Cullen Stipe has a heart for veterans.

When it was time to select a community service project for his Eagle Scout effort, he chose doing something for the many veterans who call the Claremore Veterans Center home.

Stipe is a member of Boy Scout Troop 88, First Methodist Church.

“I wanted my project to be in service of our nation’s heroes, and I am proud of what has been accomplished. I have family and friends dear to my heart who have served, and they have inspired me to do bigger and better things with the freedom they fought for,” he said.

Working with local materials donated by Lowes, Spectrum Paint, Pixley Lumber and the Marine Corps, Stipe constructed four raised flower beds for the facility.

Stipe said he built the planters with the intent of making it possible for even those veterans dependent upon wheelchairs to have an opportunity and access to planting and caring for a small garden space.

“I want to acknowledge and honor [the veterans] sacrifices for our freedom and their outstanding service to our nation,” Stipe said. “Hopefully, these beds can be used to help facilitate gardening hobbies to make life better for them.”

Constructing the wheelchair-accessible beds took time and effort, and required Stipe to use leadership skills he has been honing throughout his time as a scout.

Stipe acknowledged other members of his troop who were vital in the project’s success.

“My gratitude goes out to them,” Stipe said.

Becoming an Eagle Scout is a high honor and rank within the Boy Scout organization. Candidates are required to earn a total of 21 merit badges and and 13 other badges that include First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communication, Cooking, Personal Fitness, Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving, Environmental Science or Sustainability, Personal Management, Swimming or Hiking or Cycling, Camping and Family Life.

Source: claremoreprogress.com