[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 32 (Tuesday, March 2, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H870]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO PATRICK EARLE McCAMMOND, AN EAGLE SCOUT FROM CARTERET COUNTY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Jones) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this is not an easy time 
for young children in America. Mixed messages from our society about 
morality and the value of truth can confuse an already difficult time 
for our Nation's children.
  When so many young people today are finding destructive means to cope 
with everyday frustrations and concerns, I am proud to bring to 
Members' attention an outstanding young man from the Third District of 
North Carolina who has taken positive steps to ensure a bright future 
for himself and his community.
  At just 14 years of age, Patrick Earle McCammond recently achieved 
the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. The Eagle Scout 
rank is the highest rank in scouting. In fact, only about 2.5 percent 
of Boy Scouts ever achieve Eagle Scout. It is an accomplishment 
reserved for young men who incorporate the principles in the Boy Scout 
oath and the Boy Scout motto in their daily lives, and earn 21 merit 
badges in areas ranging from community service and leadership to 
physical fitness. Patrick not only handled and met these standards, but 
he far surpassed the minimum requirements. In all, Patrick has earned a 
total of 55 merit badges, with more in the works. That is more than 
double what is required.
  He has also received a number of honors and awards within Boy Scouts 
in his community, which include the Arrow of Light, World Conservation 
Award, International Catholic Awareness Medallion, and the High 
Adventure Patch.
  While achieving this rank itself is an accomplishment, Patrick has 
literally dedicated his youth to helping his community. When I learned 
of Patrick's achievements at such a young age, I certainly was 
impressed. But only when I learned about a project he developed for his 
community did I fully recognize the impact of scouting on Patrick's 
life and his future.
  One additional requirement for Eagle Scout is the completion of a 
service project to benefit a religious institution, school, or 
community. We have a strong military presence in North Carolina. In the 
Third District alone, which I have the privilege to represent, we have 
four military bases with 77,000 retired veterans and another 10,000 
retired military. Knowing this, Patrick created a website designed to 
assist the veterans in his Carteret County community.
  Mr. Speaker, there are many young men in the Third District of North 
Carolina like Patrick who have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, and 
even more who will in the future. As their congressman, I am proud of 
each and every one.
  What makes Patrick McCammond's efforts special to me is his concern 
for our veterans. No matter what age, we as a Nation must never forget 
the men and women who have served this Nation to protect the freedoms 
we enjoy today.
  Patrick paid tribute by taking steps to research, create, and 
implement his project. First he worked with computer professionals and 
area veterans' organizations to develop the website, which he named 
carteretvets.org. He obtained technical and financial support from 
local businesses in order to print informative guides he designed to 
publicize the website. He worked with his fellow scouts and classmates 
to check the site to ensure it was complete, and to check for flaws.

                              {time}  1700

  Finally, he led demonstrations to introduce his complete project to 
local veterans groups. Hundreds of veterans across the country have now 
visited and benefit from Patrick's web site.
  Outside of his life as a member of the Boy Scouts, Patrick serves as 
the eighth grade class representative to his school student council at 
Annunciation Catholic School. He maintains a B average in his studies 
and is a state-level swimmer on the Carteret Currents swim team.
  Patrick also serves as one of the 32 students who were selected from 
hundreds in the entire State of North Carolina to be a First Flight 
Ambassador for the Class of 2003, First Flight Centennial.
  Mr. Speaker, in today's society it is easy to lose sight of the 
values of honor, integrity, and character, yet they are the foundations 
that make our citizens and our Nation strong.
  I would like to thank the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Little League, and 
all programs and organizations within our communities that work to help 
teach our children values and help them to recognize their own 
potential.
  Mr. Speaker, Patrick McCammond exemplifies all that is good in the 
youth of America today. I am proud of him and the example that he is 
setting for his peers by taking pride in his family, his faith, and his 
country. In his actions and in his deeds he, and all who participate in 
Scouting, reflect the values and spirit of community service that will 
build the future leaders who will make us all proud.

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