The Key Peninsula Civic Center hosted a Court of Honor last month for Boy Scout Troop 220’s newest Eagle Scout, Jordon Martinez.

Among the proudest of the many there to congratulate him on his accomplishment were his dad, Mel, and his mom, Lee Anne Martinez. It was one of the most moving ceremonies I’ve had the privilege to attend throughout the years.

“Not every Cub Scout will become a Boy Scout,” Scoutmaster Matthew Mills said as he set the theme.

“Not every Boy Scout will become an Eagle Scout. Putting in the time is not enough. Badges are not enough. Leading the troop is not enough. Summer camp and outings and adventure are not enough. Community service is not enough. Parents who want you to are not enough. Scoutmasters who want to help you are not enough. True Eagle Scouts work with all of the above ... and take these scouting lessons into their hearts to guide them forever.”

Martinez’s Eagle Scout project repaired the trailer from which the civic center sells fireworks as its major fundraiser. He solicited donations of lumber and hardware from Mitchell Lumber in Belfair and Vaughn Bay Lumber Company, and he organized Troop 220 Scouts into groups to build new steps and to repair a small entry platform and selling area platform.

The trailer’s roof was also cleaned, and it was ready in time for the 2011 fireworks-selling season.
The moving Court of Honor included Troop Leader Mark Burris, who showed Martinez the Troop’s Eagle Scout plaque with the names of all the Troop 220 Eagle Scouts.

Lee Anne pinned the Eagle Scout pin on Jordon’s uniform, and his dad, Mel, proudly looked on.
Others who received their Eagle rank through Troop 220 — Rees Hayden, Scott Odell, Duane Kinney, Eli Gentry and Rob Hayden — were there to celebrate Jordon joining their special group. Rees Hayden presented Jordon the Eagle Scout neckerchief, and Scott Odell slid the Eagle Slide on to hold it in place.

In turn, Jordon pinned a mother’s recognition Eagle pin on his mom, another for his dad, and he pinned the Eagle Scout “mentor” pin on Scoutmaster John Odell.

In his thank-you speech, Jordon thanked his brother, Jesse, now a U.S. Marine who traveled from Camp Pendleton, Calif., for the ceremony. Jesse recently returned from Okinawa after a two-year stint.

Jordon also thanked his parents for introducing him to scouting, their contribution to his scouting days and continued support.

Troop 220 meets weekly at the Key Peninsula Civic Center. For more information, call Mills at 253-884-2511.

Hugh McMillan can be reached at 253-884-3319 or by email at hmcmnp1000@centurytel.net.