BELTON, Mo.-Staff Sgt.'s Jason Smith and Alejandro Gonzalezdelgadillo, Enhanced Marketing Vehicle drivers with the 9th Marine Corps District, present Jacob Shriner, a Boy Scout Troop 32 member, with an achievement award, Nov. 29, 2011. Photo by USMC Cpl. Jeffrey Cordero | | BELTON, Mo. (11/30/2011) — Nine members of the Raymore/Peculiar Boy Scouts Troop 32 were presented awards by local Marines for their achievements in the community, Nov. 30.
Staff Sgt.'s Jason Smith and Alejandro Gonzalezdelgadillo, Enhanced Marketing Vehicle drivers for 9th Marine Corps District, based out of Kansas City, Mo., presented the scouts with certificates for volunteering to help an elderly citizen.
“This award was presented to you because you showed a distinct sense of initiative,” Smith said to the young scouts. “There aren't a lot of people out there who do the things you do.”
Steele Chamberlain, president of the Raymore/Peculiar Optimist Club, arranged the small ceremony and asked the Marines to present the awards. | “The scouts were putting up a traffic sign for one of their projects and this little old lady across the street called them over and asked if they could help her clear out her driveway,” Chamberlain said. “They spent about two hours helping her. I felt they needed to be rewarded for going above and beyond the call of duty. Who better to give them something for going above and beyond the call of duty? That's why we called the Marines.”
According to Chamberlain the scouts reflected positive values and characteristics common to Marines. “When asked by his fellow man for help, they did not waver from performing the task. Their actions reflect dedication to do what is right,” he said.
Although the scouts knew they would be recognized, they were unaware it would be presented by the Marines.
“I was completely surprised to see the Marines, but very happy that they took this under consideration and appreciate what we did for the city,” said Jimmy Sackuvich, a 14-year-old scout. |
By USMC Cpl. Jeffrey Cordero
Marine Corps News
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