Troop 49 Code of Honor 2

Boy Scout Troop 49 from Our Lady of Perpetual Help conducted a Court Of Honor (COH) on Sunday, June 14 at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Oakland. This is a thrice-a-year ceremony where Scouts are presented with their rank awards (Tenderfoot, First Class, etc.), merit badges and other recognition they have earned.

This COH was unique in that it was combined with an Eagle Court of Honor for two scouts, Peter Foley and Keith Oldano. Eagle COHs are traditionally held separately. On hand to honor this great achievement was Oakland Mayor John Szabo, as well as representatives from the Oakland American Legion and the New Jersey State Assembly.

Also adding to this event was Scoutmaster Martin Treich being honored for his 10 years of service to Troop 49 as Scoutmaster. He was presented with a special service project conducted by the scouts and parents. It involved the construction and installation of an outside worship area at Messiah where Martin attends and is actively involved. Also honored was Joe Mingalone, who served the troop briefly as Scoutmaster and, along with Rob Dente, resurrected Troop 49 in the late 1980’s from dormancy. The Troop existed in name only for a period prior to that and today has 50+ scouts on its roster.

The troop also celebrated with a presentation of gifts to Mrs. Treich and Mrs. Mingalone as well as a video tribute to Martin. Lastly, Frank Miller of the Northern New Jersey Council of the Boy Scouts of America presented him with a Scoutmaster Key Award, which recognizes a high level of proficiency achieved through training classes, as well as the Troop’s ability to maintain a high quality ranking, determined by the activities and accomplishments it completes.

Stepping into the Scoutmaster role to replace Martin is Paul Zakrzewski, whose son Michael is a 1st Class Scout. Paul was Assistant Cubmaster in Cub Scout Pack 369 at Manito Elementary School. Paul will be joined by Jim Folkerts as Assistant Scoutmaster. His son Matt is a Star Scout.