[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E520]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING CHINO TROOP 201
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HON. NORMA J. TORRES
of california
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chino
Troop 201 as it celebrates its 100th anniversary.
Troop 201 was founded in 1926 by Vernon Decker, Bob Brady, and Ernest
Soper. The three partnered with the American Legion to launch Chino's
first Scout troop, making it the oldest Scouts troop in my district.
Troop 201's first Scoutmaster was Jon Cooley. In the early days of
the troop's founding, the troop did not yet have a Scout house. Members
of Troop 201 held their early meetings at the ``Thimble Club,'' a local
spot in Chino.
In 1935, the City of Chino recognized the growth of the organization
and worked with the troop to help its development. The city left a
piece of land for the troop to use as a home. The Scout house gave the
troop a stable place to meet and a secure area to store gear,
guaranteeing that scouts in Chino had a roof over their heads.
Troop 201's founders, sponsors, and the City of Chino have supported
the community centered around Chino Rotary Club. For the past 100
years, the troop has provided young leaders with opportunities for
adventure, service, and character development, shaping them during key
transformative years.
In 1941, Troop 201 partnered with the Chino Rotary Club, uniting in
their commitment to promoting community, leadership, and service. Since
then, scouts in this troop have contributed thousands of hours to
community service, outdoor education, and leadership training.
The current organization leadership consists of Patricia Cox, the
Chartered Organization Representative, Maritza Sanchez, Troop Committee
Chair, and Jeffrey Baker, the current Scoutmaster. Under the direction
of organization leaders and dedicated parents, families gather at the
John Anderson Scout Center every Monday night for regular meetings.
Beyond weekly meetings, an outdoor adventure is offered each month in
addition to four major events each year. Scouts can choose between
canoeing down the Colorado River, backpacking and fishing by the
Eastern Sierra Mountain Range, developing skills on a desert trip that
offers training on rifle shootings, rappelling, and rocketry, or
attending an intensive summer camp focused on advancement and skill-
building.
This year, a special fifth major event will be offered: Troop 201's
Centennial Celebration. The celebration will honor all scouts who have
shared fond memories with the organization for more than 100 years, in
addition to more than 125 Eagle Scouts from Troop 201 who have
contributed to more than 600 community service hours each year.
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Chino Rotary Club Troop
201, it is my privilege to honor such a remarkable organization. Its
impact on our young leaders in Chino and beyond is worthy of the
highest commendation.
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