Congressman Richard Hanna presents Howard Mettleman with proclamation.
Pictured from left are Chairman Sam Beradino, Honoree Mark Miller and President Bill Kline.
(Utica, NY – Oct. 2014) On Thursday Oct. 23 The Revolutionary Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America held their third annual Leadership Dinner at the Yahnundasis Golf Club. The ceremony recognized local community leaders who have gone out of their way to help youth develop the valuable leadership skills needed to become a success in life and to make a difference in their communities.
Community Leadership Awards were presented to Howard D. Mettelman, District Superintendent of Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES and Mark G. Miller, President of Richard E. Alexander Co. Both men have devoted their lives to Scouting and teaching young men important life skills and leadership.
In addition to local business leaders and Scout executives, local and national government officials were on hand to be a part of the ceremony, including Congressman Richard Hanna, Sherriff Rob Maciol, The Hon. John Gannon, The Hon. Daniel Wilson and a representative for Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney.
The keynote address by retired Lt. General Earl Hailston of the USMC included experiences as an Eagle Scout and conveyed how Scouting helped give him the tools he needed for success. “The basics of what Scouting taught me, as a leader, were there as I led as a General Officer,” Hailston said. “Scouting teaches you honor, courage and commitment; to teach what is right, and to stand up for yourself.”
Hailston was Central Command and Commander, Marine Forces, Pacific from Aug 2001 until August 2003. During this time he led the Marine Component during operations in Afghanistan and during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Congressman Richard Hanna praised the award winners and the Scouting program. He presented each winner with a proclamation of appreciation from the US Congress for the award winners’ efforts in helping youth.
Scout Executive Steven McEwan explained that the Scouting program is the only such program for youth that helps to develop strength of character and teaches leadership skills.
“What other program is out there that teaches our youth how to be a leader? In Scouting, the Scouts teach each other, they lead, they organize and they learn how to be self-reliant, prepared and embrace community service. In no other program commonly participated in by youth, do they get the opportunity to learn these skills,” McEwan said. “We hope that by recognizing community leaders for their commitment to youth, we can highlight the benefits of the program and encourage other business leaders to be a part of this wonderful organization.”
The dinner helped raise over $24,000 towards the local Council’s $1.2 million operating budget for local Scouting programs across six counties. The Revolutionary Trails Council currently serves over 2,000 youth with over 500 trained adult leaders.