Jeff Patterson made it his Eagle Scout mission to make sure veterans aren’t forgotten.
“It’s something I’m passionate about,” said Patterson, 16, son of Thomas and Joan Patterson of Springfield Township and scout with Troop 199. “Respecting veterans is something everyone should do. This is a great way to do my part.”
The Clarkston High School junior led about 22 volunteers in the project, Nov. 7-8, cleaning grave sites and placing medallion flag holders. On Nov. 10, he returned to place American flags in the holders in time for Veterans? Day.
He got the idea from Springfield Township, which posted a request for help along with this year’s tax bill.
“Township records were incomplete,” said township Clerk Laura Moreau. “When placing flags before, it was a little heartbreaking to know we could have missed veterans ? we didn’t want that. It’s been on my mind all summer.”
“It’s an excellent project ? I loved the idea,” Jeff said. “I have a lot of family members in the military ? my grandfather fought on D-Day.”
He checked each grave stone for plaques and engravings marking the final resting places of veterans.
He marked a Revolutionary War veteran’s grave, as well as eight Civil War, 20 World War I, 34 World War II, nine Korean War, and seven Vietnam War veterans’ grave sites.
“I found 13 more than estimated,” he said.
He presented all his findings to the township for its records.
“This is fantastic,” Moreau said. “I was thrilled when Joan and Jeff came in, with so much passion about it. I feel good handing it off to someone I could trust to follow through.”
The project is also educational, said Joan, a trustee on Clarkston Board of Education.
“Kids take field trips here and learn about the town’s history,” she said.
Jeff isn’t sure where he will attend college, but will probably study engineering or mathematics.
High on his list is West Point Military Academy, in order to become an Army helicopter pilot.
“That’s one of my dreams,” he said. “I’ll stick with the scouts to help others make Eagle. That’s a big thing with my troop, helping everyone else get their Eagle.”
For more information or to donate to project upkeep, call 248-625-3808.