Eagle scouts show perseverance, integrity

I would like to commend Eagle Scout Jay McEntire ( Sun, October 9) for his perseverance, commitment to improving our environment, and integrity. He has shown he will go far in life.

I grew up in Kansas and was a Life Scout 60 years ago before my family moved to New Jersey. One day as I walked past the BSA office on my way to high school, the district scout executive saw me and asked me if I would like to become a summer camp counselor. I ended up spending three summers at Camp Edge and completed the requirements for Eagle Scout. I was ultimately inducted as a Brotherhood member into the Order of the Arrow. I was probably the oldest kid to make Eagle Scout in the entire state.

I went on to graduate from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and become a rescue helicopter pilot. Scouting imbued in me a sense of loyalty, patriotism and love of the outdoors. I never had the opportunity to visit Philmont, but during a 26-year Coast Guard career I served two tours in Kodiak, Alaska.

I credit scouting with giving me the courage to surmount difficult and dangerous life situations. As we say in the naval services, “Bravo Zulu,” Jay. Well done!

MONT SMITH

Bee Creek Court