[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 57 (Thursday, April 10, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E585]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA TROOP 343

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JEB HENSARLING

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 10, 2008

  Mr. HENSARLING. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Boy Scouts 
of America Troop 343 and their sponsor, First United Methodist Church 
of Athens, as they celebrate their 80th anniversary.
  Founded in 1928, Boy Scout Troop 3 began in Athens, Texas and, later 
became Troop 343. Over the past 12 months alone, Troop 343 has provided 
nearly 2,000 hours of community service on projects such as: collecting 
food for the Athens food pantry, picking up trash, and performing 
several flag retirement services and flag ceremonies. In addition, the 
Troop has partnered in service projects with the Henderson County 
Historical Society, Henderson County Center for the Performing Arts, 
and First United Methodist Church of Athens.
  This Troop has not only remained devoted to preserving the ideals of 
Boy Scouts of America, they have done so with excellence. Seventy-four 
members from this Troop have achieved the rank of Eagle, Scouting's 
highest honor.
  I also want to recognize Tommy Faulk, volunteer and former Boy Scout, 
for his integral role in providing a new facility for the Scouts of 
Troop 343.
  In addition to teaching outdoor skills, Scouting also includes 
leadership training. Today's Boy Scouts are the leaders of tomorrow. 
Receiving my Eagle was one of the proudest moments of my life. The 
values, ethics, and morality boys learn through Scouting are critical 
not only for themselves, but to this nation as well.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Fifth District of Texas, I am honored 
to recognize Troop 343 for their longstanding devotion to service, 
leadership, and citizenship.

                          ____________________