I joined Troop 194 in 1972, as the fourth of the six Mitchell “Young Men” to join. I admit my first exposure to the troop was many years earlier, when I was invited to attend a “Safety Week” presentation given by Major William C. Greany. Here are my diary notes from that presentation:
My impression of the event at age 9.
“Major Greany brought a jewelry box with a real gun to the scout meeting and it was not much bigger than the size of a silver dollar, but had real bullets that you put in with tweezers. He said some really famous person presented it to him in a special ceremony, and it was amazing! It had its own velvet lined tiny case and everything. It was a tiny revolver, and I watched him spin the chamber for the bullets, and it was really a tiny version of the real thing. Well, I guess it is, only tiny, and shiny silver with little white inserts in the handle. He showed everyone the official certificate that it was real, and had been fired in a place that tests military guns. It even has its own little gun cleaning kit, with tiny brush and swab. It is the real deal. When he was done, he even locked the case with a tiny key. Then he talked about safety and how important it is to keep stuff safe, keep each other safe, and to “Be Prepared” for stuff, and how even pretty things can be deadly if people are not careful.”
“The Major also talked about big things, and big thinking, big projects, and about not having fear or hesitation when talking to big people. I know I say a lot of bigs, but he when he stands up and smiles at you, his smile will always make you glow. He makes you feel bigger, and makes you want to do big things too. I like that when I see him, I feel he wants me to be the most perfect I can be. I think I want to have done big things, and have big projects and have great stories to tell when I am his age. He is like everyone’s extra grandpa, who has been around the world, and who has lots to teach you. He is a slightly more famous version of a normal Grandpa, with lots of military ribbons and medals, but he talks to you like you need to know this stuff, so you will be ready when it is your turn to do big things. I like that.”
When I joined the troop, I was not ready to hear the “Major” would not be there, but a host of Greany spirited leaders in the form of Henry Vassel, Mike Higgins, the Brand Brothers, the Leger brothers, 20+ Senior Staff and over 70 scouts – far too many to mention by name, immediately made me feel welcomed.
I am Eagle Scout #129. I attended Mackinac Island Summer Camp every year from 1972 to 1983. I was constantly challenged by Hank and Senior staff to do my best. I failed most of the time, but everyone seemed to believe I would eventually find my way. In 1976, he personally challenged me to beat the Troop 194 record for most merit badges, which at the time was 54. He promised “The very finest Steak Dinner anywhere you want to go.” Just before my 18th birthday, in 1979, I was rewarded for reaching 56 merit badges, with a visit to “Topinkas Country House” at Seven Mile and Telegraph.
I felt the history, and the impact of Troop 194 as a scout, but it was the family, the lifelong friends, and the spirit of scouting within every single person willing to share in our activities and community, that I I cherish the most. Troop 194 gave me more blessings than one man can count or deserve. I am honored to have been a tiny part of the tradition, community of scouts and Troop 194 legacy.
May you ever find ways to evolve and continue your service to individuals, community, faith, and country.