By Karen Haave
Robert E. Wilcox Jr., had plenty of inspiration for becoming an Eagle Scout.
Bobby, to his friends, joined scouting in 2010 with Troop 315 under his Scoutmaster/father, Robert E. Wilcox Sr. His quest for the elite rank immediately was underway.
“I’d say so,” he admitted. “It’s the highest award in Boy Scouts and something many of the scouts strive for.
“It was always kinda the end goal for scouts, and something I always thought I would get. My dad was another big influence, since he got his when he was younger.”
His required community service project was completed well over a year ago.
“I directed the creation of a fire pit at a Camp Shaw-Waw-Nas-See (in Manteno). I chose the fire pit, because I thought it would be cool to have something others could enjoy for the future.”
It took “about five months of planning and preparation, along with the seven years of working up the ranks and earning badges,” he quipped.
“Contacting people and making phone calls (was the hardest part), since that was something I had little experience in doing.
“I received donations from family and Home Depot, all was very appreciated, and I am thankful for it.
“Some troop members were able to come out and donate their time to help them. I was appreciative for their help in making things go as smooth as possible.”
Now in college, Bobby is a graduate of Peotone High School, where he was on the Honor Roll and the football team.
Bobby’s Eagle Court of Honor was held at the Peotone American Legion. During the ceremony, he presented a Mentors Pin to his uncle Shaun Pocius, who helped him with design and construction. Two other pins were given to Rich Ledbetter and John Stankus, both of whom helped and mentored him along his journey to Eagle.
Robert E. Wilcox Sr. was understandably proud of his son’s accomplishment. “So, you may know that I’m an Eagle Scout,” he said, “and I’m beyond thrilled to see him reach this goal, as well.”
Bobby and his family reside in Green Garden Township.