Local scouts repair deer blinds on base

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Peter Borys
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Boy Scouts always strive to do good deeds and their recent project on base was no exception.

Volunteers repaired four deer blinds located in Laughlin's wooded areas on Oct. 8. The blinds, used by the Val Verde Military Sportsman Club, were in need of repair and given a new paint job by the scouts of troop 255 and volunteers from the First Christian Church in Del Rio. Many local businesses donated materials and supplies towards this project.

The project was organized by Life Scout Ivan Mieth, who is working on obtaining his Eagle Scout rank, the highest in Boy Scouts.

Mieth explained this project will help him earn his Eagle Scout rank by displaying leadership capabilities and organizational skills. It would also give other scouts the opportunity to earn merit badges.

"Doing anything like that was very uncomfortable for me to start with, but I have gained a lot of knowledge on what it takes to be a good leader," said Mieth. "It has also given me confidence and a sense of community spirit with all of the past projects our troop has done."

He was able to coordinate access for the volunteers on base through sponsorship from his father, retired Lt.Col. Ivan Mieth II, who currently is a simulator instructor.

Future aspirations for Ivan include going to college and becoming an engineer. "I feel that scouting will help me to be a leader in that field and maybe come up with some new technologies," said Mieth.

"There are two ways the base benefits from having these deer blinds," said Capt. Jonathan Lattimore, 84th Flying Training Squadron and president of Val Verde Military Sportsman Club. "One is for morale of the military members and retirees that live here. Individuals who like to hunt can do so in a safe environment. Two, it helps keep the animal population on base under control, preventing animals from entering the flightline and interfering with missions and safety for the rest of the base populous against any vehicle or animal mishaps."

Anyone interested in joining can contact the club at vvmsclafb@gmail.com for more information.