Scoutmaster has been developing future leaders in Savannah for 35 years

For more than three decades, Troop 210 has been developing future leaders in inner-city Savannah, Ga.

Throughout it all, Herbert DeLoach Sr. has been there as a positive adult male role model to young men — many from single-parent households.

For his efforts, DeLoach received the Coastal Georgia Council’s Good Scout Award at a special luncheon last week.

Susie Ryan Curtis, assistant Scout executive for the Coastal Georgia Council, said DeLoach “is not only a pillar of Scouting for the Coastal Georgia Council, he is a pillar in the community.”

DeLoach, one of the founding members of Troop 210, was a member of Troop 247 growing up. He and his wife, Viola, have four grown children (three boys and one girl) and three grandchildren. All of his male children and grandchildren were or are Scouts.

DeLoach has received the Silver Beaver Award, the Whitney M. Young Jr. Award and the Scouter’s Key.

“He has for over 35 years led young Scouts in their journey to become men who have strong character and are productive in their own communities,” Ryan says. “He has been a father figure to those who have come from single-parent homes, an example of strong moral character and a mentor to all.”

Troop 210 and its associated Pack 210, chartered to the Tremont Temple Baptist Church, keep young people focused on the important things in life, says Assistant Scoutmaster Eva Graham.

“All members of Pack and Troop 210 did well in school last year and advanced to the next grade, and we know that Scouting played a role in keeping them on the right track,” she says.

Thanks to their successful fundraising efforts, Pack and Troop 210 have taken several field trips, including to a theme park and a local zoo. One member even attended the 2013 National Jamboree.

Top photo: DeLoach and Coastal Georgia Council District Executive Nikki Bing. Story idea via Barbara Foley of the Coastal Georgia Council.