Scout Troop 112 to honor veterans with free breakfast, conversation, and respect

By Paul R. Huard for Ashland.news

Ashland’s Scouts and veterans will share stories and smiles over a free Veterans Day breakfast Tuesday morning, an annual effort by the troop to honor those who served in the U.S. military.

Ashland Scout Troop 112 will serve breakfast at the Ashland Elks Lodge No. 944 starting at 7 a.m., with youth members from the Scouting America troop taking meal orders, guiding veterans to their seats, serving coffee and food, and cleaning tables for the next diners. Food will be served until about 11:30 a.m. or until it runs out, said Kevin Calkins, the troop’s assistant scoutmaster.

The Ashland Elks Lodge is at 255 E. Main St. Participants can park their vehicles in the parking lot behind the lodge.

There is no charge to veterans for the meal. Non-veterans who attend can donate as they can afford.

Important day for Scout Troop 112

Calkins, who is a retired U.S. Navy chief petty officer with 22 years’ service, said Scouts in the troop have been involved with serving Veterans Day breakfasts to former service members since 2017, working either with the American Legion or the Elks. He said it’s important for Scouts to make connections with veterans so the youths can understand the importance of public service.

“The Scouts learn about Ashland’s veterans, who they are and what they did.  They begin to have a connection back to them through these events,” Calkins said.  “I think the Scouts begin to appreciate those who served.

Veterans Day history

Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I. The armistice that halted fighting between Allied forces and Germany took effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918.

In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first Armistice Day, honoring the heroism of Americans who served in the “war to end all wars.” Over time, the observance became a way to remember all those who served in military conflicts, not just World War I.

In 1954, following World War II and the Korean War, Congress officially renamed the holiday Veterans Day to honor American veterans of all wars. Unlike Memorial Day, which pays tribute to those who died in service, Veterans Day recognizes the contributions of all U.S. military veterans.

Today, the holiday serves as a national moment of gratitude, reflection, and recognition for the sacrifices made by those who have worn the uniform.

An Ashland tradition

On average, as many as 60 veterans have attended past Veterans Day breakfasts. The Scouts in the troop also turn out in force to help with the event.

The breakfast is about more than pancakes. Calkins said both the Scouts and the veterans enjoying visiting with one another – and many of the former military members participated in the Scouting movement themselves during their youth.

“Veterans who come are very appreciative of the support we show,” he said.  “They love the Scouts, and they love talking to them, not just about their military days but also about Scouting.”

In the past, the troop also had veterans service officers from Jackson County and representatives from Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs attend the breakfast to provide information about public services available to former members of the U.S. military. In addition, the troop this year invited the veterans resource officer from Southern Oregon University to attend to offer information on higher education opportunities at SOU.

However, there is no confirmation yet from either the agencies or SOU that representatives will be able to attend.

“Right now, we are unsure who will be here this year,” Calkins said.

Scouting America

Founded in 1910 as the Boy Scouts of America, Scouting America is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States. Girls as well as boys have been welcomed since 2018 to join at the Cub Scout level and, since 2019, at the Scout level, 11 to 17 years old.

Inspired by the Scouting movement launched in the early 20th century by Lt. Gen. Robert Baden-Powell, a British Army officer and social reformer, the Scouting America helps prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Traditional Scouting programs emphasize outdoor activities, public service, physical fitness and developing life skills.

Email freelance reporter Paul R. Huard at paulrhuard@gmail.com.