Boy Scout Troop 400 recently awarded Scouting’s highest honor to brothers Andrew, Nathan and Philip Martinez of Richmond Hill.
The brothers were honored at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony April 1 at Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church. Their successful completion of all Eagle requirements was recognized during a board of review on Dec. 5, 2011. They are the 40th, 41st and 42nd Eagles of Troop 400.
The Martinez brothers began their Scouting careers as Tiger Cubs in 2002 during the first grade with Pack 118 in Rome. They earned their Cub Scout Arrow of Light Awards in 2007.
Upon crossing over into Boy Scout Troop 118 that same year, the family moved to Richmond Hill, where they joined Troop 400 in the summer of 2007.
Under the troop leadership of Scoutmaster Brad Thompson, the Martinezes continued working through the ranks toward their Eagle rank.
Along the way, Andrew earned 34 merit badges, Nathan 35 and Philip 31. The boys also are members of the Order of the Arrow, which is Scouting’s Honor Camping fraternity.
The boys have held 26 leadership positions among them in the Troop including: troop guide, instructor, scribe, chaplain’s aide, quartermaster, assistant patrol leader, patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader and senior patrol leader.
While continuing their path to Eagle Scout status, the brothers have been on countless camping trips in Georgia, Tennessee and South Carolina.
A high point in their Scouting careers was a two-week trek in 2011 to the Philmont High Adventure Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Their 12-person crew backpacked more than 65 miles in the Rockies, enjoyed white water rafting, rock climbing, fly fishing, bow-and-arrow shooting and rifle shooting.
To achieve their Eagle ranks, the boys chose projects to benefit the Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church.
Philip’s project in the basement of the fellowship building involved removing two large dumpsters of accumulated items and debris, organizing, building shelves, repairing steps and replacing lighting.
Nathan’s project centered on cleaning and repairing the screened in porch, replacing decking boards, pressure washing and staining the surrounding deck, stairs and wheelchair ramp, as well as debris removal under the deck.
Andrew’s project consisted of improving the landscaping and overgrown areas around the church pond, bridge, island, gazebo and picnic area. This included pruning, debris removal, pressure washing and staining. The projects were accomplished by a combined effort from the Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church community and the Boy Scouts of Troop 400. About 450 volunteer hours were donated to complete the projects and improve the church areas.
The Martinez brothers are sophomores at Richmond Hill High School and involved in several other activities.
They play trumpet, sax and trombone in the high-school marching and symphonic bands, are members of the National Honor Society, members of Troop 400’s Venture Crew, participate in the RHHS track team and attend the Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church youth group.
They are continuing on their scouting path as Troop 400 junior leaders and will be working this summer at Black Creek Scout Camp in Screven County.