Boy Scouts modernize Belvoir Archery Range

By Titus Ledbetter III, Belvoir EagleMarch 28, 2014

Eagle Scout
David Bashaw, 14, of Troop 776 near Fort Bragg, N.C., ensures that people are in the right place as they support his Eagle Scout project March 22 at the Fort Belvoir Outdoor Recreation Center and Archery Range. About 20 Boy Scouts from Troop 1104 in ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Fort Belvoir, Va. (March 27, 2014) - Members of Boy Scout Troop 1104 helped the Belvoir Bowhunters repair damaged target boxes at the Fort Belvoir Outdoor Recreation Center and Archery Range Saturday.

David Bashaw, 14, of Troop 776 near Fort Bragg, N.C., organized the project with the help of about 20 Scouts from Troop 1104 in Clifton, Va., after moving to the Washington D.C. area. The project is the culmination of his Eagle Scout aspirations. Eagle Scout is the highest rank within the Boy Scouts of America program.

Bashaw said it was great to see people take broken or damaged boards off the target casings before replacing them with new ones. Many of the target boxes on the club's outdoor range were in need of repair after severe weather damage.

"It feels really good," he said. "It took a really long time to plan and it really feels good to see how my hard work has paid off and everything is going well."

Paul Economon, 14, of Troop 1104, said it felt great to help repair the range. He said the work was difficult but he did not mind doing it at all.

Bashaw started organizing his Eagle Scout project in November. He has been a Scout since he was 6 years-old.

The Scouting program is designed to help young people build character, learn citizenship and develop personal fitness. Scouts also participate in fishing, biking, swimming and camping trips.

The Belvoir Bowhunters club provides volunteer service to the Warrior Transition Battalion and other servicemembers who suffer severe injuries. The club has six certified instructors who can teach the Virginia Bow Hunter Safety Course, and the Virginia Hunting License course, which are required to hunt on Fort Belvoir.

Bashaw decided to organize the project after taking a class sponsored by the Belvoir Bowhunters. He wanted to give back to an organization that helps the military community.

Cole Howell, Troop 1104 Scout master, said Bashaw did a great job assembling the manpower and acquiring materials for the project.

"It seems to be coming together really well," Howell said. "As his Eagle project progresses, I believe he is learning a good bit about leadership. He is doing a great job with that."

The project will help to make the archery range safer, according to Phong Nguyen, Belvoir Bowhunter range warden. He said he really appreciates the efforts of the Scouts.

Gary Liske, Troop 1104 Scout parent and retired servicemember, said that Bashaw's idea for his Eagle Scout project was a very good one.

"I'm happy to help and do anything, and everything, I can for the community," Liske said.