Introduction

elcome to the fifty-ninth edition of our Troop 227 Newsletter. To learn more about Boy Scouts, please visit us at any troop activity, speak to a troop leader, or visit one of the following websites.

Tennessee Army National Guard

roop 227, A-ten-HUT!!!! Yes sir, the troop rolled out on Friday evening in a somewhat convoy fashion, heading down to the Tennessee Army National Guard base in Smyrna, TN. From the get-go, we knew we were in for a special treat! The fine people on the base gave us keys to a secluded area known as “Training Area 4”. As we entered, notice was taken of a detention facility which trained soldiers to work in places such as Guantanamo Bay. At the end of the road we were pleased to have access to a pavilion and open field along the shores of Percy Priest Lake. After setting up camp, the troop concluded the day by with a cracker barrel and a camp fire program which included story telling and a devotional.

he next morning, the scouts quickly made their way to the indoor shooting range. Retired Command Sergeant Major Thelbert Hassell and Sergeant Watrous greeted the troop. Sergeant Watrous, an Eagle Scout and former member of Crieve Hall Church of Christ, instructed the troop how to load and fire the famous M16 rifle. Even though we were not using live ammo, the air compressed rifles handled just like the real McCoy!

hen lunchtime rolled around, the scouts marched across the street to eat at the Mess Hall. That afternoon, Sergeant Aaron Cross gave a tour of Flight Operations and a close up view of the Blackhawk helicopter. It was quite a treat to see this magnificent aircraft and to see the dedication and pride of the flight and ground crew.

That evening, the troop broke camp and moved into one of the Army dormitories. After spending most of the day in hot and humid conditions, it was quite a treat to sleep in an air conditioned building.

s we drove by the guard post on our way home, we realized we had gained a deeper appreciation for the brave men and women who serve our country and defend freedom around the world.

special thanks goes to Thelbert Hassell for making it possible to have a great weekend at the Tennessee Army National Guard base!

ithout a doubt, the high point of the trip was Caleb, Curt, Elliot, and their brothers and their fathers spending the weekend with us. The scouts hope these fine young boys will join Troop 227!

Upcoming Troop Events

· Oct. 6 – Troop meeting. 6:30 PM. Class A uniforms.

· Oct. 11 – Cogioba District MBU.

· Oct. 13 – Troop meeting. 6:30 PM.

· Oct. 17-19 – NAIA Pow Wow.

· Oct. 20 – Troop meeting. 6:30 PM.

· Oct. 25 – Radnor Lake Volunteer Day (8AM-Noon).

· Oct. 27 – PLC. 7:00 PM. Shoney’s in Brentwood.

Future Dates

· Nov. 14-16 – Stones River National Battlefield.

Troop Leader Contacts

Scoutmaster

· Tommy Primm

Assistant Scoutmasters

· Truman Bean

· Phillip Brackett

· Chris Jones

· Chris Paul

· Andy Richter

Troop Committee

· Randy Boyd

· Mellie Brackett

· Scott Burner

· John Hammond, Chairman

· Mike Vantrease

Charter Organization Rep

· Ray Frizzell