Oak Forest Boy Scouts Join Elite Rank of Eagle Scouts

Two Oak Forest Boy Scouts recently celebrated attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

Matthew Gilles and Cameron Miller, both from Boy Scout Troop 348 Oak Forest celebrated their Eagle Scout court of honor at Kenootz Pizza on Sunday, Oct. 26.

Matthew’s Eagle Scout project was the refurbishing of the landscaping to the front of St. Damian’s church in Oak Forest.

Cameron’s Eagle Scout project was the revamping of an Oak tree garden planted years ago located behind the Oak Forest water tower on Oak Park Ave.

Both young men have had to achieve dozens of merit badges and countless hours in leadership and training in dozens of fields.

Both young men were responsible their project from start to finish. The two acted as foremen on the jobs—supervising, delegating, and also pitching in. They were accountable for planning, organizing, and controlling every detail of the project, including the conception, scheduling, supplies—either donated or purchased—manpower, tools and equipment, safety, and cleanup. They are required to do this project from A to Z.

Friends, family and community came together Sunday for the celebration. Mayor Hank Kuspa, City Administrator Scott Burkhardt, Ald. Rich Simon, former Chief of Operations for METRA Jack Pochron joined the celebration.

Letters of Recognition have been received by both boys from literally dozens of dignitaries from all over the country, as well as from some past Presidents of the United States. Peter Gilles, father of Matthew arranged for two flags flown over the Capitol in Washington D.C., as well two flags flown over the state capitol in Springfield to be awarded to the Eagle Scouts.