Stories of our youth from Larry Francis.

Stories of our youth from Larry Francis.

   When I grew up in Alexandria, VA I became interested in the Boy Scouts.  About the time I turned the age of ten or eleven, I joined a local troop.  Over the years I enjoyed many campouts, hikes, and other activities.  I had the opportunities to attend a National Jamboree at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania and to attend the Philmont Scout Range in New Mexico.  With hard work, I was able to obtain the rank of Eagle Scout.

     As an adult, I continued my involvement in Boy Scouts as an Adult Scout Leader in Virginia, Missouri, and Alabama, and also assisted my wife and daughter in the Girl Scouts for a few years.

    Just before my 18th birthday while still attending high school, I joined the US Army Reserve, as a Private. Then after graduating from High School, I shipped out to Fort Knox, KY for basic training, then on to Fort Leopardwood, MO for advanced training as a Combat Engineer.  My active duty tour was for only six months.

    Later I attended the District of Columbia National Guard Officer Candidate School and received a Commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1963.  I retired from the US Army Reserve in 2004 as Lieutenant Colonel, with over 34 years of service.

Submitted by Larry Francis