State Sons of American Revolution recognize Eagle Scout

Matt Bower
Posted 12/16/14

Alan Blasdell, an Eagle Scout and former graduate of Rocky Hill School in East Greenwich, was recently recognized for his Eagle Scout achievement by the Rhode Island State Sons of the American …

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State Sons of American Revolution recognize Eagle Scout

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Alan Blasdell, an Eagle Scout and former graduate of Rocky Hill School in East Greenwich, was recently recognized for his Eagle Scout achievement by the Rhode Island State Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) with a Commemorative Recognition Award.

“The Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution have met for the past three years at the [Rhode Island] Veterans Cemetery for a wreathe presentation. A group from Varnum Continentals are also present wearing typical patriot uniforms and do a small dedication ceremony to pay tribute and respect to the first patriots who fought for America’s freedom from British tyranny,” said SAR member Harry Curran. “The current president of the RI State Sons of the American Revolution agreed to show honor to Eagle Scout Alan Blasdell. The SAR continues to show respect and honor for people of accomplishment. We present national certificates of the SAR to Eagle Scouts in the community.”

When asked how he felt to receive the SAR award, Blasdell said, “I was quite honored. I didn’t know what to expect from those guys, but to get an award for being an Eagle Scout and being me was quite an honor.”

Curran also serves as the missions chairman at Greenwood Community Church in Warwick and had the opportunity to work directly with Alan and his parents, Greg and Nancy, when they volunteered to assist with the church’s Angel Tree party in conjunction with the church’s prison fellowship program, in which members of the church collect and donate toys for children whose parents are in jail and not around for the holidays.

“Alan dressed as an elf and his parents dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus. They helped me with the Angel Tree party we held at Greenwood for three years and took pictures of all the children, who had parents in the ACI. Alan was a terrific helper for me,” Curran said. “Alan and his family have been members of the church for more than 10 years and they have always been helpful with supporting mission projects.”

Curran said the church, which recently celebrated 70 years, has always had a reputation for giving back. In addition to the Angel Tree and prison fellowship program, he said the church has worked with the Kent Center and Warwick Community Action.

Alan said being in Scouts, fundraising and doing charity work was nothing new for him.

“My parents were always very involved in the church, so I kind of came along for the ride at first, and I always got along with kids,” he said. “We would ask the kids what they want for Christmas, their parents would tell us ahead of time and we would give them the gifts. It was nice and it made you feel good.”

Alan said he and his parents have also helped out with providing Christmas meals for poor families that can’t afford them.

“For families that don’t have much, to see them smile and be happy for the holidays, it’s great to see the kids with something to smile about for Christmas,” he said.

Curran said working with Alan and his family was “wonderful and very encouraging.”

During a ceremony held on April 26, 2012, Alan was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout as a member of Troop 1 Saunderstown.

“For my Eagle project, I replaced the roof of the pet refuge in North Kingstown going along the dog runs because it was rotting away,” he said. “I got donations from Coventry lumber and rebuilt the roof.”

When asked what it means to be an Eagle Scout, Alan said, “I believe that being an Eagle scout means that you must handle yourself to the highest standard and being ready for just about anything and functioning as a leader in that situation.”

When he was in a leadership position, Alan said it was difficult at times keeping pre-teens under control and focusing on a task. “Another challenge was going camping and trying to stay dry and warm when it was raining hard,” he said. “Also, taking long hikes up mountains was frustrating at times, but making it to the top of the mountain made it all worth it.”

Alan said he enjoyed camping and making lifelong friendships, as well as doing activities outdoors and having adventures in the woods.

“Some of my best memories were going to Camp Yawgoog every summer,” he said.

Alan, who is now a sophomore at the University of Rhode Island studying computer science, said he wants to be a vehicle designer.

“If it has wheels and carries people, I want to design it. I’ve always been fascinated by cars,” he said.

Alan said he would like to see more people take an interest in Scouting.

“As Eagle Scouts, we hold ourselves to a strict moral code. It’s not easy holding yourself to that standard, but it’s always a blast going and helping people out,” he said. “It’s not easy becoming an Eagle Scout, but it’s fun. I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything in the world. You make friends that last a lifetime and learn things that help you out in the long run, it’s a great experience and I recommend it 100 percent.”

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