Photo By Staff Sgt. Carolyn Hawkins | Photo of Joshua Lehrke in scout leader uniform.... read more read more
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OREGON, Ill. - The Boy Scouts of America is a long-standing program. Many people have attributed their success to being a part of this group as a child. Spc. Joshua Lehrke, a computer detection systems repair specialist from the D-634 Support Battalion in Galva, Illinois, is no exception.
During Pack 81’s annual Pinewood Derby Race, Lehrke, an assistant den leader, helps the scouts operate and organize the race. Lehrke has been a member of the Boy Scouts of America since he was in the fourth grade and says that he intends on staying a part of it as long as he is physically able to. “I enjoy the program, otherwise I wouldn’t be a leader in the program,” said Lehrke. Scouting gives the kids a chance to learn lessons that help them succeed in life.
“The scouts helped me to decide to join the Army,” said Lehrke, “because I could use some of the same skills that I had learned in the scouts in the Army.”
The scout program is structured similarly to the military. While in the scout program, youths have opportunities to learn about discipline, teamwork, firearm safety, first aid and respect for leadership.
Lehrke joined the National Guard Jan. 4, 2013, at the age of 17, as a computer detection systems repair specialist and has since begun cross-training as wheeled mechanic. “My time in the military has influenced how I lead the kids by just being more patient with them, going through the processes a little slower instead of all at once, and actually teaching them hands-on as well as telling them what we’re doing,” said Lehrke. “The military taught me to be more patient with the kids and if something doesn’t go as planned; just go with the flow. You can adjust yourself to the situation at hand easier than adjusting the situation to benefit the way you had planned it to go.”
Many people have said the Boy Scouts of America have made men ready to be leaders in all kinds of career fields and now they say the Army has made men ready to lead boy scouts. Lehrke has brought the lessons he learned in the Boy Scouts full circle.
| Date Taken: | 02.07.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 02.07.2016 16:49 |
| Story ID: | 188164 |
| Location: | OREGON, ILLINOIS, US |
| Hometown: | GALVA, ILLINOIS, US |
| Web Views: | 99 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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