Boy Scout honors veterans, grandfather’s memory with wreaths

Posted on November 7, 2018 By Editor Junior Residents

Kirby Smith sixth-grader Conner Steele, with his father, Jim, at his grandfather’s grave at Jacksonville National Cemetery.

Boy Scouts of America Troop 522, based at Ortega United Methodist Church, has a lofty goal this fall to raise $1,000 for the troop. However, the Scouts are looking beyond their own needs by holding a fundraising drive for Wreaths Across America to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and to teach children the value of freedom.

Conner Steele and his father, Jim, are leading the drive for Troop 522, which receives $5 for each wreath purchased to be laid at the graves of fallen heroes at Jacksonville National Cemetery on Dec. 15 at 12 p.m.

Conner’s grandfather, James Steele, who served his country in the Vietnam War and was a 22-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, is buried at the National Cemetery.

Conner’s troop needs to sell 200 wreaths to reach their goal, but it shouldn’t be a problem. Last year, when Conner was in Cub Scouts, he and his father led the same donation drive for their Pack, and Conner was able to sell 167 wreaths by himself.

If you are interested in purchasing a Remembrance wreath to help and honor veterans, go to wreathsacrossamerica.org, click on “Local Fundraising Group,” then search for Troop 522.