Paying Tribute to the Brave: Honoring Scouts Who Have Served in the Armed Forces
Armed Forces Day falls on Saturday, May 21 in 2022.
Honoring Heroes on Armed Forces Day
There are many ways to describe a Scout; brave, loyal, and trustworthy are a few words that come to mind. Scouting has motivated young people to challenge themselves and take on the most difficult tasks with full hearts and clear reasons for over a century. It has demanded we stay physically strong and mentally awake. It has been a movement urging us to help others at all times and do our part to make the world a better place. The fact of the matter is that there are no shortcuts in Scouting, which is especially true for a Scout who has earned Eagle. It should come as no surprise that many Scouts will go on to serve their country when their time in Scouting comes to an end. This Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 21, we’re honoring Scouts who have put their lives on the line for our safety and freedom. From a pair of best friends who became Marines to a World War II veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge and came home to help 53 Scouts earn Eagle, read on to learn more about these heroes!
A Tale of Two Best Friends
Any Scout can tell you that Scouting helps create friendships that last a lifetime. Best friends since the first grade, Eagle Scouts Thomas Giese and Tony Moreno completed Marine Corps Recruit Training.
These Scouts have been through it together, from Cub Scouts to Eagle Scouts to the U.S. Marines! Giese and Moreno cite their Scouting experiences like hiking, orienteering, rappelling, and problem-solving for helping prepare them for their training challenges. Their status as Eagle Scouts entitled them to receive a meritorious promotion to Private First Class.
Thomas and Tony will now return to college and serve in the Marine Corps Reserves following their completion of follow-on training this Fall.
Thomas attends West Virginia University, and Tony attends Loyola University-New Orleans.
We thank them for their service to our country and wish them all the best in their future military and academic adventures!
Meet the Scoutmaster and WWII Veteran Who Helped 53 Scouts Earn the Rank of Eagle
Josiah Benator fought in the Battle of the Bulge, which began on December 16, 1944. Benator was born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1922 to a Sephardic Jewish family from the Greek island of Rhodes. He joined the BSA in 1934 and quickly worked his way up to the rank of Eagle Scout. After receiving his engineering degree in 1943, Benator was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served as First Lieutenant in the 20th Armored Infantry Battalion, 10th Armored Division. He has received numerous awards and honors for his service, including the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal. When Benator returned to Atlanta after the war, he became the Scoutmaster for @ovsatlanta Troop 73. Over the past 70 years, 53 of his scouts have become Eagle Scouts, something only 4% of Boy Scouts achieve! He has mentored several generations and helped shape the lives of countless individuals.
Thank you, Mr. Benator, for your service to our country and dedication to Scouting!
Honor a Hero on Armed Forces Day!
Whether it’s saying “thank you” to a military member in your community or writing a card to the brave men and women overseas, there’s never a wrong time to show your appreciation for the heroes who serve in the armed forces. Tag an armed forces hero with #armedforces and #scoutshopbsa for a chance to be featured on our social channels!
