As I reflect on this Centennial celebration of Scouting, I am impressed by how many things have improved but the core values have stayed constant. In a world that continually tests balance, Scouting is needed more than ever.
 
When I was a Scout in Troop 76 in Brandon, life took a new turn when our ScoutMaster was drafted into World War II. Scouting helped me be a better son, husband and father.  
 
Encouraging those around you to join Scouting is still as important as ever.  Because of the encouragement of Howard Remley, Don Goodman and Lee Sander, I became a ScoutMaster when I moved to Anamosa and later watched my sons Dave and Steve become Eagles.
 
The Scouting supplies my grandsons use are much better than what I had. However, they are still learning timeless values and the importance of health through outdoor education.
 
Scouting continues to be all about "being prepared" since we never know what life will bring. While attending the 13th World Jamboree in Japan, we were evacuated from Mount Fuji as a Typhoon came in and claimed 79 lives on the South China Coast. While attending Philmont with my sons, I was impressed by the courage of a young man who continued his journey despite losing his father to a lighting strike at the Ranch.
 
Speaking of families and Scouting, much credit is owed to my dear wife Charlene. She sewed more badges on three uniforms than one story could recount. That's true of so many mothers in Scouting! All of Charlene's hard work behind the scenes made our many wonderful Scouting memories possible. Thank you, Charlene!