2008 Scout Project of the Year

Baylor Dickerson of Bumpass, Virginia

Project Summary 

I was first introduced to the Landstuhl’s Wounded Warrior Ministry at Virginia’s 2007 American Legion Conference.  At this conference the American Legion talked about many things, including Landstuhl Medical Center. It was also at this time that I began thinking about my Eagle Scout project. My family and I looked up Landstuhl Medical Center to learn of the work undertaken by the Wounded Warrior Ministry. The Wounded Warrior Ministry Center provides clothing and personal items to injured service personnel flown in from Iraq and Afghanistan.  Understanding the need to provide items for this effort, I saw an opportunity to do good for those who gave much to their country.  While looking for information about Landstuhl and the Wounded Warrior Ministry Center, and how I could possibly involve my need for an Eagle Scout Project, I was directed to contact the Landstuhl’s Hospital Care Project (LHCP), and Ms. Gabriele Hammon, (LHCP’s Youth and Scout Coordinator).  In the following months, Ms. Hammon answered all my questions and offered a lot of guidance and encouragement.

By late fall, in 2007, I had my Eagle Scout project planned.  Throughout the planning process, my family was a big help. My older brother, Brian, is an Eagle Scout and provided a lot of encouragement. Both of my parents helped to organize my ideas and keep me straight when it got a little stressful.  By early 2008, my project had been written and approved. My overall goal within my project was to work with 20 religious, civic or youth organizations through which I would collect needed items, sending them to Landstuhl.  The plan was to approach each organization and meet with them. I would then make a presentation and request their support.  Ms. Hammon assisted me greatly, with ideas and suggestions, guiding me in the collection effort and coordinating the shipment of collected items. I found a lot of time is spent in making contacts, writing letters, scheduling the presentation and holding the collections. In the beginning, I thought the donations would be collected, inventoried and packaged for shipment by my troop, like they had been with the church collections.  But shortly after I began to contact civic organizations, I found that they preferred to provide monetary support.  Checks were registered with my troop, my dad and I would buy the needed items, and the troop would reimburse me when I presented receipts for the donated items.  I learned that churches provided great opportunities for me to collect items and immediately forward them to Landstuhl through Ms. Grimord.  My collection started in December 2007 and ended in early fall 2008.   

Over $10,000 in donations and materiel were collected and sent to the Wounded Warrior Ministry Center at no charge.   Approximately 300 man-hours were documented for this effort, involving Scouts, my family and my time in leading this project..

Over the past year, I learned many things.  I enjoyed working for our Wounded Warriors and meeting those who care about wounded veterans as much as I do.  The times Dad and I visited different churches and worshipped together were very special and I enjoyed meeting the parishioners and priests.  Collections involved a long process; I had to learn to be really patient.

Another important lesson was, planning ahead, (way ahead). Patience is very important during this type of Eagle Scout Project. Last, I learned to rely on Ms. Hammon and Ms. Grimord as mentors and guides, they have guided my efforts with friendly messages and much encouragement.  I could not have completed my Eagle Scout Project without there support.  Thank you Ms. Hammon and Ms. Grimord!