Madden recognized by Boy Scouts

By RICHARD JENKINS

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Hurley - Patrick Madden has been a Boy Scout since 1958, earning the rank of Eagle Scout when John F. Kennedy was the president.

Wednesday he received the prestigious National Eagle Scout Association's Outstanding Eagle Scout award during Boy Scout Troop 323 Hurley-Ironwood's court of honor ceremony. While accepting the award, Madden told the scouts in attendance he was inspired by Kennedy's directive to, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."

"That's why I became a judge, that's why I stayed in scouting," Madden said. "We live in a wonderful country, and a wonderful part of this country is scouting."

The award recognizes Eagle Scouts, "Who have demonstrated outstanding achievement at the local, state, or regional level," according to the association's website.

Troop 323 Scoutmaster Chris Lesch said Madden has done a lot to help scouting on the Gogebic Range.

"He's really contributed a lot of time and money to the local scouting organization," Lesch said.

The troop tries to hold its court of honor ceremonies four times a year; Lesch said, providing an opportunity to recognize those local scouts who have earned higher ranks or new merit badges, as well as any other honors.

Bill Perkis, the troop's assistant scoutmaster, told the scouts Madden has been involved in scouting for his entire life.

"Pat has been an Eagle Scout since 1963. He's been involved in scouting almost longer than I've been alive," Perkis said when giving Madden the award. "I have 41 years in (scouting) and that pales in comparison to his (experience). He wanted me to tell you, 'Scouting is a lifetime endeavor.'"

Madden told the Daily Globe he was honored to receive the award, especially as he is the first person in the region to receive it.

As an international representative for scouting, Madden said he has attended events all around the world; but said while he enjoyed the international events, he had more fun interacting with the troop members the most.

"Quite honestly, my favorite event was the summer before last. I was at Camp Tsomas, which is where Troop 323 goes to scout camp," Madden said. "I spent the week with them at scout camp, that was a lot more fun than being at these things where there are 40,000 to 50,000 scouts."

In addition to Madden's award, and the scouts receiving their merit badges and awards, former scoutmaster John Jarocki received a Distinguished Unit Leader Award at the court of honor.