LOCAL BOY SCOUT TAKES
TIMEOUT TO DONATE CLOTHES
TO OUR VETERANS
By: Ron Bassford/Public Affairs Specialist
Many of us know that the key to become a good Boy Scout is
to always be prepared .
Austin Simpson is a Boy Scout, who is always prepared, not
only for what it takes to be a Boy Scout, but his goal is to help
others become prepared, specifically during the winter
months.
With the help of his father, James Simpson a Navy and Army
Veteran and who receives his care here, knows that giving
back to fellow Vets can be very honorable. James was aware
of the clothing closet at the Raymond G.
Murphy VA Medical Center and suggested to his son that
participation in community donation project could help earn
him an additional merit badge. This is a perfect way to not
only give back to the community but to those who have Austin will now be a part of an elite scouting group and his
given so much to this country. efforts will not go unnoticed. Veterans that are in need will
now be able to come to the VA clothing closet and be given
“I have visited the VA several times with my father and one a new coat, shirt or new pants. Donations, such as these, can
of the days we visited, we were informed that the Voluntary go a long way in helping Veterans stay warm, especially
Services Department had a clothing store and they were during the winter months.
always in need of various items to help Veterans during the
winter months,” said Austin Simpson.
According to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Website, the
Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in
Austin had a few options when it came down to choosing the Scouts BSA program. Since its inception in 1911, only five
what he wanted to do for his project. He selected the New percent of Scouts have earned this rank after a lengthy
Mexico VA Health Care System because he father is a Veteran review process. Obtaining the coveted Eagle Scout
and he knew many Veterans need help. rank requires earning at least 21 merit badges and the scout
must demonstrate Scout Spirit, an ideal attitude based
He collected and donated hygiene kits for in patients and
upon the Scout Oath and Law, service, and leadership.
the Homeless Veteran Program. He also gathered winter
clothing for the on-site Voluntary Services Clothing Closet Austin is well on is way to becoming one of our future
valued at $3,484 and other miscellaneous items which will leaders and we wish him the best in his future endeavors.
benefit Veterans at the NMVAHCS.
“When Austin first came to meet with me to discuss his ideas
for his Eagle Scout project, he was very enthusiastic. I was
excited to see what he was going to come up with to help
Veterans here,” said JoAnn Chavez, Voluntary Services
Specialist. His final results far exceeded my expectations and
his dedication to this project was very inspiring. Austin gave
me a renewed sense of hope in our youth.”