Time + Content = Character

In November, a very special event occurred at our Eagle Scout Dinner– it was our honor to present and recognize Chief Scout Executive, Bob Mazzuca with the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. In lieu of my Scout Executive minute, I would like to reprint a special edition of “Bob’s Blog”, recognizing our Chief from the National BSA President.

Mike Surbaugh
Scout Executive

 

No, that isn’t my picture and this isn’t Bob posting.  This is John Gottschalk and due to a very special circumstance, I am taking control of the blog this afternoon to share with you some very exciting news.  Our fearless leader has received an extraordinary honor and I want to take the opportunity to pay tribute. It is my honor and pleasure to announce that last night, at a ceremony in Pittsburgh, PA, Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca received one of Scouting’s highest honors — the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. The award was given at the 60th Annual Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner, in a city where Bob served as Scout Executive for 10 years and that holds a special place in his heart. Surrounded by old friends and family, it was a perfectly fitting place to recognize him in this way. There is so much I can say about why Bob is so deserving of this award. Top of mind is his sincere dedication to living the tenets of Scouting which has had a profound impact on countless lives and communities. We all benefit from his steady leadership and tireless efforts to strengthen our organization so our next 100 years are even better than the first.  Today’s announcement about the establishment of a national center for Scouting excellence will stand as milestone for Scouting under Bob’s leadership. (More about that later when Bob regains control of his blog.)  But personally, my favorite thing about Bob is seeing him light up a room when he speaks about his passion for Scouting and the tremendous value it brings. Bob became Chief Scout Executive in September 2007 after more than four decades of service to Scouting.  It has been my great pleasure as his volunteer partner to collaborate with him as he invests all of his energy to build the character and integrity of America’s youth through the work of the BSA. Bob has traveled the country to share his vision for the organization, inspire local councils, and support local efforts. He is a great ambassador - within our own family and far, far beyond. And, we are all proud to call him, "Chief."  Since the Distinguished Eagle Award was created in 1969, fewer than 2,000 of our 2 million Eagle Scouts have received this honor. It is reserved for very special recognition of those who make an extraordinary difference through their own personal commitment to the Scout law. Please let Bob know how much we all applaud his leadership and this honor.     Yours in Scouting, John Gottschalk President and Impromptu Blogger Boy Scouts of America