Boy Scout Bob Yackel receives his Eagle Rank

1953, Bob Yackel, Alton, Illinois

"Attached is my photo after receiving my Eagle Scout Award in 1953; wearing my Explorers' uniform. My troop was Troop 26 in the Piasa Bird Council in the bluff town of Alton, Illinois, which is North of St. Louis, MO. As a youth, I was in scouts for seven years and had great times. Had the opportunities to go to the 1953 jamboree at Irvin Ranch in California, the Region 7 Canoe Base in northern Wisconsin, and a three-day float trip down the Merrimac river in Missouri. Girls and college brought all of this to a halt."

Yours in scouting,
Bob Y

Note: Mr. Yackel first joined the troop in 1977 with his oldest son and served as Troop 358's scoutmaster from 1980 - 1993. He continues to "quietly" attend troop meetings on a regular basis and to help with Boards of Review and merit badge work. Mr. Yackel is probably best known as the troop's "woodcarver" and carves many wonderful pieces for scouts and leaders to recognize summer camp achievements.

It's interesting to note that Mr. Yackel starting wood carving when he was a scout working at an Illinois BSA summer camp. Seems the "Brave" neckerchief slides didn't last long in the camp scout shop, so Mr. Yackel decided to start carving them himself. With only a block of wood and an exacto knife, Mr. Yackel carved his very first "Brave" neckerchief slide and hasn't stopped since!

Thank you, Mr. Yackel (and your lovely wife, Nancy, too!) for all your years of service to Troop 358. We appreciate you!