WARREN — Two local young men, both members of Warren Scout Troop 254, completed all requirements for the highest award in Scouting and on April 7 each received the Eagle Scout medal. 

Eric William Richmond is a senior at Lincoln Academy, in Newcastle, and lives in Jefferson. He is the son of David and Rachael Richmond. Eric had been serving as Senior Patrol Leader for the troop but stepped down on Dec 28 (when he turned 18), and became the Troop Guide. He’ll be going to UMaine at Ft. Kent in the Conservation Law Program. 

Bruce James Bossow, Jr. is a senior at Medomak Valley High School, in Waldoboro, where he lives. He is the son of Bruce and Paige Bossow. He was a patrol leader before turning 18. He plans to attend college for computer science and is narrowing down his choices of which college.

Eagle Scout Jim Murphy, of Union, gave the Eagle Scout Charge.

"All who know you rejoice in your achievement," Murphy said. "Your position, as you well know, is one of honor and responsibility. You are marked men. As Eagle Scouts, you have assumed a solemn obligation to do your duty to God and to your country, to your fellow Scouts, and to mankind in general. This is a great undertaking." 

Troop 254 Scoutmaster Bruce Bossow and Troop 254 Eagle Scouts presented the medal and neckerchief to the new Eagle Scouts, who in turn presented Eagle pins to their parents and to their mentors. 

During his address, Eagle Scout Bossow thanked his parents and other leaders and for the other Scouts in the troop "for all of the great memories." Some great experiences included canoeing on a river with rapids in the Canadian wilderness, earning badges at Camp Hinds in Raymond, events such as the Klondike Derby and attending the Cobscook International Camporee. 

The most challenging part of the Scouting adventure for those seeking Eagle Scout rank is the completion of an Eagle Scout project, according to a news release. The purpose of the Eagle project is to give the Scout an opportunity to “plan, develop, and give leadership to others,” as noted in the requirement. Eagle Scout projects are evaluated on the benefit to the organization being served and on the leadership provided by the candidate. There must also be evidence of organized planning and development.

Bossow led a group of Scouts in building a shoe display for the Waldoboro Free Clothing Closet. Richmond built two handicapped accessible picnic tables for disabled veterans at the Cabins in the Woods area on the Togus Medical Center campus.

"In my time in Scouts, I've had the opportunity to help local veterans, to place flags and wreaths on veterans'  graves, and I have many veterans on both sides of my family," Eagle Scout Richmond said. "It was a natural choice to help veterans for my Eagle Scout service project."

Their ceremony was held at the 2nd Congregational Church in Warren.