[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 47 (Monday, March 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E581]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO BOY SCOUT TROOP 4

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                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 19, 2007

  Mr. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Boy Scout 
Troop 4, which celebrated its 90th anniversary this past Saturday, 
March 17, 2007.
  Troop 4 was formed on March 17, 1917 at the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, now known as First United Methodist Church, in Ann Arbor, MI. 
This first group of scouts consisted of nine scouts, three Assistant 
Scout Masters and was led briefly by the direction of Scoutmaster Don 
Perkins, who was called in to service with U.S. involvement in WWI 
shortly after Troop 4's founding, and leadership of the troop then 
passed to Edward F. Metz. Starting with this small group, Troop 4 would 
go on to include over 1,700 members in its history, including 111 
scouts to date, who have gone on to attain the rank of Eagle Scout. 
This 6.5 percent rate of Eagle Scout rank achievement is three times 
the national average.
  Troop 4 serves as a wonderful testimonial to the leadership of the 
Ann Arbor community. This troop has shown tremendous community 
involvement in the Ann Arbor area and throughout the state of Michigan. 
These efforts have not been overlooked, as Troop 4 has been awarded 
several ``Take Pride in America'' awards; multiple ``Keep Michigan 
Beautiful'' awards; and was named one of President George H.W. Bush's 
``1000 Points of Light,'' for its record of volunteer community 
service.
  Community service has long played a critical role in Troop 4's 
activities. As part of its community service, Troop 4 makes a monthly 
visit to Glacier Hills Nursing Home during the school year and Chelsea 
United Methodist Nursing Home during the summer. During these visits 
troop members play bingo and visit with residents. Each year Troop 4 
participates in the ``Scouting for Food'' program that collects food 
that is then donated to local food banks. Troop 4 is a community troop 
with its members coming from all over the Ann Arbor area and from all 
religious and ethnic backgrounds; a troop where new scouts are always 
welcome.
  Troop 4, ``The Lighthouse Troop,'' is known throughout Michigan for 
its volunteer activities in the restoration of the St. Helena Island 
Lighthouse. For over 19 years Troop 4 members have traveled each summer 
to St. Helena Island where they spend a week restoring the lighthouse 
while camping on the island. In 2006, Grand Rapids television channel 
14 highlighted their St. Helena Island service in a documentary 
entitled ``Great Lakes Treasures.'' In 1991 a documentary titled 
``Keepers of the Light'' displayed the troop's efforts to restore the 
lighthouse and was shown on PBS stations in Michigan. The History 
Channel has also broadcast their story nationally. Additionally, 
``Scouting'' and ``Boy's Life'' magazines among others have also 
featured the troop's efforts at the lighthouse.
  I grew up a Boy Scout, became a Scoutmaster, and watched proudly as 
both my sons became Scouts. The Boy Scouts are an American institution 
and one of America's most patriotic organizations; they are a shining 
example to the world of what is good about America. I am proud to pay 
tribute to Troop 4 for their service, dedication and commitment to the 
Ann Arbor community and the state of Michigan.

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