ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. –
Shaun Ladd, 15, a member of Andrews Boy Scout Troop 404, recently received the rank of Eagle Scout, scouting's highest achievement. It took him only four years to earn the rank.
The award is a performance-based achievement whose standards have been well-maintained over the years. Not every boy who joins a Boy Scout troop earns the Eagle Scout rank; only about five percent of all Boy Scouts do so. This represents more than 1.7 million Boy Scouts who have earned the rank since 1912.
Shaun is the son of Master Sgt. Stephen B. Ladd, 316th Logistics Readiness Squadron equipment support supervisor, and Catriona M. Ladd. He said he joined the Boy Scouts of America in 2003, at the age of 11, because he wanted to be a better person and interact with people more.
The "Trail to Eagle," as it is known in scouting, is comparable to what the Air Force would call a career path. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service, and outdoor skills.
Although many options are available to demonstrate proficiency in these areas, a number of specific skills are required to advance through the ranks - Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. To advance, a Boy Scout must pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges.
Each scout is thoroughly tested and must appear before a board of review consisting of at least three troop committee members.
Of the 120 merit badges available, 21 must be earned to qualify for Eagle Scout. Of this group, 12 badges are required. In addition to the 21 merit badges and troop leadership experience, each scout must plan, develop and lead a team of scouts in the completion of a community service project.
Shaun decided his community project would be to build something useful to serve the Andrews community. In order to achieve that goal, he contacted Lt. Col. Brian P. Duffy, 316th Civil Engineer Squadron commander. When Colonel Duffy heard of Shaun's enthusiasm to build a useful structure for the Andrews community, he suggested a re-locatable guard house for the 316th Security Forces Squadron. Airman 1st Class Bradley N. Jennex and Airman 1st Class Timothy F. Poole, 316 CES structural journeymen, assisted Shaun and provided guidance along the way. Shaun successfully led his team of scouts to successfully complete his project.
After a grand total of 27 merit badges, an abundance of leadership experience, a finished service project, a grilling board of review, National Capital Area Counsel review and National Boy Scout Headquarters approval, Shaun has earned the Boy Scouts of America Eagle Award. He will receive it in a formal Court of Honor Ceremony Saturday at Chapel 1.
Shaun hopes to use the skills and talents he developed through scouting for pursuing a future career in carpentry or construction.
Shaun is not the only award-winning member of the Ladd family.
"Just recently, our daughter, Kelly, was awarded the Girl Scout Silver Award, the highest honor as a Girl Scout," said Sergeant Ladd. Kelly is currently a member of Andrews Girl Scout Troop 5849.
"We are extremely proud of both of our children and all their successes," Sergeant Ladd said.
The Ladd family will be starting a new chapter of their lives in the United Kingdom when Sergeant Ladd retires in July.