Eagle Scout - Eric Pertgen

INFOAGE PROUD TO RECOGNIZE ERIC PERTGEN AS OUR MOST RECENT EAGLE SCOUT AWARD RECIPIENT

Three cheers with much pride and happiness as the InfoAge Science-History Learning Center wishes to recognize Eric M. Pertgen of Wall Township Thunderbird Scout District of the Monmouth Council as having achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and being awarded this leadership award for his exceptional contribution towards honoring WWII veterans.

The fact that a boy is an Eagle Scout has always carried with it a special significance, not only in Scouting but also as he enters higher education, business or industry, and community service. The award is a performance-based achievement whose standards have been well-maintained over the years. Not every boy who joins a Boy Scout troop earns the Eagle Scout rank; only about 4 percent of all Boy Scouts do so. This represents more than 1 million Boy Scouts who have earned the rank since 1911. Nevertheless, the goals of Scouting—citizenship training, character development, and personal fitness—remain important for all Scouts, whether or not they attain the Eagle Scout rank.

To earn the Eagle Scout rank, the highest advancement rank in Scouting, a Boy Scout must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service, and outdoor skills. Although many options are available to demonstrate proficiency in these areas, a number of specific skills are required to advance through the ranks—Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. To advance, a Boy Scout must pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges.

Eric Pertgen has met and exceeded all that was required of him and more. To scan his credentals in this heroic endeavor is to be truly impressed! For those of us on the staff of InfoAge Science-History Learning Center, Eric's contribution towards making the InfoAge site more attractive has established a respectable looking facility. One has only to look at what was there before and what you see now to truly recognize the enormity of this as an Eagle project. It is now a long lasting contribution to the ever-increasing success of InfoAge.

Let's get a little bit more specific here. Now although the requirements to reach Eagle Scout rank are many, and all of great importance, those of us here at InfoAge are especially appreciative of the countless hours Eric has put in towards improving the appearance of the InfoAge site which was indeed a task of considerable magnitude! Of course, I'm referring to Eric’s project whose goal was to restore a large cleared off area on the outside of the perimeter hedge and fence surrounding the parking lot off of the Marconi Hotel in Camp Evans.The site had become overgrown and the parking lot had not been maintained since it was last used by the military almost 20 years ago.

Eric's project immensely improved the overall appearance of the site at the intersection of Monmouth Boulevard and Marconi Road. With the guidance of his advisor, Mr. Rich Stant, Eric cut down 700 feet of overgrown 8-12 foot tall hedges down to five feet and also cleaned overgrowth away from thr Marconi Wireless Station Power Plant. Eric coordinated over 120 hours of labor, including 38 hours himself.

Eric was helped by fellow troop members, members of the New Jersey Antique Radio Club, the Ocean Monmouth Amateur Radio Club, and Wall Township. The work was difficult labor as the 2" - 3" thick trunks needed to be cut off with compound loopers. Thick vines infested the hedges and years of vine growth had to be removed from the security fence by hand cutters. The 12 foot tall pile of cuttings was removed by Wall Township Public Works. Wall Township Kiwanis Club provided most of the tools used by volunteers.

Eric's completion of this challenging project has helped to further the preservation of the Camp Evans National Historic District. All should be aware that Camp Evans has been designated a Living Memorial to WWII. Students and families will soon be learning science and history in the place where WWII science and history was made.

Boy Scouts of America Troop 59 Court of Honor and Eagle Recognition Ceremony for Eric M. Pertgen was fulfilled on June 26, 2005 at Elks Lodge, Manasquan NJ. A plethora of family, friends and honored guests had come together in a distinguished ceremony to honor Eric for one of the outstanding moments of his life.

Congratulations are well due to this young man who made the extra effort to earn the Eagle award. In this 60th year since the ending of WWII. Eric has exhibited exceptional character and dedication to a difficult project that will honor the service of WWII veterans. He has made his family, friends, and community proud.

Although heaping adulations are very much in order, it is time to move on and timetable Eric's trek in much greater detail. Please follow along the Eagle trail by choosing a topic from the selection table that follows:

Trail to Eagle	Trail the Eagle	It's Only a Pin
Eagle Oath	Scout Vespers	Photo Tour

TRAIL TO EAGLE

Walk upon the trail,
that links the
future with the past.
Take the Oath,
Live the Law.
The pathway to Eagle,
is steep and narrow.
Your journey will require,
skill and fortitude.
Your reward:
Knowledge and Understanding.
enough to base a lifetime on.
Your challenge is to:
Take the journey,
Join the few and
Soar with the Eagle.

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TRAIL THE EAGLE

Trail the Eagle, Trail the Eagle,
Climbing all the time.
First the Star and then the Life,
Will on your bosom shine, keep climbing!
Blaze the trail, and we will follow,
Hark, The eagle's call,
On brothers, on until we're Eagles all.

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IT'S ONLY A PIN

Two fond parents watch their boy where he stands,
Apart from his comrades tonight,
And see placed on this camp-battered tunic,
A badge...An Eagle...the emblem of right.

It seems just a few short months have passed
Since he joined with the youngsters next door...
How proud they are then of their Tenderfoot pin
As they told of the message it bore.

But the years have gone as he struggled along;
To learn what the Scout Law's about;
He practiced then daily, the Oath and the Law,
Until now he is an Eagle Scout.

You may smile in your worldly wisdom at this
And say, "Why it's only a pin."
But I'll tell you , no honors he'll gain as a man
Will mean quite as much to him.
The red, white and blue of the ribbon you see
Are the symbols of honor and truth.
He has learned how to value these fine attributes
In the glorious days of his youth.

And the out-flinging wings of the Eagle that rests
On the breast of this knight of today
Are the wings, which will lift him above petty deeds,
And guide him along the right way.

Yes, it's only a pin, just an Eagle Scout badge,
But the heart beneath it beats true,
and will throb to the last for the things that are good;
A lesson...for me...and for you.

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EAGLE OATH

I (re)affirm my allegiance to the three promises of the Scout Oath.
I thougtfully recognize and take upon myself the obligations and
responsibilities of an Eagke Scout.
On my honor, I will do my best to make my training an example
and my status and my influence count strongly for better Scouting
and for better citizenship in my troop, in my community,
and in my contacts with other people.
To this I pledge my sacred honor.

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SCOUT VESPERS

Softly falls the light of day, While our campfire fades away.
Silently each Scout should ask, Have I done my daily task?
Have I kept my honor bright? Can I guiltness sleep tonight?
Have I done and have I dared, Everything to be prepared?

Listen Lord, oh listen Lord, As I whisper soft and low.
Bless my mom and Bless my dad,
These are things that they should know.
I will keep my honor Bright, The oath and law will be my guide.
And mom and dad this you should know,
Deep in my heart I love you so.

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PHOTO TOUR
(click photos or underlining to view larger prints)