FORT RUCKER, Ala. (September 1, 2011) -- Joshua Halverson is described as trustworthy, helpful and determined, just a few of the qualities that are necessary to reach the Boy Scouts of America's Eagle Scout rank.
With the help of his Family, troop and the Fort Rucker community, Halverson reached Eagle rank and was recognized August 28 at a court of honor at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum.
Mitch Darley, Halverson's mentor in the Scouts, explained that along with earning 21 merit badges and being evaluated by a board of review, Halverson was required to plan and supervise an Eagle Scout project.
For his project, Halverson built shelves for the Fort Rucker Thrift Shop using pieces of shelves left over from the post library's renovation. He also helped clean and organize two of the thrift shop's storage spaces.
Halverson and his team spent 196 hours completing the project. The shelves he constructed are now used for the displays at the thrift shop's new location.
Halverson became involved with scouting as a young child when his Family was stationed in Germany. His father, Lt. Col. Scott Halverson, 1st Battalion 14th Aviation Regiment, achieved the rank of Life Scout during his scouting career, one step below the rare Eagle rank. He was proud to see Joshua not only follow in his footsteps, but go beyond.
"He's really had the spirit of scouting ever since he joined," he said.
The elder Halverson explained that one benefit of scouting is the many parallels between scouting and the military lifestyle.
"When I was growing up, I didn't know what military values were, but I lived them anyway because I was a Scout," he said.
Karyn Halverson, Joshua's mother, is also proud of her son's achievements, explaining that his determination from a young age was what helped him climb the scouting ranks.
"It's been a team, but Joshua's been the motivator. We always say he's tenacious. He doesn't give up if he wants something done. He's so excited about scouting. We're really proud of him and who he is," she said.
Joshua was eager to say that he did not earn Eagle Scout status alone. He thanked his fellow Scouts, volunteers, counselors and Family in his remarks at the ceremony.
This achievement, said Joshua, is just the beginning of a lifelong experience.
"I've worked hard for this, but I feel like I can still keep going. In scouting, there really isn't a highest point. It's all about leadership and trying to teach the younger kids. I want to be a leader," he said.
After he finishes high school, Joshua hopes to study nuclear physics, a field he became passionate about after pursuing a physics merit badge for his Eagle rank.
"I realized that was something I was interested in. I'm hoping I could get a job at the CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) particle accelerator [or] maybe get a contract with the military," said Joshua.
Brian Jenne, Joshua's church leader and fellow Eagle Scout, explained how Joshua had earned the honor in a speech at the court of honor.
"Being an Eagle Scout means he shows great character. He's honest, trustworthy, and loyal to his God and his country. He's courageous. He's cheerful. I'm grateful for Josh and for his efforts."
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