Recognizing Alex Stephen Eckard for Achieving the Rank of Eagle Scout

RECOGNIZING ALEX STEPHEN ECKARD FOR ACHIEVING THE RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 04, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. SAM GRAVES
OF MISSOURI
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2004

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Alex Stephen Eckard, son of Stephen and Linda Eckard of Saint Joseph, Missouri. Alex is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 45, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Alex has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the eight years Alex has been involved with scouting, he has earned 51 merit badges and 21 special scouting honors. Alex has participated in such major scouting activities as a Venture Trip to Quetico, Canada, New York, the Bimini Islands, Durango, Colorado, and a Junior Leadership Camp where he served on staff.

Alex helped preserve natural, botanical, and historic Saint Joseph, Missouri for his Eagle Scout project. In conjunction with Mount Mora Cemetery, Alex located, mapped, photographed, and identified all bushes and shrubs in the cemetery. Mount Mora has been working to produce a brochure detailing all trees, shrubs, and bushes in the cemetery.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Alex Stephen Eckard for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.