Category: National Honors

Why I Belong to the American Legion

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a message from American Legion Post 6 Commander, Lee Heavlin

As this writer completes another set of stories about our Post’s activities in Chapel Hill, I am reminded of the value of an active, vibrant post in our community.  No, not just in our community, but in towns, villages, cities and counties throughout our nation.

Have you ever asked yourself, “What would our town be like without an American Legion post?”  ”Do we make a difference?”  For us, I need only point to our recent successes with youth.  Our youth are our future.  They are the future of our country.

We have given support to a Boy Scout Troop and Boy Scout Venture group when others closed their doors to them.  We have hosted numerous programs for the benefit of our area youth, including multiple Cub and Boy Scout Camporees and fishing rodeos.

We have sponsored Oratorical contests that gave local youth a chance to hone their skills and compete against other students in District and Division competition.

Our charter Boy Scout Troop 505 was selected as the American Legion North Carolina Boy Scout Troop of the Year for 2011-12 and was presented with the award at the 2012 North Carolina Convention in Raleigh, NC. These young men are growing fast and learning solid citizenship skills and high honors.  Many have earned Eagle Scout since partnering with our Post.

One Life Scout, Harrison Czajkowski, Troop 505, was selected as the Department of North Carolina winner of the Boy Scout High Adventure Award, which was presented at this year’s North Carolina State

Convention.  Master Czajkowski is an Eagle Scout candidate and should advance to Eagle Scout this summer.

The list goes on, but two more are worthy of special note and they just happened.  Both involve the American Legion North Carolina Boys’ State.

Two young men in our town took top honors at Tarheel Boys State.  Nick Clemens, Carrboro High School, was elected the 74th Tarheel Boys’ State Governor and William Wang, Chapel Hill High School, was elected State Supreme Court Justice.  But, “Wait, that’s not all… There’s more to come!”  Young MasterWang took the state bar examination and not only passed it, but he got the highest score in Tarheel Boys’ State History.

Now the question.  ”Would these young men and women been able to achieve these accomplishments, if the American Legion, your American Legion, was not here in Chapel Hill?

That’s why I belong to the American Legion.  I can join with other veterans who care and who do make a difference in our town.  We join together, share our skills, share our wealth, and continue a long 94-year tradition of “We Care!”  We are here to continue our service to  our country.

Want to learn more about the programs of the American Legion?  Read “Why You Should  Belong.”  When you are done, fill out the application for membership on the last page.  Already a member?  Share the message and encourage your neighbor to get involved with the American Legion.

Troop 505 Black Hawk aka Dallas West Eagle Ceremony Apr 24

Troop Meeting, Eagle Ceremony, Wednesday April 24, 6:30-8:30 at Jordan Lake State Park, Ebenezer Recreation Area, Shelter 8 near Old Oak Trail off Farrington Road about one (1) mile south of NC-64, Apex, NC. If weather does not permit an outdoor ceremony an announcement to be made 24 hours prior.

On Wednesday, April 24, Troop 505 will meet at Jordan Lake State Park Ebenezer Recreation Area Shelter #8 for an Eagle Ceremony. The reception will start at 6:30pm and will include plenty of delicious salads, appetizers and snacks. The ceremony will run promptly from 7pm – 7:45pm. Class A required.

Those Scouts already notified as taking active part in the ceremony, please be at Shelter #8 no later than 30 minutes to reception (practice session for participants will be 6:00 – 6:30 pm).

Troop 505 Scout Harrison Czajkowski Honored With American Legion High Adventure Scholarship

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We Too Have a Job to doa message from American Legion Post 6 Commander, Lee Heavlin

The American Legion, Department of North Carolina, announced today the selection of Harrison Czajkowski, Troop 505, as the Department of North Carolina winner of the Boy Scout High Adventure Awards.

The Department Boy Scout Committee selects a High Adventure Award winner from each of the 5 divisions in the department. The Boy Scouts who win this award receive a $1000.00 scholarship towards attendance at any of the recognized “high adventure” programs sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America.

The Boy Scouts of America operates several high adventure bases at the national level. Each offers a wide range of programs and training. A typical core program may include sailing, wilderness canoeing or wilderness backpacking trips. These bases are administered by the High Adventure Division of the National Council.

There are many opportunities for Scouts and Scout Leaders to receive public recognition from the Department of North Carolina for their efforts in their community. Awards and recognition are not restricted to Charter Post troops. All local troops are eligible.

Chapel Hill Post 6 was proud to nominate scout Czajkowski for this award.  Scout Czajkowski also built new picnic tables for our post as his Eagle Scout project.

Harrison will receive his award and plaque on Friday, June 14, 2013, at approximately 1:00 p.m., during the opening of the American Legion 2013 Annual Convention at the North Raleigh Hilton.

Occoneechee Council National Youth Leadership Training Jun 14-30

1st Weekend:  June 14 @ 7 pm – June 16, 2013 @ 6 pm

2nd Weekend:  June 28 @ 7 pm – June 30, 2013 @ 6 pm

What is NYLT? – The National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) course was developed by the Boy Scouts of America to provide local councils with a standardized training course for the youth or “junior” leaders of Boy Scout troops. This course, held over two extended weekends, is designed to parallel and complement the training that their adult leaders receive in Wood Badge. Experience shows that NYLT makes a positive difference in the lives of its graduates and in the operation of their troops.

Course Content – NYLT uses the Patrol Method in an outdoor setting to provide advanced training in two areas: • Leadership Skills (counseling, planning, communicating, evaluating, controlling the group, styles of leadership, etc.) • Scoutcraft Skills (outdoor living skills such as camping, cooking, hiking, backpacking, pioneering, orienteering, etc.).

Prerequisite Requirements – NYLT is not designed to be the initial training for youth leaders. All participants will need considerable experience in outdoor living skills and the maturity to relate to the in-depth concepts presented in the Leadership Skills area. Although the course is a lot of fun, it is physically and mentally demanding. For these reasons, participants will need to meet the following requirements:

• Minimum age of 13 with outstanding Scouting spirit and team-player attitude • First-Class rank or higher with considerable experience in outdoor living (including at least one year of summer camp) • Good physical condition (must submit a completed copy Class II Physical Form at beginning of course) • Scoutmaster’s recommendation (must submit Scoutmaster Nomination Form)

Limited Enrollment – Participation is limited to the first 48 qualified Youth Leaders who preregister. The cost is $210 for the two weekend course. Applicants will need to submit their application (along with Scoutmaster Nomination Form and $75 preregistration fee) to the Council Service Center. All Scoutmasters will be mailed a packet of information which can also be downloaded from http://www.ocscouts .org.

This year’s NYLT Course is now looking for Youth and Adult Staff. The course’s coordinator, Kathy Connelly, is taking rec- ommendations from unit leaders to place former JLTC, NYLT course graduates or other youth who have demonstrated exception- al leadership ability into staff positions (they must be 14 to 19 years old). Adult staff with strong leadership skills are especially needed! While Wood Badge for the 21st Century training would be desirable, it is not a requirement. Call Kathy at numbers listed below if you qualify and are interested in serving.

For more information – contact Scoutmaster West ASAP, or call the Council Service Center at 919-872-4884. Reservations are REQUIRED.