Scouting America — including Niagara Falls, Milwaukee’s Hoan Bridge, St. Louis’ The Wheel at Union Station, Cleveland’s Terminal Tower, Pennsylvania State Capitol, Louisiana State Capitol, Baltimore City Hall and Capella Tower, and I-35W Mississippi River Bridge in Minneapolis. Scouts and non-Scouts alike can join in the celebration by sharing their favorite Scouting moments on Instagram (@boyscoutsofamerica) and TikTok (@scouting.america). Lastly, Scouting America will raise the redesigned organization flag over its headquarters in Irving, Texas on Wednesday, February 12.

Scouting America invites families, individuals and communities nationwide to join its mission. Whether you come from a family with a Scouting tradition or are considering Scouting for the first time, we welcome you to be a part of our next 115 years. To learn more, visit www.BeAScout.org.

 

About Scouting America National Capital Area Council (NCAC)

NCAC started in 1911 and stands as one of the largest and oldest councils in Scouting America. The Council represents a variety of territories from the Washington Metropolitan Area, which includes the District of Columbia, such as Frederick, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties from Maryland, Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William, Loudon, Fauquier, Spotsylvania, Caroline, King George, Stafford and Culpeper counties from Virginia and the independent cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, Manassas, Manassas Park and Fredericksburg in Virginia. NCAC also serves the U.S. Virgin Islands and Scouting families abroad in North, Central and South America. During 2024, NCAC Scouts performed over 200,000 hours of community service and over 1,000 Eagle Scouts were attained.

 

About Scouting America

Scouting America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.®” Scouting America welcomes all of America’s youth into its programs. Our goal is to give them fantastic experiences in the outdoors, and elsewhere, where they can grow with us in a safe environment. More than 130 million Americans have been through our programs since our founding, and currently more than 1 million youth are served by 477,000 dedicated adult volunteers in local councils throughout the country. To learn more about Scouting America’s mission, or to sign your child up for Scouting, visit www.BeAScout.org.

 

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Local Scouts Bring Community Together to Help End Hunger

Scouts Ask for Public to Support Virtual and Doorstep Food Collection Drive 

OCTOBER 24, 2024, WASHINGTON, DC— For 38 years, Scouts have collected food for families experiencing food insecurity in the greater Washington, DC region. As part of “Scouting For Food,” Scouting America National Capital Area Council (NCAC) is walking through the local community collecting directly from their neighbors in their annual effort to help alleviate hunger throughout the region.

After notifying neighbors with post notes, flyers, and virtual advertisements about the collection in their neighborhoods on November 2, 2024, Scouts will mobilize on November 9, 2024 to collect non-perishable food items. If a notification is received, residents are asked to participate by placing their donated food items on their doorstep in bags or boxes to aid in the collection process.

Scouting for Food is one of the largest annual food drives in the metropolitan area. Scouts of all ages, from 5 to 20 years old, will participate in Scouting for Food throughout the District of Columbia; the Maryland counties of Frederick, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s; and the Virginia counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William, Loudoun, Fauquier, Spotsylvania, Caroline, King George, Stafford, Culpeper, as well as the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, Manassas, Manassas Park and Fredericksburg.

If charitable neighbors do not receive a notice at their door, contributions can be made through the virtual Scouting for Food campaign. Partnering with You Give Goods, NCAC has created 19 virtual food drives that will benefit specific nonprofit food pantries throughout the region. The virtual food drives can be found at: https://yougivegoods.com/campaign/view/657

The yearly campaign meets the mission of the Boy Scouts of America, “…to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law” and specifically the part of the Scout Oath that states, “…to help other people at all times.”

“In 2023 Scouts collected over 537,000 pounds of food for families experiencing food insecurity across our council territory,” said Mario A. Pérez, CEO and Scout Executive of Scouting America National Capital Area Council. “We know that almost 1.5 million people in our region are struggling with hunger. Through Scouting for Food, our Scouts, their parents, and adult leaders endeavor to live up to the Scout Law and be helpful by serving their community. Scouting America aims to prepare young people for lives of impact and purpose. This service project demonstrates our commitment to this aim.”

According to the Capital Area Food Bank’s 2024 Annual Hunger Report, “37% of the Washington region – nearly 1.5 million people – didn’t always know where their next meal would come from at some point last year. That’s an increase of 5 percentage points from last year, when 32% of households in the region experienced food insecurity during 2023.”

Scouting for Food is held every fall prior to Thanksgiving. Local food banks rely on the efforts of the Scouts to stock their shelves for the upcoming holiday months when food demands are the highest. Scouts depend on the community to support the effort. Healthy, nonperishable items needed include canned protein (tuna, salmon, chicken); peanut butter; grains (pasta, whole grain pasta, brown & white rice); whole grain hot & cold cereals (multi-grain, low sugar cereals, oatmeal); canned vegetables; and canned fruits.

Scouting for Food is made possible in part by a grant from the Safeway Foundation.

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About Scouting America

Scouting America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.®” The Scouting organization is composed of more than 1 million youth members between the ages of 5 and 21 and more than 628,000 volunteers in local councils throughout the United States and its territories. Since its inception in 1910, more than 130 million young men and women have participated in the Scouting program. More than 35 million adult volunteers have helped carry out the organization’s mission. For more, please visit www.Scouting.org.

Scouting America National Capital Area Council (NCAC) was organized in 1911 and today stands as one of the oldest and largest councils in America. Scouts from the NCAC do over 370,000 hours of community service each year. NCAC prepares youth for life through outstanding programs that inspire, build character and instill the values that young people need to succeed today. That includes everything from camping and hiking, to community service and leadership development. Each Scout gains experiences that not only help them when they are young, but stay with them throughout their adult lives, helping them grow into adults that respect their family, community, religion, country and themselves which we refer to as the “Scouting Edge.” For more information, please visit www.NCACBSA.org.