Eagle Scout candidates bring community together

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. John Cinnamon
  • 86th Flying Training Squadron commander
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Under the blazing sun, Eagle Scout candidates Daniel Cinnamon and David Garcia led a playground-building team that brought the Boy Scouts, Laughlin Air Force Base and the City of Del Rio together June 27.

Daniel and David spearheaded the effort to assist Del Rio in installing new playground sets that the city had purchased to enhance the community's recreational options for children. The city's project is being led by Mr. Ben Rivera, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department.

"The playgrounds offer children a great place to play and the city is very appreciative of volunteers to help install the sets," Mr. Rivera said.

Daniel and David, Life Scouts from Troop 280, which is chartered by the Del Rio American Legion Post #298, were responsible for organizing the volunteer team and obtaining donations from the local business community for this project.

Daniel, son of Lt. Col. John Cinnamon, 86th Flying Training Squadron commander, was charged with getting concrete for the playground and lunch for the volunteers.

David, son of Mr. Jerry Garcia, the Real Property Officer for Laughlin and a member of the 47th Installation Support Squadron, arranged for breakfast and drinks and was also responsible for obtaining concrete donations.

The team that installed the playground was a mixture of Scouts from Laughlin Troop 280 and their families, base personnel and members of the Del Rio community. Del Rio Mayor Efrain Valdez stopped by to assist with the effort and to provide encouragement. The playground was installed by 43 volunteers over the course of four hours with temperatures nearing 100 degrees. The City of Del Rio personnel put the finishing touches on the project after the concrete dried, and the new toddler playground structure is now open on Del La Rosa Street, near the skate park, for local children to enjoy.

Daniel and David are finishing up the remaining items on their Eagle Projects and will be applying for the rank of Eagle Scout soon. Both Scouts credit the amazing support of the base, community and the City of Del Rio for the success of their project. 

Troop 280 meets at the Chapel Fellowship Hall on Monday evenings at 7 p.m. and is always looking for new members to join the scouting experience. More information can be obtained from the Troop Scoutmaster, Mr. Jerry Garcia, at 298-4895.