When people think of the Boy Scouts, an image of kids with badges learning skills like how to tie a knot or start a fire, or selling popcorn, might come to mind for some. For senior and now Eagle Scout Scott Jerdon, those days are in the past.

     A crucial part of becoming an Eagle Scout is fundraising and community service. For the past year, Jerdon has devoted time to building a veteran’s monument in Oak Hill Cemetery.  The monument, which includes military emblems and masonry work  was dedicated at a ceremony held Jan. 20.

     “It felt good knowing that the hard work that I had put forth was completed and worthwhile,” Jerdon said.  “My main goal was to get recognition for veterans because I feel that they are not recognized enough for what they do.”

     In order to make the monument possible, Jersdon had to  raised around $20,000.

     “What inspired me to raise the money was knowing I had to do an Eagle Scout project,” Jerdon said. “It is something I’ve known about and wanted to do for a long time and have been able to complete it here recently. I’ve been fundraising for about the past year. I got my first donation on February 18 of 2017.”

     The project was made possible due to the community’s support and help from local businesses he contacted.

     “Some of the actions I took were talking to people all over Lampasas to raise the money,” Jerdon said. “I’ve had a total of about 100 people help me throughout the process.”

     As a result of hs work, Jerdon has received attention by local news sources for his mission to honor those who served in the military.

     “I’ve been in the Killeen Daily Herald and been on TV news stations 25 and 10,” Jerdon said. “I’ve also been featured in the local Lampasas newspaper.”

     Despite the fact that the project was not dedicated until January, Jerdon received his Eagle Scout award at a ceremony in December.  

     “I didn’t have to do a dedication for the project,” Jerdon said.  “That was just something I wanted to do to let people know it’s important to honor the hard work and sacrifices that our veterans have made.”