Troop 724 is one of two special needs Boy Scout Troops in St. Louis
By: KENNDRA ROBERTS
Staff Writer
Relentless. Unstoppable. Fearless. When hearing those three words, it can be assumed that a vision featuring a soldier or Hulk-type character would appear. One would not imagine a small, faithful Boy Scout Troop consisting of special needs boys. These were the very words used by Troop 724 Head Scoutmaster Joe Vaughn, when asked to describe his troop.
Based out of Crestwood, Troop 724 is a special Scout group dedicated strictly to special needs Scouting. It is one of two special needs troops in the St. Louis area. They consist of boys who have mental and physical disabilities who range in age from eleven to their mid-20s. The Scouts meet regularly and engage in typical Scouting activities.
“I try to keep them as mainstream as possible,” Vaughn said, who assumed the position of scoutmaster in 1999.
Scout skills, merit badges, camping, parades and a very active color guard fill the time for Troop 724. This October, the Scouts will participate in a chili cook-off as part of their yearly fundraising efforts.
“These boys can do anything they want to do. We have six boys that teach how to build fires to Cub Scouts,” Vaughn said.
Troop 724 is proud to be the only special needs Scouting troop in the U.S. with its own color guard. Red berets adorn the heads of Troop 724 when they perform their 10-flag color guard routine.
“Those red hats really build their self-esteem. It turns them into different boys,” Assistant Scoutmaster Ron Armstrong said. “For some of them, it’s the only chance they get to work on their esteem.”
Several stand out events also assist in uplifting the troop and giving them a sense of pride. Every year the Scouts place flags at Jefferson Barracks over Memorial Day Weekend and do community service for the needy, they vacation to St. Martins every year and they serve as the official color guard for the Boeing Co.
“The goal is to pay it forward. I’m out to change others mentality about disabled Scouts,” Vaughn said. “I look at the troop and 20 years ago, they would have been locked away and every day we prove them wrong.”
STLCC-Meramec’s own Marco Romero, Spanish instructor, experienced personally the impact that Troop 724 can have. His late son, Paulo A. Romero was a part of the troop for many years, up until his untimely death. Wheelchair bound and full of life, Paulo A. Romero missed Eagle Scouts by one merit badge.
“Paulo benefited a great deal from being part of the troop. With the guidance of dedicated leaders and parent volunteers, the boys in the troop who are special needs feel just as any other scout,” Romero said. “The activities give the boys a sense of belonging, pride and lots of happiness. Personally, I am very proud to belong to a group such as this, and to be a part in helping boys with special needs shine.”
When speaking of his past Scout, Vaughn’s declaration took a much softer tone than the Vietnam Veteran is accustomed to.
“Paulo was the greatest Scout of my life. He is inspired and remembered,” Vaughn said.
The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to build character, teach citizenship and promote fitness. All the while, it seems that all those involved with Troop 724 have learned something from the group of Scouts.
“Nothing is impossible. These boys have showed me that. They always give it a 100 percent … no whine, no moan,” Armstrong said.
Vaughn counters, “Close-mindedness is out the window.”
As the days roll on, and more boys join the Scouts, Troop 724 is here to stay. Troop 724 plans to continue to promote special needs in the U.S. as well as awareness.
“A Scout with disabilities is a Scout with possibilities,” Vaughn said.
