CONTACT:
Hank Birdsong, Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 701
(828) 883-9316
hank@highrocks.com
http://www.troop701.org
 

Josh Owen Receives Eagle Scout Award
 

BREVARD, NC - March 25, 2001 –

Josh Owen, a member of BSA Troop 701 in Brevard, became Transylvania County's newest Eagle Scout on Sunday afternoon.  In a ceremony held at the Ecusta Union Hall in Pisgah Forest, Josh's achievements in Scouting were recognized by local and national leaders.

The Troop 701 Senior Patrol Leader, Luke Snyder, opened the program and introduced special guests.  Colonel Larry Chapman, USMC, presented to Josh a congratulatory citation from the U.S. Marine Corps.  Representative Charles Taylor then presented Josh with a Congressional Citation and an American flag that had flown over Congress in Josh's honor.  Former Assistant Scoutmaster Don Alley recalled Josh's progression through Scouting ranks, beginning with Josh's transition from Cub Scouts.   Troop Committee member Danny Stewart read several congratulatory letters including one from the President of the United States.

Josh's mother, Elaine Owen, read a poem in Josh's honor followed by the "Voice of the Eagle", a ceremony chronicling the steps to becoming an Eagle Scout.  Several Troop 701 Scouts participated in the "Voice of the Eagle" ceremony.  The ceremony culminated with the "Eagle Charge" led by Scoutmaster Clyde Carter, and the presentation of the Eagle Scout award by former Scoutmaster Dan Bennett.  Josh closed the Court of Honor with words of thanks to those that have inspired him through the years, including his parents, Jimmy and Elaine Owen.

A complete set of photographs of the Court of honor can be found on the Troop 701 website- www.troop701.org, as well as more information about Troop 701.
Chartered as Troop 1 in 1916, the Troop has the distinction of being the oldest Boy Scout Troop in Western North Carolina and is one of the oldest Scout Troops in the nation.  The Troop was started by the Reverend John R. Hay, pastor of both the Brevard Presbyterian Church and the Davidson River Presbyterian Church.  Troop 1 was later re-designated Troop 701 by the Daniel Boone Council, which was established in 1920.  The Brevard Kiwanis Club sponsors the Troop and meetings are held every Monday during the school year at St. Timothy United Methodist Church.

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Josh is presented an American flag that flew over the U.S. Congress in his honor

Josh Owen is presented the Eagle Scout award by former Scoutmaster Dan Bennett. Josh is accompanied by his parents, Jimmy and Elaine Owen.

After many long years of work, Josh Owen can smile about his accomplishment

Josh Owen is congratulated by Congressman Charles Taylor

Troop 702 Scoutmaster Clyde Carter with the Troop's newest Eagle Scout, Josh Owen.

New Eagle Scout Josh Owen holding his first Cub Scout uniform

Eight Eagle Scouts were in attendance at Josh Owen's Eagle Court of Honor

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Troop 701
Visit our web site at www.troop701.org