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Teen’s Eagle Scout project will benefit troops

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kiana Brothers
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
As a military child, Johnathan Greiner remembered how much care packages meant to his father while deployed, so when it came time to decide what he could do for his Eagle Scout project, it was an easy choice.

He's already organized a care package drive and started collecting the materials, which so far have netted 40 care packages, but he's hoping to collect more before he mails them out in late February.

"I plan to send the packages out around the end of February, when troops are not receiving many packages because there are no major holidays," he explained.

His father, Col. Michael Greiner, Air Mobility Command Financial Management and Comptroller director, added that, "during the three times I have deployed, receiving those packages from home was like winning the lottery."

Their base sponsor, Col. Shawn Campbell, 375th Mission Support Group commander, is hosting this project on base and has assisted with identifying deployed troops to receive packages.

Each package consists of a variety of items picked from a list that Johnathan created. While they've been taking donations from other Scout troops, squadrons and non-profit organizations, members of Team Scott are welcome to drop items off at the commissary where he and his dad will pick them up periodically.

"The packages have toiletries, candy, gum, jerky, snacks, socks, and more," said the colonel. "Everyone has done a great job at providing things the troops will like downrange."

To make the Eagle rank in scouting, one must lead a project that accumulates at least 100-hours of service. The base has benefitted from other Eagle Scout projects such as refurbishing garden beds, wildlife preservation, and cleaning up and enhancing Scott Lake.

The colonel said he is proud of his son's service as a scout of almost 10 years. His goal for his son is that, as he completes this project, he sees how a small idea can have a lasting impact.