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OREGON, Ill. - The Boy Scouts of America
is a long-standing program. Many people have attributed their
success to being a part of this group as a child. Spc. Joshua Lehrke,
a computer detection systems repair specialist from the D-634
Support Battalion in Galva, Illinois, is no exception.
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February 2016 - U.S. Army Spc. Joshua Lehrke, a computer
detection systems repair specialist from the D-634 Support Battalion
in Galva, Illinois in his military uniform on the left and Boy Scout
leader uniform on the right. (Image created by USA Patriotism! from
courtesy photos by Joshua Lehrke)
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During Pack 81's annual Pinewood Derby Race, Lehrke, an
assistant den leader, helps the scouts operate and organize
the race. Lehrke has been a member of the Boy Scouts of
America since he was in the fourth grade and says that he
intends on staying a part of it as long as he is physically
able to. “I enjoy the program, otherwise I wouldn't be a
leader in the program,” said Lehrke. Scouting gives the kids
a chance to learn lessons that help them succeed in life.
“The scouts helped me to decide to join the Army,” said
Lehrke, “because I could use some of the same skills that I
had learned in the scouts in the Army.”
The scout
program is structured similarly to the military. While in
the scout program, youths have opportunities to learn about
discipline, teamwork, firearm safety, first aid and respect
for leadership.
Lehrke joined the National Guard Jan.
4, 2013, at the age of 17, as a computer detection systems
repair specialist and has since begun cross-training as
wheeled mechanic.
“My time in the military has influenced how I lead the kids by
just being more patient with them, going through the processes a
little slower instead of all at once, and actually teaching them
hands-on as well as telling them what we're doing,” said Lehrke.
“The military taught me to be more patient with the kids and if
something doesn't go as planned; just go with the flow. You can
adjust yourself to the situation at hand easier than adjusting the
situation to benefit the way you had planned it to go.”
Many
people have said the Boy Scouts of America have made men ready to be
leaders in all kinds of career fields and now they say the Army has
made men ready to lead boy scouts. Lehrke has brought the lessons he
learned in the Boy Scouts full circle.
By U.S. Army Sgt. Matthew Alford
318th Press Camp
Headquarters
National Guard
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2016
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