2024 Scout of the Year Selected

- 4/27/2024

 

 

 

Woodbury, MN — April 26, 2024— BSA Troop 9005 of Woodbury, Minnesota proudly announces the recognition of Riley Symicek from Cottage Grove, MN as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Scout of the Year for the State of Minnesota.


On April 3, 2024 - The Cottage Grove VFW Post 8752 had selected Riley Symicek as the Scout of the Year.   VFW Post 8752 forwarded Riley’s nomination to the VFW Minnesota District 4, which includes VFW Posts in Saint Paul and the east metro area for the district-level competition. 

 

On April 8 - VFW Minnesota District 4 Committee selected Riley Symicek as the District 4 VFW Scout of the Year!   District 4 VFW advanced Riley’s nomination to Department of Minnesota VFW Committee for state-level judging.


On April 24, 2024 - The Minnesota VFW State Scouting Committee has selected Riley Symicek as the Scout of the Year Award Recipient for 2024! This honor will be celebrated and presented to Riley Symicek during the MN VFW Annual State Convention Joint Award Ceremony on June 14, 2024, in Rochester, MN.   Furthermore, Riley's application will now be forwarded to the National VFW Competition, where he will be in the running for the prestigious title of the 2024 VFW National Scout of the Year.


The VFW Scout of the Year program annually honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and citizenship. Riley Symicek's dedication to these principles, through his School Participation, Scouting and Community Service Records as well as his remarkable Eagle Scout project, have earned him this prestigious recognition.


Riley Symicek's Eagle Scout project showcased his commitment to making a positive impact in his community. By raising funds to purchase backpacks and personal care items for the patrons of the Listening House Homeless Day Program in St. Paul, MN, Riley directly contributed to supporting individuals in need. He distributed 60 backpacks, embodying the spirit of service and compassion that defines the scouting movement.  Riley is a Senior at Park High School in Cottage Grove, MN.   He plans to attend Hamline University in St Paul, in the fall of 2024 for a degree in Computer Data Science.  Riley hopes to find a world problem and solve it with data.   


The VFW Scout of the Year program recognizes individuals who have received the Eagle Scout Award, Girl Scout Gold Award, Venture Summit Award, or Sea Scout Quartermaster Award. Eligible candidates must also be registered, active members of a Boy or Girl Scout Troop, Venturing Crew, or Sea Scout Ship, and have demonstrated exemplary citizenship in school, scouting, and the community.


Cottage Grove VFW Post 8752 and BSA Troop 9005 extends their heartfelt congratulations to Riley Symicek for his outstanding achievement and thanks him for his dedication to scouting, community service, and the values of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. 


For more information about VFW Scout of the Year program which provides members of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to be recognized for their standout citizenship, patriotism and love of country contact Cheryl Burton at officemanager@vfwmn.us. 


For more information about BSA Troop 9005 and its commitment to youth development and community service, please contact Steve Addington at info.troop5woodbury@twh.email.


Commander's Corner

Commander Corky A. Olson

Greetings Fellow Veterans
 
Well summer is officially here, and I hope all of you are enjoying it! It brings me great pleasure to inform you that John Rice VFW has been identified as an All-American Post in District 7, that means our Post has met all requirements set by National and State VFW Departments.
 
On May 3rd, we participated in the VFW National Day of Service. Officers and Members volunteered at the Veterans Memorial Park in Blaine. Our day was spent removing old mulch from the surrounding flower beds and getting them ready for new mulch. Thank you to our volunteers!!
 
On May 16th & 17th we had our annual Poppy Day. A few of our Members and Auxiliary posted at stores within our community, handing out Poppies and collecting donations for our Veterans relief fund. I would like to thank all our volunteers for their time and effort, it's greatly appreciated. Over Memorial Day weekend we held our Remembrance Ceremonies at Morningside Cemetery and Bunker Hills Regional Park, ending on Memorial Day at Veterans Memorial Park.
 
At our last District 7 meeting I was informed that our Post had the honor of having Scout of the Year. His name is Vincent Grammer, and he completed a wonderful project consisting of a dock over the pond, a greenhouse, a sand pit to track animal prints, and walking path around the pond located at DaVinci Academy to help students study science and biology. He will receive his award later this summer.
 
Reminder we have some upcoming events like the Blazing 4th Festival later this month. The golf cart volunteer list is posted. Our Annual 4th of July Festival is fast approaching and that volunteer list is posted. We also have a Car Show put on by the Corvette Club and that will be in August.
 
The State Convention was held June 5th-8th in St. Cloud, MN, which I attended. The Post and Auxiliary had the distinction of taking home a couple of awards. It's great to see us shine at State and shows everybody that we are active within our community. Thank you to all of you, without you we would not be successful.
 
Continue to watch Facebook and our website for updates.
 
Thank you for your continued support!!
 
Corky A Olson Commander

JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER

Keep up-to-date on how the VFW is working to improve the quality of life for veterans, service members & their families and the community.