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By James Silverio
During my decade as a Scout, I met many people, earned nearly 40 merit badges, and accumulated hundreds of hours of community service.
“Service” is especially important because of what my soldier’s identity is based on. Troop 23 and the Scouting BSA are committed to serving the community at large, so their actions today help improve tomorrow.
The Scout Law states that a Scout is, among other things, loyal, helpful and respectful. These principles become a part of Scouts’ lives as they strive to be leaders for positive change and learn to be influential and respected members of society.
In fact, service is so integral to Scouting that to achieve the highest rank of Eagle, a Scout must create, plan, lead, and implement a community service project. Thousands of people have attempted this great achievement, but only a few have achieved it. I want my name to be with the Eagle Scouts that came before me and to show how far I’ve come in life by challenging myself to the fullest.
So I invite everyone reading this to participate in my upcoming Eagle Scout project. On Sunday, December 18th, I will be hosting a blood drive at Our Lady of Angels Gym in Bay Ridge in partnership with the New York Blood Center.
There is a serious blood shortage in New York City and across America, and this project is an effort to get blood to those who need it most.
The New York Blood Center is the leading supplier of blood to Veterans Administration hospitals in the capital city. My family has a rich history of men and women serving in our armed forces.
Therefore, it was important for me to hold the blood donation close to Pearl Harbor Day. The name of the project “Operation: Give to those who gave” is a call to give blood to those who gave everything on the front.
When I turn 18 this coming March, my journey as a Scout will come to an end. Scouting will always mean a lot to me. It made me the young man I am today. I experienced many new adventures and made memories that will stay with me forever.
But the closest and most precious thing I get from scouting are the true and meaningful friendships I make along the way. In turn, I hope that my Eagle Scout project will have the same long-term impact on the community that being a Scout has on my life.
James Silverio, 17, is a Boy Scout with Troop 23 in Brooklyn.
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