This week marks the one-year anniversary of the 2022 train derailment near Mendon, Missouri. The Scouts and adults who were on the train on their way from Philmont Scout Ranch earned BSA lifesaving awards for their actions in helping their fellow passengers.
A journalist at Appleton NBC 26 news caught up with some of the heroes to see how they’re doing.
(Eli) Skrypczak and (Dean) Seaborn have fun when they want to, but aren’t forgetting about what happened one year ago.
“We took some pride in what we did,” Seaborn said. “But I feel other people don’t get enough credit.”
In a story from Fox 4 Kansas City, Seaborn’s dad weighs in on his memories of that day.
“For us parents who were all isolated we were stuck in Appleton and couldn’t get there. The first responders and the community and the way that some of the Scout parents from the local community there kind of came together to help these guys out was really incredible,” Brent Seaborn said.
KSHB 41 in Kansas City interviewed the mother of one of the Scouts.
“I think all of the boys grew in terms of just their maturity, and probably some confidence in the fact that wow, ‘We, we helped out and we did what we were able to do,’” (Sarah) Berken said.
Below is the video tribute produced by the BSA shortly after the event.
Brand-new Eagle Scout reflects on family adventure to Philmont
Bradlee Whalen, 16, is a new Eagle Scout from Troop 1 in Florence, Kentucky.
His dad, Jared, is also an Eagle Scout.
His grandfather, Wally, was a Scout as well.
The three of them experienced Philmont Scout Ranch together one year ago, including a hike up Baldy Mountain. Bradlee reflected on the experience in a story in the Northern Kentucky Tribune newspaper.
He recalled many times that he and his dad, or he and his grandpa would do a project together, such as making a go cart that rolls downhill. He loved that he had the chance to hike to Baldy with them.
“Scouting has been very important in my life for almost 12 years,” he said. “I am grateful for everyone in my life that I’ve met along the way. It is sad to be moving on. I believe it has made me a better person overall.”
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