February 20, 2012
In April 2011 my son’s Boy Scout Troop was fortunate enough to visit West Point and attend the 49th Annual Scoutmaster’s Camporee, an event we had never heard of before. My oldest son, Class of 2014 sponsored us. Previously, he had posted an item on Facebook regarding Daren’s death.
We toured the main post the first day of the event. We visited the post’s cemetery. We entered the cemetery chapel and sat. Our Scout Chaplain’s Aide, Eagle Scout Dan White, then read a biography of Daren that he had compiled from newspaper accounts of his life. It was a moving presentation. Dan selected Daren since he had recently given his life to the service of our country and he was a fellow Pennsylvania resident.
After our return from West Point several of us saw the CBS Sunday morning news piece on how the marble headstones were made and saw Daren’s headstone being engraved.
I thank you for Daren’s service and I am sorry for your family’s loss. The visit of Troop 187, Dublin, PA has inspired one Eagle Scout to apply for and receive an appointment to the Class of 2016. Furthermore, the Troop has adopted service to veteran organizations, including our local VFW Post sponsor and the Travis Manion Foundation, as the key recipient of our service projects.
Thank you for Daren being an inspiration to us all.
Sincerely,
Kenny Bauer Boy Scout Troop 187 Dublin, PA