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Team Andersen youth named Eagle Scout

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nichelle Griffiths
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  A member of Team Andersen recently earned the highest rank in scouting, Eagle Scout. Andrew Lein, son of Senior Master Sergeant Richard Lein, 36th Civil Engineer Squadron fire chief, becomes a part of an elite group of young men.

"Only two percent of all scouts reach the rank of Eagle Scout," said Master Sgt. Thomas Smith, 36th Contracting Squadron and Boy Scout Troop 20 assistant scoutmaster.

To become an Eagle Scout, a boy scout must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service and outdoor skills. The final task before one can become an Eagle Scout is conducting an Eagle Scout project.

The project is conducted to highlight leadership skills. Andrew picked a project not only benefitting him but Andersen as well. For Andrew's project, Troop 20, made up of 10 boy scouts and approximately 20 to 30 Andersen Airmen, painted more than 30 fire hydrants located at various locations here Nov. 22.

Andrew coordinated and supervised the event, showcasing his leadership abilities, earning him the right to be named an Eagle Scout.

Andrew has been scouting for ten years and has been a part of Troop 20 since September 2007. He now holds the title of being the only Eagle Scout in his troop.

Troop 20 assists in the improvement of Andersen by conducting monthly beach clean-ups and quarterly clean-ups of the "Ole 100" static display. Off base, the troop volunteers at Guam Animals In Need and has recently participated in Scouting for Food, a food drive where items were donated to the food bank in Yigo.

The benefits of becoming a member of this elite group of men are numerous college scholarships and the advancement in pay grade to E-3 after the completion of Basic Military Training in all branches of military service.

Boy Scout Troop 20 is not exclusive to Andersen Air Force Base youth. Boys ages 11-17 or boys who are 10 and have received the Arrow of Light Award, or boys who have completed the 5th grade that are interested in being a part of the year-round program are encouraged to call Assistant Scoutmaster Thomas Smith at 653-7903.

For more information on the Boys Scouts of America, visit The Boys Scouts National Council Web site at http://www.scouting.org/BoyScouts.aspx.