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The Dennis Gehl Award and Memorial Scholarship for Eagle Scouts

Dennis Gehl and his wife Connie have both served as long time leaders of BSA Troop 868 holding various positions of responsibility with the Troop. In addition to instructing Scouts in firearm safety, leadership and other various scouting activities, Dennis served as the Troop Committee Chairman, acting as a mentor to adult leaders as well as Scouts. Dennis and Connie’s son Dan obtained the coveted rank of Eagle Scout with Troop 868. Dennis, who was often thought of as the “Father of Troop 868” passed away in April of 2007. Members of the Troop Committee, as well as Knights of Columbus Council 7880 of which Dennis was a member wished to create a way to preserve Dennis’ memory within Troop 868 for years to come. The Troop Committee initiated the Dennis Gehl Loop Award, as well as the Dennis Gehl Memorial Scholarship for Eagle Scouts. Loop Award: The Dennis Gehl Loop Award is a green cloth loop with a gold bead to be worn by all members, (Scouts and Adult Leaders) of BSA Troop 868 on their left epaulet in memory of Troop 868’s Committee Chairman, Dennis Gehl. The Loop Award is not earned, but simply presented to all Scouts and Scouters as they are asked to follow the Scout Oath and Law, as well as to lead using the example set by Mr. Gehl during his life. The initial set of loops were handed out by the Gehl family at the October 2007 Court of Honor. Additional loops will be given to new Scouts as they enter Troop 868.

Memorial Scholarship For Eagle Scouts

During his many years with the Troop, Dennis was instrumental in assisting many fine young men in achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Dennis believed that any Scout could achieve the rank of Eagle Scout; however, he believed that it is a highly respected recognition that should be earned and never given. In honor of Dennis’s commitment to Eagle Scouts, the Troop Committee has developed the Dennis Gehl Memorial scholarship for Eagle Scouts. Beginning in May of 2007, the Troop established an account specifically for this scholarship. Funds for this scholarship have been donated by members of Troop 868, KofC Council 7880 as well as the Gehl family to award a scholarship in the amount of one hundred dollars in the name of Dennis Gehl to those members of Troop 868 who obtain the rank of Eagle Scout. This scholarship can be used by the Scout for expenses related to higher education or military service. During the Scout’s Eagle Court of Honor, the Scout will receive a certificate from Troop 868 as notification that they have earned the scholarship. The scholarship may be presented by the Troop Committee Chairman; however, the Gehl family will always be notified of any Scout who has received this award and there will always be an open invitation to the Gehl family should they wish to send a representative of the family to present the certificate at the Eagle Scout’s Court of Honor. Once the Scout graduates high school, the Scout may present the Troop with a receipt of expenses from any institute of higher learning and the Scout will then be presented with a check in the amount of one hundred dollars from Troop 868. Should the Scout choose a military path after high school, Troop 868 will present a check for one hundred dollars to the Eagle Scout upon enlistment. At this time, the Troop Committee is unsure of how long the Troop will be able to continue to offer the Dennis Gehl Memorial Scholarship. This certainly will be determined by available funds, and in the future, the Troop Committee will need to evaluate the ability to continue this program on an annual basis. At this time, the Troop Committee has guaranteed sufficient funds to make this program available to all current Scouts in BSA Troop 868 as of October, 2007. The Committee’s position was that all of the current Scouts in Troop 868 knew Mr. Gehl and will be eligible for this scholarship. Current status of the scholarship program funds in the scholarship account will be made available to the Gehl family at any time upon the family’s request. It is certainly the wish of Troop 868 to continue this program which will honor Mr. Gehl for as long as possible.

If you are interested in contributing to the BSA Troop 868 / Dennis Gehl Scholarship Fund ,

you may send your greatly appreciated and tax deductible donation to:

BSA Troop 868 / Dennis Gehl Scholarship

c/o Ave Maria Catholic Church

9056 E. Parker Rd.

Parker, CO 80138