John Proffitt
Tribute to my Scoutmaster: Wally Wozencraft
I feel I speak for all the young men Mr. Wozencraft guided through scouting. Wow 50 years later, in ways it has been forever and in other ways it seems like only yesterday.
I jotted down a few notes about how Mr. Wozencraft and scouting effected our lives
Like most of you, we remember the adults that help direct you through the early years of life. They helped us become what we are today.
In our grade school and middle school year it was usually our parent, grandparents, teachers, coaches and minister.
But if you were a scout it was also your Scoutmaster.
As we advanced through our ranks we would always have a Scoutmasters conference. Mr. Wozencraft always insured we knew our scout skill before sending us to the Board of Review in front of those business men in coats and ties.
His leadership and interest in making me and my fellow scouts successful carried me through to Eagle.
At the time I didn’t know the dedication and patience’s it took to guide us during our years between 11-18.
As a parent with two sons that went through the scouting, I now have a deep appreciation for the time he spent with us.
Of course he didn’t do it alone. His family sacrificed by sharing him with us. We are grateful they did.
I am reminded where we were as scouts on December 26th.
Starting our first day of a week a long 50 mile hike somewhere in Oklahoma. Man it was cold!
But we were prepared. We always had a 20 mile hike in the late fall. You could see 50 scouts and several scout leaders spread out for miles.
The first one was tough, but it always got easier the next year.
Unlike today, I think we always camped at one place, Martin’s farm. But that didn’t matter, we were busy honing our scout skill. Having flint and steel fire building contests and lashing poles to use in chariot races.
For me the memories keep rushing back when I think of Mr. Wozencraft
To this day I use the scout oath and law as a guide to how I should live my life.
My Scoutmaster Wally Wozencraft and his adult leaders instilled those values in me early on.
For that I am forever grateful.
Mr. Wozencraft, on behalf of all the young men you guided through the scouting experience.
And, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for the years you spent investing in our future.
You will be missed but always remembered.
John F. Proffitt
Troop 20 Eagle, 1968
