My Scout News

IBEW Labor breakfast and award ceremony

On June 12, 2009 at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) headquarters in Dorchester, union members were honored for their service to Scouting at the annual Labor Breakfast.

Ronald Hansen, Jr., a sheet metal worker, was honored with the George Meany Award.   Introduced in 1974, The George Meany Award recognizes union members for their service to youth and underscores the important role union members play in the community. The award is named for the AFL-CIO’s first president, George Meany, who supported Scouting throughout his career.  Ronald Hansen, Sr. presented the award to his son.

The Good Scout Award was presented to two outstanding union members for exceptional community service and leadership.  Kevin Gill, President of McCusker-Gill, Inc. and James Wool, Business Manager of Sheet Metal Workers Local 17 received “The Ideal Scout” award statues by Robert Tait McKenzie, symbolizing the spirit of the Boy Scouts.  Nearly 50 life-size statues of “The Ideal Scout” are located in the United States and in Europe honoring the contribution Scouting makes to our communities. Tom Gunning of the Building Trades Employer’s Union presented the award to Kevin Gill.  James Coyle of Boston Building Trades presented the award to James Wool.  

Senator Michael Morrissey received the Gompers Good Scout Award. Samuel Gompers was a key figure in American labor history.  Gompers founded the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and served as the AFL’s president. The Gompers Good Scout Award is presented for service to Scouting and union support.  Marty Aikens from Local IBEW 103 presented Senator Morrissey with the award.

IBEW Labor breakfast

Every year at this event, Scouts are invited to speak about their experience and the positive impact that Scouting has had on their lives.  This year’s featured speaker was Boy Scout Peter Anzalone of Troop 546, Stoneham.  Anzalone is a Life Scout who is beginning his path to Eagle.

The annual breakfast and awards ceremony raised money for Scouting, particularly for programs such as “Learning for Life,” which serves both boys and girls in inner city and economically challenged areas. Currently, “Learning for Life” reaches over 7,000 youth in Boston neighborhoods.  Since 2000, this breakfast has raised over $275,000 to support Scouting programs in the Boston area.