Pennsylvania Scouter has given 75 years of service to Scouting

TomLehmierWe're impressed by anyone who volunteers time to the Boy Scouts of America, but when we heard about Tom Lehmier, who has been involved in Scouting for 75 years, we had to stop and share his story with you.

Lehmier joined Troop 72 in Bakerton, Pa., in 1935. He hasn't taken a break from Scouting since.

He earned his Eagle Scout Award at age 17 and served his troop as an adult leader once he turned 18. He then joined the Marines, finished college, married his high school sweetheart, and began a career as a professional Scouter.

That job took Lehmier and his family to Johnstown, Pa.; Hawaii; Washington, D.C.; Pittsburgh; and finally to Lancaster County, Pa. where he served two decades as council executive.

In that role, Lehmier was instrumental in acquiring and developing the J. Edward Mack Scout Reservation. He's pictured above at the entrance of the facility he helped bring to Lancaster County.

During his time as council executive, he also started Troop 142 in Lititz, Pa., about 90 minutes west of Philadelphia. He was Troop 142's Scoutmaster for 40 years before retiring, and in that span, Lehmier helped more than 100 boys earn the Eagle Scout award.

He's such a legend in Troop 142 that the troop's Web site has a special page dedicated to him.

Lehmier's name is also gold in the borough of Lititz, where last month he was the grand marshal in the Fourth of July parade.

He's been noticed on a national level, too. He was the Pennsylvania Dutch Council's representative in the BSA's 100th Anniversary National Hall of Leadership.

Congratulations, Tom, on 75 years of Scouting service!

(Picture courtesy of Troop 142's Web site.)


About Bryan Wendell 3282 Articles
Bryan Wendell, an Eagle Scout, is the founder of Bryan on Scouting and a contributing writer.