CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCE CENTER Read More
Add To Favorites

Boy Scout's project for Tomball VFW honors U.S. Navy vets

The Tomball Potpourri - 6/24/2017

Patrons who flowed through a local restaurant on a recent evening did so supporting area veterans through a local Boy Scout's initiative.

David Randall, a Boy Scout in Tomball's Troop 113, engendered the idea for his Eagle Scout Project.

A senior at Tomball Memorial High School, Randall, 17, said the fundraiser will offset costs for a $3,000 monument he and his father designed and built for Tomball's VFW Post 2427 to honor United States Navy veterans.

The project holds particular significance to Randall as someone with veterans in his family - his aunt and two uncles formerly served - and his own hopes to join the Marines in the future.

"These men have been willing to give everything for their country, it's the least I can do to give back to them," he said of the project.

Randall's initiative focused on veterans because of his family connections and longtime interest in the military. He said enlisting had always been something he was interested in.

Chick-fil-a Tomball said it will donate 20 percent of proceeds from the three-hour event to the project.

Randall, who describes himself as fun-loving but serious when he needs to be, said it'll feel like a pressure's been lifted when he completes his Eagle Scout project - which aims to display scouts' dedication and work ethic, he said.

"It'll feel good to be at the top of the mountain if you will," he said.

A Boy Scout since first grade, has his own plans to join the service as a Marine and is hoping to earn a Reserve Officers' Training Corps scholarship to Texas A&M University next school year.

"It shows you've been willing to put the time and effort in to make it," Randall said.

He said the monument could be raised as early as July.

For Post 2427, the monument comes as its memorials - a tank and plane included - require refurbishing.

As VFW's across the country struggle with funding and refilling their rolls with younger membership, Michael Donald, who runs the VFW's communications arm, said projects like Randall's are not only helpful, but help draw attention to an organization in need of it.

"We want people to notice and come by and see what we have to offer," said Donald, a former Buffalo Soldier.

"Nobody knows (the VFW) is there but the post is history. The monuments aren't just there to catch your eye, we're trying to help people appreciate military history."