Boy Scout Troop 995: Heroes in BA

You might have seen them serving food at the BA Bouncin’ Barbecue. Maybe you were there when they conducted a flag ceremony at an awards dinner. They might have handed you a cup of water at the BA Family Triathlon. They are the members of Boy Scout Troop 995 and they are heroes to the Broken Arrow Boys & Girls Club. Just ask a Challenger kid. The Challenger program is designed for developmentally disabled kids to participate in activities at whatever level they can. Troop 995 members help the Challengers in their swimming and art classes.

From left at the Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast are: Lt. Russell Clay; Alex Walker, Troop 995 member and State Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year; Tammy Pinley, Scout Leader; Janis Fraley, BA Boys & Girls Club Program Director.

Troop 995 leader Tammy Pinley added up the troop's volunteer hours and estimated 300 hours, but that’s probably low. “The troop gives The Salvation Army a tremendous gift of time, especially when you consider that they are in school most of the day,” said Rhonda McDaniel, volunteer coordinator. Last Christmas, Tammy and another leader, Mike Hall, put in five Saturdays, 12 hours each day, taking hot chocolate and snacks to the Scouts while they served as bell ringers last Christmas. They raised $9,000. Only one Troop 995 member could attend the recent Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast because the rest were in school, so here is your shout out: The Broken Arrow Salvation Army loves you and could not do the good they do without your help! 

-Sallie