Mar 27, 2013 By Susan Schmeichel 3 min read

Growing up in rural southern Indiana, Don Harrison developed a love for outdoor living at an early age.

“I grew up poor and I grew up outdoors,” said Harrison. “When I was 12, a neighbor who had two sons started a Scout troop. (Unfortunately) the troop only lasted a year, but it was just enough to get me to say, ‘If I ever have a son, I am going to get him involved with the Boy Scouts.'”

It was 36 years ago when Harrison, a long-time Bethel Park councilman, and his son got involved with Troop 228.

Although his son is long grown and moved out-of-state, Harrison is still active with that same troop at the age of 85.

Chartered in 1957, the troop in Bethel Park has the distinction of having a name as well as a number. That name is the Thunderbirds, Harrison explained.

Recently Harrison, two other adult leaders, Dick Guenther and Andy Melzer; along with four scouts, Dylan Mckenna, Ian Fleming, Jason Harnack and Tanner Morehead, became the recipients of the first Silver Thunderbird award.

The award was the idea of Dave Kraska, who has been the troop scout master since 2010.

“I had an idea to honor those leaders who came before me and brought up the idea to my other adult leaders and the scout committee,” said Kraska. “So, the Silver Thunderbird was created.”

Kraska explained that for an adult to earn the award, they must be a registered leader with the troop for more than 10 years. In that time, they must be an active, hands on leader who helps guide the boys both at the weekly meetings and outdoor activities. They must set the example by living up to the Scout oath, Scout law and outdoor code, and be the role models that help lead Troop 228.

For the youth, they must be an Eagle Scout, or a life scout who is very close to being an Eagle Scout. They must be 16-18 years old and still hold an active leadership position in the troop. They also must set the example by living up to the Scout oath, Scout law and outdoor code, and be the role models that help lead Troop 228. These are the boys who have learned the lesson of what it is to be a servant leader and good citizen, he said.

The award will be given to those who qualify, at a court of honor, every year.

“The three gentlemen who we awarded this honor have over a hundred years of experience in the scouting program with Troop 228,” said Kraska. “They are the foundation, which our troop was built upon.”

The four boys who were awarded the honor are not only active in their troop, but in their school and church also, he said.

The adults were awarded a three-inch nickel plated thunderbird medallion with a red, white and blue ribbon that can be worn around the neck.

The scouts received a one and a half-inch nickel medallion on a red, white and blue pin that can be worn on their uniform. They were also awarded an engraved plaque, which is displayed on the troop’s wooden thunderbird.

Due to health concerns, Harrison was forced to give up his beloved camping, but he still participates in the troop’s other activities and is particularly involved in reviewing records for scout rankings.

“I told them they are going to have carry me out toes up,” he said.