Scout's monument for 'true heroes'

Sierra Vista Herald, Sierra Vista Arizona ^ | 5/30/04 | Bill Hess

[SandRat]

BISBEE - There are many heroes who protect the people of the United States.

In a Bisbee's Vista Park, there now is a monument to those men and women.

The monument was Aaron Oertel's project. Oertel is an 18-year-old who, with the help of others, put up a special monument and landscaped an area in the park. It was his Eagle Scout project.

Oertel wrote some special words on the plaque attached to the stone monument, saying it is for "all those who have, who are and who will serve in our armed forces, law enforcement, firefighters, medical professionals and those who sacrifice and serve as everyday heroes."

U.S. Border Patrol agents, airmen from the Air Force squadron on Fort Huachuca, Bisbee Police Department officers and Bisbee firefighters were at a Saturday afternoon ceremony to dedicate the monument.

After the dedication, the Boy Scout Troop 401 member said he has always thought there was a need for a monument to honor all who serve and protect the nation.

"My generation has had a lack of patriotism, and I thought this would be good to help bring it back," Oertel said.

First he had to have the permission of the Bisbee City Council to start.

Bisbee Mayor Dan Beauchamp, who cut the ribbon so the covering over the monument could be removed, said he thought the project was too ambitious for Oertel.

So did other members of the council.

But they saw the Boy Scout was determined and permission was given.

Oertel said he approached the council on Feb. 16. Once the approval was given, he realized he had a lot of work to do.

Part of the work was obtaining donations. The monument and associated landscaping cost nearly $3,000. Some of the work was from fellow members of his troop, who were part of Saturday's ceremony.

Oertel, who will be the first Eagle Scout in the troop in 13 years, thanked all those who provided money and his fellow scouts for their work.

The work included creating a gravel walkway to the monument and planting trees around the edges.

Each of the four trees have special meaning. A cedar tree signifies strength and bravery. A desert willow is for comfort and compassion. An olive tree represents peace. A Palo Verde stands for life.

The 2004 Bisbee High School graduate will be going to Cochise College.

However, he hopes that when he plays in the High School All Star football game there may be some scouts - not Boy Scout types - who may see something special in him.

Beauchamp said there are not many adults who could achieve what Oertel did.

"Half of life is shaping up. The other half is starting and finishing things," Beauchamp said. "Aaron did something at a much younger age than many of us."

For Oertel, while the project was to help him earn his Eagle Scout rank, there was more he wanted to do.

Looking at those people he dedicated the monument to - law enforcement, armed forces members and firefighters - Oertel said, "You serve our community and country and you deserve a great deal more than this. True heroes, thank you for who you are."

[nuconvert]

Nice story


Is Sierra Vista becoming the center for Nat'l news? lol
I see it listed quite a bit lately.

[SandRat]

Scouts Honoring What is Right and Good.

[SandRat]

Well, (sheepishly kicking the dirt) we are growing.

[SuziQ]

Congratulations to Aaron. When our oldest son became an Eagle Scout, it amazed me to learn that only about 2% of all Boy Scouts go on to earn their Eagle. I'm not surprised anymore. So many young men have so much going on in their lives when they get into high school, that it's tough for them to keep their attention on Scouts. Our son just made it before his 18th birthday, with all his paperwork after his project, etc.

When he was partway through the process I read a book that suggested that Scouts should get their Eagles before they entered high school. That's a BIT ambitious, but I'd think by the time they're done with 10th grade would be a good idea. That's usually before varsity sports, driver's licenses and dating get going and they lose focus.

[SandRat]

We tell parents that they have to work and be involved in Scouts with their son. That's because the three deadly sins will come along to keep him from making Eagle if they are not active.

Oh the three deadly sins, what are they?

Girls

Cars

and a Job to support the first two.

[T-Bird45]

Scouting bump. SuzieQ, my son made his Eagle the summer before his 18th birthday but had completed his project when he was 14. He just locked up on doing the necessary final merit badges and paperwork until we made it stick that "No Eagle = no car". Now, he has graduated college this month, is working in his field of study, and will be married this coming Saturday. Learning persistence can reap great rewards later.

SandRat: in our troop, we tell new parents the exact same "3 deadly sins"....funny how that line gets around.

[T-Bird45]

Post #7 was intended for you....

[SandRat]

My son Graduated from ASU in March 03 got a job in his field in Nov and got married on the 29th day of February 04. Think about that, it's all engineer logic. By the time the 7 year itch hits he'll really have 28 years of married life so stick with it and finish it; engineer logic.

Told him and his new bride that he gets a year off from scouting as a newly wed before I turn his name and address over to the BSA council where he lives to get back in to adult scouting.

The response a jab in the ribs from her with the word "YEAH!" and a nod accompanied with "I know, you're right!"