CONTACT: Master Sgt. Corine Lombardo, 518-786-4581, corine.lombardo@us.army.mil

FOR RELEASE: Sunday, Apr 15, 2012

HALFMOON, NY (04/20/2012)--Life Scout Matt Murray from Troop 537 in Brunswick volunteered as a youth mentor and became positive role model during the New York National Guard’s Youth workshop, here April 14. Fifteen year-old Murray, the son of Lawrence and Cathy Murray of Brunswick, put to use his values and skills developed as a Scout to encourage teambuilding and communication skills for Guard families. "I believe it’s our responsibility to take care of those who put their personal lives aside and go overseas to fight for our freedom, this is my way of saying thank you," the Tamarac High School sophomore said. "We are so excited to have Matt join us, he was great with the kids and it’s encouraging to see teens getting involved to help others," said Keri O’Neil, a New York National Guard Child & Youth Coordinator. The workshop brought more than 50 children, ages 6-18, together for a day of leadership, team and confidence building at The Edge -- Halfmoon, a nearby climbing gym. The Edge offers activities to enhance the physical, mental, social and spiritual lives of children. Through physical activity, youth learn teambuilding skills and achieve personal rewards that include acquiring self worth, competence, judgment and effective decision making and communication skills. "This was a great opportunity for our kids to challenge themselves and become positive role models for other youth," O’Neil said. "They learn to work together, develop relationships and communicate with each other in an environment that encourages them to motivate and inspire each other." Murray also talked to teens about his Eagle Scout project, Operation P.A.T.H. which stands for Parents and Teens Hanging. The event will bring over 50 veterans and their teenage children to Lake Placid, N.Y. to spend a day enjoying Olympic venues on July 25, 2012. The day includes bobsled and gondola rides, shooting on the biathlon range, a "Wet and Wild" show and passes to the top of the Olympic Jumping Complex and museum as well as meals. Murray has raised over $4,000 through raffles, pancake breakfasts, a local bowl-a-thon and donations to cover all expenses for participants. "I want to give returning veterans an opportunity for a positive experience with their kids where they can get away and simply have fun," Murray said. Boy Scouts working on the Eagle Scout rank, Scouting’s highest honor, have to plan, organize and implement a project that benefits the community, church, or local agency.

Attachments: