[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 17 (Tuesday, February 5, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E100-E101]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    BRYAN WILBURN TAKES THE RANK OF AN EAGLE SCOUT TO ANOTHER LEVEL

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                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 5, 2013

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Bryan Wilburn is a young man from 
Baytown, Texas

[[Page E101]]

who has attained the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. But the way he 
achieved his ranking isn't something we hear about often, especially 
for someone his age. He made his way to the top through a unique and 
much-needed service project. As just an eighth grade student at 
Barber's Hill Middle School, Bryan initiated a project that has honored 
those who protect our community. Not limited to just people, but also 
our four-legged friends. Bryan and a team of volunteers renovated the 
Baytown Police Department K9 Cemetery.
  The need to serve law enforcement stemmed from Bryan's appreciation 
for the strong bond between officers and police canines, as well as 
their vital role in protecting the community. Bryan and a group of 
recruited volunteers of neighbors, friends, family, and other Boy 
Scouts worked hard to beautify these dogs' final resting place. After 
researching everything from types of plants to styles of landscaping, 
Bryan lead his team of volunteers as they cleaned the existing burial 
plots, removed dead shrubbery, replaced fence post tops, and planted 
new bushes and trees. It was after about 140 hours of hard work that 
the Baytown Police Department had a cemetery, where they could be proud 
to lay their beloved dogs to rest.
  Bryan's leadership role in this final project is one of the many 
qualifications needed to obtain his new rank of Eagle Scout--he has had 
to earn 21 merit badges in subjects including first aid and personal 
fitness, as well as obtaining letters of recommendation, and going 
before an Eagle Scout board of review.
  This is a prime example of a young man with an outstanding character 
and a go-getter work ethic. Bryan is well-deserving of his Eagle Scout 
rank. In honoring the sacrifices and hard work of the police force and 
their canine companions, Bryan has upheld the Boy Scout tradition of 
community service and stands as an example of the integrity and honor 
of a true Eagle Scout.
  And that's just the way it is.

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