Six decades after earning his Eagle Scout rank in Lexington, Kentucky, State Rep. Patt Maney received scouting’s highest recognition during a ceremony that drew hundreds of community leaders to celebrate his lifetime of service.
- The Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, presented at the Hilton Garden Inn on Oct. 24 and emceed by Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber President Ted Corcoran, recognizes Eagle Scouts who have demonstrated extraordinary achievement and service.
Of the more than 2 million Americans who have earned Eagle Scout rank since 1915, fewer than 2,500 have received this honor.
The evening began with Eagle Scout Bradley Buckthal, a junior at Fort Walton Beach High School, leading the Scout Oath and Law. Buckthal shared his own journey in scouting, from first grade to earning his Eagle rank at age 15.
“Many people describe being a Boy Scout as an intricate society of individuals that are all striving towards the same goal, to be an Eagle Scout,” Buckthal said. “After being in Scouts though, I have realized there is so much more to this program for youth. The trips, planning, leadership, expression of new ideas, morals, and values mean more than the Eagle Scout badge itself.”
- His words provided a bridge between generations of Eagle Scouts, from young leaders like himself to distinguished recipients like Maney.
“Patt became a Scout in February of 1964, and since then he’s made an impact not only to our county, not only to our state, not only to the United States of America, but he’s made an impact in the entire world,” said Bit-Wizards CEO Vince Mayfield, an Eagle Scout himself, during the award presentation.
The journey to this recognition began in 2017 when William James Jr., a fellow Eagle Scout and 25-year Army veteran, initiated the nomination process.
“Between administering the Bosnian Peace Accord, having private meetings with the Pope, personal friendships with heads of states, foreign presidents, receiving awards from the royal family, Supreme Court justices and writing legislation, being a brigadier general and a county judge and a member of the House of Representatives — who is this guy?” James said, recounting his discovery of Maney’s extensive service record while compiling the nomination…