Travel Boy Scouts

Ok, you have all heard or likely been involved in travel sports, but this past weekend I had a new experience of "travel" boy scouts. Sounds odd this day in age of ever increasing competitive sports etc.. But what a great weekend we had and educational and fun as well.


Thanks to Sacred Heart pack leader Dave Wells and Jackie Birdwell, the trip organizer... over 60 folks from Sacred Heart made the trek to Savannah, GA for Presidents weekend.

It was great family time, as evidenced by the Velas family in this picture (Dad is taking the picture). The trip included a bus tour of Savannah, tour of Ft. Jackson, trip to Tybee island marine center and lighthouse and ended with a moroccan dinner that for many was unforgettable.

The other highlight of the trip was a visit to the Eighth Air Force Museum. The scouts had the honor of meeting a WWII veteran named Ray, who told us of his experience being shot down over Germany. Ray was a navigator in a B-17 bomber at the age of 19. On his 13th mission, his plane ran into trouble. Trouble, as in being shot at by German warplanes and anti-aircraft guns from the ground. His plane had lost 3 of 4 engines and the order had been given to bailout. Unfortunately, Ray's escape hatch had frozen shut and wouldn't open. Why frozen? Well Ray informed us that the average temperature in the planes was about 20 below zero and this cold had an adverse effect on his bladder. He needed to urinate frequently and therefore kept a trusty bottle at his side. However, with the rough ride they were on in this mission, this cup had spilled over onto his escape hatch and had frozen. He and his partner tried for several minutes to open the hatch, while everyone else had already bailed out and the plane was on autopilot with single engine keeping it aloft. Finally, they decided to parachute from another hatch and did so successfully. Amazingly, the extra time turned out to be a huge blessing. He successfully parachuted into a friendly portion of France, while several of the other crew had been captured or killed while parachuting into Germany. Hard to believe that frozen urine would make such an impact on his life. Sounds like divine intervention perhaps?

Thanks to all who planned and organized this trip. Great weekend of family time with "travel" boyscouts... and I think we all came home victorious -- a few stories, good memories and time with our kids. Who needs a trophy??