The Scouting Way

Weekly Story

Issue #28 - July 16, 2001

 

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A Real-Life Hero


My name is Angie Childers and I am the wife of a very active Scout Master. My husband, Scott, is the Cub Scout Master of Pack 318 at Eisenhower International School and is an advisor to Troop 20 both in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Our two sons, Austin age 12 and Parker age 8, are very proud to have their father as their leader and mentor.

Recently, Scott received a letter that I would like to submit to The Scouting Way. The letter was sent from a parent that we have known for several years, as well as the parent of one of the boy scouts in Troop 20. She is a judge for the District Court of the State of Oklahoma. The fact that she holds such a powerful position in our city is not what this letter is about.

As Scott read this letter to me, taking several moments to hold back the tears, it occurred to me that, as a leader, it is situations like these that are few and far between and should be shared with others. The letter reads as follows:


Dear Mr. Childers,

Several weeks ago I was involved in an automobile collision near the house of Sam Berntson. The man who hit my van broadside was drinking and fled after he hit my van and totaled it. One of the scouts in your troop, Sam Berntson, was the first person to rush to my assistance. I wanted you to know about his heroic actions and his impressive response to the emergency situation.

The collision caused the engine on my van to roar, seemingly on the verge of exploding. Heavy smoke billowed from under the hood. The van was damaged badly and I was very shaken as well. Just the force of the air bags left me feeling dazed and somewhat confused.

Sam stayed with me for over an hour and assisted me in every way he could. He carried a chair from his house for me to sit on. He brought a drink to me and helped remove my personal properties from the van before it was towed. He was kind, attentive and thoughtful. Sam exhibited all of the qualities we hope to instill in Boy Scouts. You should be very proud of him! If there is an award for heroic acts in Scouts, Sam certainly should receive it.

Sincerely,
Linda G. Morrissey

Scott has contacted our local scout office and is sending a copy of the letter to the appropriate person, in order to properly recognize this event. I will be happy to send you an update with the specifics of Sam's award and its presentation. I just wanted to submit this while the emotions were still fresh in my mind and heart!

Thank you for your continued contributions to Scouts everywhere!


Angie Childers
The University of Oklahoma