On May 6, Gary Stedman, Specials Projects, Department of Public Works (DPW), at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) and an eagle scout joined boy scouts from Troop 436, Lakewood, to help Nathan Parker, JBLM resident, complete his Eagle Scout project, the restoration of the Jeschke Cemetery.

Gary Stedman mentored more than 150 Eagle Scout projects including 15 on JBLM. The day was especially poignant for him because the site of Nathan's project, the Jeschke Cemetery, was also the site of his son David's project, which he completed in 2004. David Stedman was able to join the volunteers restoring the cemetery. "There is nothing I love more than to mentor the young. Mentoring Eagle Scout projects allows me to help these young men get organized and become confident. It helps them grow as people and as scouts," said Gary Stedman.

The 15 Eagle Scout projects mentored by him have significantly contributed to maintaining sites at JBLM.  "These days our funding is pretty limited and it is important to preserve historic sites," said Dr. Duane H. Denfield, Ph.D, JBLM historian. "The Jeschke Cemetery is not only an historic site but a spiritual site as well." Denfield volunteered on the project and gave the boy scouts a short talk on the history of the cemetery and the Jeschke Family.

For David Stedman, the day was a sentimental one. "I started my Eagle Scout project a few weeks before 9/11, and in the aftermath, the post was shutdown to civilians.  Luckily, I had a lot of time because I finished it in 2004, said David Stedman. Scouts must complete eagle requirements before they turn 18. "This was a good opportunity for me, as an adult, to get back to scouting, and to be a part of my own Eagle Scout project was pretty neat. My father, two older brothers and uncles are Eagle Scouts.  We have seven in our family.  Scouting was never forced on us and it was always fun"

Over 20 volunteers turned out to help Nathan with his project, most fellow boy scouts from Troop 436.  Scouts pay it forward volunteering on many Eagle Scout projects before their big day arrives.  "I think everyone had a good time.  I feel the Boy Scout program really fosters helping each other out," said Nathan.

He feels the mentorship he received from Gary Stedman contributed significantly to the success of his project.

By the end of the afternoon, Jeschke Cemetery was spit-shined and ready for a close-up. The rotten posts were replaced and the fence no longer falling down.  The signs received a fresh coat of paint and landscaping was completed. It was another success for Gary Stedman and Troop 436 who will soon have a new eagle scout to add to the ranks.