CORAOPOLIS, Pa. (Feb. 23, 2010) - An Army Reserve Soldier with the 316th Expeditionary Sustainment Command here earned an award for his service with the Boy Scouts of America.
Maj. Robert J. Murach, a mobilization planner and training officer for the 316th operations division, received the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for his service with his son's troop, Troop 23, upon recommendation by Lt. Col. Jon Blatt.
"Maj. Murach is a dedicated, loyal, passionate and hard working officer," said Blatt, chief of mobilization for the 316th. "He is easily among the top 5 percent of officers I have worked with in my 22 years of service in both the active and reserve components. He is an asset to any organization he belongs to."
The MOVSM recognizes those members of the military who perform substantial volunteer service to the local community above and beyond the duties required as a member of the Armed Forces. Service must be made in a sustained and direct nature towards the civilian community, produce tangible results and reflect favorably on the military service and the Department of Defense. There is no time limit required for the award, but most authorities require the volunteer service exceed three years in length and/or 100 hours of service.
Murach has been involved with the Boy Scouts for eight years. He has held positions within the troop ranging from assistant den leader to committee member for both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. The troop meets in the Dormont United Methodist Church.
"He's very active within the troop," said Bill Bomwell, assistant scout master for Troop 23, located within the Conestoga District of the Greater Pittsburgh Council. Murach has taken boys from the troop on excursions such as hiking or camping and has taught skills such as map reading and land navigation. Recently, Murach took boys from the troop on a trip to Boyce Park in Monroeville for skiing and snowboarding.
The Boy Scouts parallel Army Values, Murach said, through the leadership development and the service to the country and the community. "I wonder sometimes if the Boy Scouts prepares you for the Army or if the Army prepares you for the Boy Scouts," he said.
Originally, Murach's most memorable moment was being asked to help in the first place. Over the years, however, Murach has had that moment replaced again and again by moments centered around the boys he helped mentor.
"Seeing the face of a child when he learns something new is just very powerful," Murach said. "Every moment is replaced by continuing impressive acts of the boys.
"Helping them to do these things is reward enough," he said.
Murach will begin serving directly with the U.S. Army Reserve Command, Fort McPherson, Ga., as the pre/post-mobilization training manager section chief Monday.
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