Dinkel finishes Eagle Scout service project

In July, Jonathan Dinkel of Troop 23 from Discovery United Methodist Church in Hoover completed his Eagle Scout Service Project. 

His project was at the main entrance to Memorial Plaza at the Alabama Veterans Memorial Park. His project involved erosion control and beautification to the left of the entrance and the installation of an interactive directory to the right of the entrance. 

The interactive directory depicts the 36 columns in Memorial Plaza, where the 25 Alabama Medal of Honor recipients are honored with plaques describing their valor. The directory also contains the names of all 25 Alabama Medal of Honor recipients and a QR code that links to the National Congressional Medal of Honor database where there is additional information about each recipient. 

A meditation bench was also added to the beautification area.  

To achieve the rank of Eagle, a Life Scout must have earned a minimum of 21 merit badges, have served in a troop leadership position and develop, manage and complete an Eagle service project that is beneficial to the community.  

Dinkel completed his final Board of Review for Eagle Scout in September. He has earned 39 merit badges and is the senior patrol leader for his troop. Last June, he successfully hiked 82 miles at the Philmont Scout ranch in New Mexico. 

His Eagle Court of Honor to receive recognition for this award will be held in November at the Alabama Veterans Memorial Park. 

-Submitted by Mike Holt