By Debbie Adams
Scout Gabriel Wilson from Troop 235 in Vinton celebrated a monumental occasion on May 4 –
he was awarded the highest rank a Scout can attain during an Eagle Scout Court of Honor at
Thrasher Memorial United Methodist Church. He was surrounded by family, friends, fellow
Scouts, and Scout leaders as he was pinned with the badge only 4% of Scouts earn.
Pictured left to right are parents Josh and Jamie Wilson, grandfather and Scoutmaster Brian
Cook, Gabriel, Tyler Cook, and grandmother Tammy Cook. (photos by Debbie Adams)
Brian Cook, Gabriel’s grandfather, Scoutmaster, and mentor, opened the ceremony.
Wilson’s fellow Scouts spoke of the five obligations of an Eagle Scout: to live honorably; to be
loyal to family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and nation; to be courageous, not only physically
but by standing up for what is right; to be cheerful; and to serve others.
Cook noted that the Eagle Scout Award is the last step in an advancement program that takes
years to complete.
The requirements for Eagle Scout are:
- To be active in your troop and patrol for at least six months as a Life Scout
- To demonstrate Scout spirit by living out the Scout Oath and Scout Law in your everyday
life - To earn 21 merit badges, including the 13 required (First Aid, Citizenship in the
Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communication,
Cooking, Personal Fitness, Emergency Preparedness or Lifesaving, Environmental
Science of Sustainability, Personal Management, Swimming or Hiking or Cycling,
Camping, Family Life, and Citizenship in Society. (Wilson has earned over 40 merit
badges thus far, with plans for more.) - To plan, develop, and lead others in carrying out a service project worthy of an Eagle
Scout - To take part in a Scoutmaster conference
- To appear before a board of review of prominent persons and satisfy them that you have
done your best to understand and live up to the Scout Oath and Law, and in all ways,
quality for the Eagle Scout Award
Scoutmaster Greg Leslie told Wilson, “Your position is one of honor and responsibility. You are
a marked man. As an Eagle Scout you assume a solemn obligation to do your duty to God, to
country, to your fellow Scouts, and to all of mankind.
“As an Eagle Scout, you are prepared to help America in all that she needs most. She has a great
past; you are here to make her future even greater.
“I charge you to undertake your citizenship with solemn dedication. Be a leader, but lead only
toward the best. Lift up every task you do and every office you hold to the high level of service
to God and your fellow men.
“Build America on the solid foundations of clean living, honest work, unselfish citizenship, and
reverence for God. Whatever others may do, I charge you to leave behind you a record of which
every citizen may be proud.”
Leslie noted that most Scouts are 17 or older when they reach the rank of Eagle Scout, but
Wilson earned his rank at age 16.
Wilson received his Eagle Award pin from his mother. He then presented Parent Pins to both
parents, along with Mentor Pins to his grandfather, and Scout leaders Greg Leslie and John
Frasca.
Traditionally, Eagle Scouts receive congratulatory letters from local, state, and federal officials
for their achievement. One of Wilson’s Commendation Letters came from rock musician Peter
Criss, AKA The Catman, a member of his favorite band KISS.
Criss took the time to write, “I know it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to become an
Eagle Scout and I’m very proud of you! I hope your leadership continues to bless you throughout
your life. You have already proven that you are a young man of integrity. It would be an honor to
shake your hand. May the Lord keep you safe and bless you always.”
One of the main steps in reaching the rank of Eagle Scout is to complete a community service
project. It usually takes months of planning and fundraising by the Scout candidate. Wilson’s
project was building a “Friends of the River” kiosk on the Franklin County Blueway on the
Blackwater River near what would become a canoe and kayak launch.
As for why he chose that particular project, Gabriel says that the Friends of the River were
hoping for Eagle Scout candidates to take on building the much-needed kiosks which display
information and educational materials. Gabriel and his grandfather did some research and
decided it would be a good and beneficial project to take on for the community.
The project was completed by the troop one weekend in late November, placing wooden posts in
the ground, and topping the kiosk off with a metal roof.
“A Scout working on his Eagle Project is a special time and will be remembered for the rest of
his life,” said Cook.
Eagle Scout candidates serve as leaders of their projects, supervising other Scouts and volunteers
in a troop activity as the project advances. When the project is complete, the Scout faces a board
of review.
Wilson has been involved in Scouting since he was 11 years old. He is now a junior in high
school, homeschooled by his parents, Josh and Jamie Wilson, and his grandparents, Brian and
Tammy Cook.
Gabriel says that when he first got involved in Scouting as a Cub Scout at the encouragement of
his grandfather, he “had a blast, it was so much fun, and I loved it.” When he reached Boy Scout
age, he joined Troop 235 which meets at Thrasher Memorial UMC. One of their leaders, Greg
Leslie, is a family friend. Gabriel says he has “made many great friends there.”
Leslie described Wilson as “a fine young man, who takes things in stride, is a leader, and is very
impressive.”
