Two Eagles and a Drum Major

One constant theme that runs through this blog is that the three sons are unique in their own right.  The main common denominator is that they are all called Wada vs. their first name.  Jared still does not understand this phenomenon.  Tiff married into it.

All three did the same activities as they grew up with different results.  Sansei Baseball, judo, Torrance parks and rec, basketball, scouts, etc.  At most, two of the three will have accomplished something in common.  As of March, Jared was confirmed at the rank of Eagle Scout by the Pacifica District of Los Angeles.  It was a proud moment for us as parents as we know he did it on his own initiative.

His oldest brother Jeff is also an Eagle.  Jordan had decided it was not for him and went on to be selected as the West High Band Drum Major, leading the band thorough one of it's most successful years.  The point is often lost in the purpose of Boy Scouts.  Even though Jordan decided to drop out of scouts, the lesson's learned have been immense.  My ultimate goal was to make sure they had the skills to survive if there was a major earthquake.  The second goal was to have them backpack to experience hiking and camping.  It turns out that Jeff and Jordan are now the experts in camping when they go with their friends.  There has been an unexpected benefit that all three are reluctant to admit.  Leadership skills.

Which brings me to those who volunteer to lead and train these young men.  Jared was lucky,  He was fortunate  to have Ron Taji as his Sscoutmaster.  After years of observing Ron, he would guide them through a process of learning.  He spent 10 years as the Sscoutmaster and I truly believe that each scout that went through the troop irregardless of what rank they achieved, learned from this dedicated leader.

For Jared, he started with a group of kids that he knew from school and went up the ranks with them.  At last count there are seven of them to have reached the rank of Eagle within months of each other.  All have shown a dedication and affection to the Sscoutmaster who led them.