GLEN JEAN, W.Va. — The Boy Scouts of America put the Summit Bechtel Reserve to good use Saturday, hosting U.S. military veterans from all branches for an all day field day, ceremony, and concert.
This was the first incarnation of Operation Heroes, an event that the Boy Scouts of America took part in with WV National Guard, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Wounded Warrior Project.
Sherman Gillums Jr. served in the United States Marine Corps for 12 years. He was paralyzed during a training exercise while preparing for the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. Now he is the Deputy Executive Director of the Paralyzed Veterans of America.
“I was injured at Camp Pendleton while we were training to go to Afghanistan,” he said. “This was right after 9/11. And there was a Paralyzed Veterans of America Service Officer sitting right in my room while I was in recovery, and he said ‘I’m here to help you.’ And from there the relationship began.”
He also said there is a strong connection between the Boy Scouts and veterans because of the sense of duty in each organization.
“Well the enthusiasm on their faces is truly amazing,” said Gillums Jr. “Of course they’re Boy Scouts. They serve. They understand that. But when they see veterans you can almost see the admiration–the willingness to help. That’s what service truly is.”
The events during the field day portion included zip-lining, basketball, and an obstacle course that required the use of a wheel chair. The events were adjusted as needed to accommodate paralyzed vets.
Gary Hartley, Director of Community and Government Relations for the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve, said the day was incredibly rewarding for him.
“It’s really rewarding to actually see our American youth out here working with these wounded warriors and paralyzed veterans and actually appreciating all that they’ve given to this country–all that they’ve done–and then to see those kids making those connections with them, sharing some time with them.”
For their part, the scouts were able to connect with veterans by competing with and against them as well as assisting them in certain competitions.
“It’s really good that we can give back after all they have done for us,” scout Ricky Culatta said. “It’s good for us to come out here and give them a good time.”