As one of ten children, I grew up living my days in the outdoors, riding my bike, and playing with neighborhood friends. The only rule regarding my life outdoors was that I had to be home when the street lights came on. Just as Baden Powell found when he started Scouting in England, my “gang of neighborhood friends” became the perfect group to join Scouting. Each week after school, we met down the street at my den leader, Mrs. Paglush’s home. We lived a Norman Rockwell lifestyle. I transitioned from Cub Scouting into Boy Scouting as a member of Troop 8 and scouting’s values were instilled in me for a lifetime. We camped, we hiked and learned our Scouting skills and values. However, it was more than that. Scouting soon became who I was. I worked camp staff, got involved in the Order of the Arrow, and developed friendships through Scouting that have lasted a lifetime. These friends participated in each other’s weddings, support each other’s children and careers, and continue to backpack together each year. It is no surprise that Scouting became my vocation. I know it changes lives, because it changed mine.
Sarah and I met when I was a young District Executive working for the Greater St. Louis Area Council. She was teaching special education at a parochial school in St. Louis. We were introduced by my tent mate from camp staff who was a mutual friend. We have been tremendously blessed with a strong, faith-based marriage of more than 20 years.
Sarah teaches 5th grade at an independent school in St. Louis. She holds a Masters Degree in Teaching and Learning. Sarah enjoys walking, reading and everything in the outdoors. She loves foreign travel and the opportunity to experience new cultures. Each summer, Sarah serves as travel staff with an organization that leads families on birth country tours to Russia. Sarah has a contagious laugh and magnetic personality.
Sarah and I have three beautiful children. Andrew and Hannah are nineteen-year-old twins, and our younger daughter, Elena, is fourteen years old. All three of our children are adopted from Moscow, Russia. One of the highlights of our life was a 2014 birth country tour to Russia to celebrate our children’s Russian heritage. Our lives revolve around our family and we love spending time outdoors together. Whether it is hiking, camping, bike riding or taking in an outdoor festival, we cherish family time.
Andrew, is a sophomore at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he is studying communications. Andrew’s passion is rowing on the Marquette Crew team. As a sophomore, he rows in the stroke seat for the varsity shell. He competes around the country and has celebrated great success with this sport. Andrew is an Eagle Scout and shares this honor with both me and his grandfather. (Three generations of Eagle Scouts!) He is a talented musician playing trumpet, guitar and piano.
Hannah is preparing for college in January and has an interest in pursuing a degree in law enforcement. Her favorite days are those spent curled up with a good book and a bowl of chocolate ice cream. Hannah loves to spend time with family, especially Buddy, our family dog!
Elena is in eighth grade, and is looking forward to beginning high school next fall. She loves field hockey and volleyball. She has a contagious smile and is a friend to all. Elena plays the clarinet, and cherishes time with her younger cousins.