Twin Rivers Council NESA

Now accepting nominations! 🦅✨

The Distinguished Eagle Scout Award (DESA) application cycle is officially open from April 1 through July 31. This prestigious honor recognizes Eagle Scouts who, after 25+ years, have achieved extraordinary distinction in their profession and made a lasting impact through community service.

Know someone who embodies the spirit of Scouting at the highest level? Nominate them through their local council during this cycle to be considered.

To learn more, visit nesa.org, or email [email protected] for questions.

Congratulations to retired Navy Captain Royce Williams, an Eagle Scout and naval aviator, who received the Medal of Honor last night during the State of the Union address in recognition of his extraordinary heroism during the Korean War. In a 1952 air battle, Williams shot down four Russian MiG-15s in a 35-minute dogfight, an achievement unmatched at the time and still rare in the jet age. The engagement remained classified for decades, and Williams did not speak publicly about it until records were later declassified.

President Trump had informed Williams in advance by phone that he would receive the nation’s highest military honor. Now more than 100 years old, Williams expressed deep gratitude as the medal was presented during the annual address to Congress.

Legislation included in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act removed the statutory time limits that had previously prevented the award, clearing the way for the president to bestow the Medal of Honor during Williams’ lifetime.

A Scout is Brave. A Scout is Trustworthy. A Scout is Royce Williams.

Read more 👇

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/state-of-the-union-2026-trump-royce-williams-medal-of-honor/

Congratulations to Patrick G. from Troop 1701, who was chosen as the Eagle Project of December 2025

Spotlight:
What does Scouting mean to you?
Scouting to me means getting to spend time with my friends, going on outings such ass campouts and hikes, and having fun together. It's also about learning new life skills that I will be able to use though out my life.

What is the best Scouting memory you have?
My favorite memory as a scout is when I went to Sea Base High Adventure Camp in Key West, Florida. It was a once in a lifetime experience that I could not have gotten anywhere else. From swimming with oceanic wildlife in their natural habitat to, exploring the Munson island and having to survive off the fish we caught while also being off the grid.

What was your most favorite Merit Badge and why?
My favorite merit badge was cooking. I liked this merit badge most due to its challenges while also learning how to provide a meal from making a list, to shopping, preparing a meal and sharing my cooking success with the scouts in my troop. I know take the skills I learned to help new scout prepare meal plans and cook on campouts.

What are your future plans?
I planned to attend college when I graduate high school in 2027. I want to pursue a career in helping people. Possible career paths are to be a psychologist or go to medical school to be a physiatrist. One thing scouting has taught me is how rewarding it is to give back to other.

What is your advice to other Scouts looking to earn their Eagle Scout?
My advice to scouts on their journey is to not rush, take your time go up the mountain one step at a time. Never fear asking others for help and advice ago your journey to Eagle Scout. "It's about the journey not the destination."