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Congratulations to retired Navy Captain Royce Williams, an Eagle Scout and naval aviator, who received the Medal of Honor last night during the State of the Union address in recognition of his extraordinary heroism during the Korean War. In a 1952 air battle, Williams shot down four Russian MiG-15s in a 35-minute dogfight, an achievement unmatched at the time and still rare in the jet age.

As Southern New England dug out from this week’s blizzard, Scouts stepped up. In Cranston and across the region, the Narragansett Council of Scouting America launched “Operation Blizzard 2026,” challenging Scouts to grab their shovels and serve neighbors in need. The response exceeded all expectations. To earn the Operation Blizzard 2026 patch, Scouts assisted elderly and disabled residents by clearing walkways and removing snow from fire hydrants to support first responders.

On January 21, 2026, 21 Scouting alumni gathered in Flagstaff to reconnect, share stories, and welcome one another back to the campfire. The group reflected the full spectrum of Scouting’s impact. Three Eagle Scouts from Illinois met for the first time and bonded over Midwest memories.

At its best, Scouting prepares young people not only to lead, but to care deeply for others. That commitment is on full display in the work of Piper Jackson, a sophomore at Troy High School who recently completed an Eagle Scout project focused on mental health awareness and support.

A freshman at Perrysburg High School in Ohio is proving that leadership has no age limit. Fourteen-year-old Caleb Blaine, working toward his Eagle Scout rank, has launched the Present Pantry at Mercy College of Ohio to support students who are also parents. Caleb recognized that while the college already offered a food pantry, another need remained unmet. Some students are balancing coursework, jobs, and raising children.

Fifty-five years of service. Let that sink in. Bill Hicks, a proud member of the Piedmont Council of Scouting America, was recently recognized for 55 years of dedicated Scouting leadership in Iredell County. Serving the Mt. Mourne community, Bill has impacted more than 1,500 Scouts. From leading the Pack at Fairview United Methodist Church to supporting countless Camporees, he has helped shape generations of young people.

As Camp Horseshoe approaches its 100th anniversary, a race against time is underway to preserve nearly a century of Scouting history. Sixty-seven down, 30 to go. Scouting America historians Andrew Coe and Steve Miller are working to collect every staff list from the 97 seasons of Camp Horseshoe in Rising Sun, Maryland, ahead of its centennial in 2027. So far, they have recovered 67.

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum has named Rex Tillerson as the recipient of the Western Visionary Award. He will be honored at the 65th annual Western Heritage Awards on April 11, 2026, at the museum in Oklahoma City. The Western Visionary Award is a rare distinction recognizing individuals whose leadership and influence have made a national impact on preserving Western heritage and ideals.

Leah Wang’s journey is defined by leadership, service, and impact. Before joining the Emory University women’s soccer team, she was among the inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts. Now a junior at Emory majoring in history and business, Leah continues to lead on and off the field.

Great educators shape lives in ways that last far beyond the classroom. At the American Community School of Abu Dhabi, Ms. Cheryl Haney is a powerful example of that lasting impact. This year, she was honored with the Elbert K. Fretwell Outstanding Educator Award from Scouting America’s TAC Horizon District.

Scouting America is joining forces with America250, the official initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence, to inspire a new generation of civic leaders through service, leadership and community engagement. The partnership connects Scouts and their families to the nation’s history while encouraging meaningful action in their communities.

In Gillette, Wyoming, nearly a dozen scouts from Troop 6064 stepped up to support a local resident after a heartbreaking loss. In January, Mary Robinson’s Pomeranian, Giggy, was killed after getting her head stuck through a damaged section of fence while confronting a loose dog in the neighborhood.