Articles
Additional detailed information about news in the Transatlantic Council
Wiesbaden Cub Scout Honored for Saving Brother’s Life
When most kids are enjoying summer playtime, they don’t expect to face a life-or-death situation. But for Logan, a third grader and Cub Scout with Pack 13 at U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden, his quick thinking, courage, and Scout training turned an ordinary day into an extraordinary act of heroism.
When the incident occurred, Logan was only seven years old. While playing with his siblings, he suddenly noticed his older brother, Mason, motionless at the bottom of the family pool. Without hesitation, Logan jumped in to pull him out, but when he realized he couldn’t do it alone, he ran for help. Logan quickly alerted his mom and then his dad, staying calm throughout the crisis. While his parents rushed to save Mason, Logan cared for his little sister, ensuring she was safe and out of harm’s way.
His actions that day helped prevent a tragedy and showed remarkable composure for someone so young. Logan has been a part of Cub Scouts since kindergarten. His family firmly believes that his years in Scouting helped prepare him to act decisively in a life-threatening situation.
“I am convinced his Scout training since 5 years old, as a Lion, aided him in this rescue attempt. Mason would not be here today had Logan not done what he did. Logan is the hero of the family and saved his brother’s life,” said his father Joe Miller.
Although the experience was frightening, Logan credits his Scout training for teaching him both how to help others and how to seek assistance during emergencies. He is grateful that his brother survived and that he was able to help when it mattered most.
The Transatlantic Council is proud to recognize Logan with the Scouting America Heroism Award, reserved for Scouts and Scouters who demonstrate exceptional bravery and skill in saving or attempting to save a life. His story reminds us all of the impact Scouting has in preparing young people to lead, serve, and protect others, even when the unexpected happens.
Logan’s story is a powerful reminder of how Scouting shapes character and prepares youth to be leaders in everyday life. The Transatlantic Council offers exciting, values-based programs for youth ages 5–20, from Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts . Find out more and start your family’s Scouting journey today at https://tacscouting.org/membership/.
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SACEUR General Cavoli Honored with Scouting’s Distinguished Eagle Scout Award for Exemplary Leadership and Service
General Christopher G. Cavoli, who recently retired as Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and the Commander of U.S. European Command, was presented with the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award (DESA) in Brussels, Belgium. The prestigious award was presented by representatives of the Transatlantic Council Vice Admiral Herman Shelanski, USN (Ret.) and Scout Executive Joshua Dick, Eagle Scout Class of 1989. Together, they honored General (Ret.) Cavoli not only for his exemplary military leadership but also for his lifelong embodiment of the values of Scouting.
The Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, bestowed by Scouting America, is reserved for Eagle Scouts who have distinguished themselves through at least 25 years of extraordinary professional achievement and service. Of the more than 2.7 million individuals who have earned the Eagle Scout rank, fewer than 2,000 have received this honor.
General (Ret.) Cavoli becomes only the second person who earned his Eagle rank while a Scout in the Transatlantic Council to be recognized as a Distinguished Eagle in the council’s 75-year history.
“One of the most important outcomes of Scouting is its ability to develop leaders,” said Vice Admiral Herman Shelanski, USN (Ret.) the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Transatlantic Council. “As a former Scout and Navy officer, I know firsthand that the foundation Scouting gave me – and General Cavoli as well – shaped our success in the military. Scouting instills the character, resilience, and sense of service that every leader needs, and today’s recognition is a testament to that enduring impact.”
General (Ret.) Cavoli’s military career spans nearly four decades. A graduate of Princeton University and a commissioned infantry officer, he has served in diverse command and staff positions across the globe, including combat operations in the Middle East and Europe. Prior to assuming command as SACEUR, he served as Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, and his leadership has been central to NATO’s strategic coordination in recent years.
Joshua Dick, who earned his Eagle Scout rank in Heidelberg, Germany, added, “This recognition not only honors General Cavoli’s remarkable service, but also highlights the important connection between military families and the values of Scouting. We stand as living proof that the Department of Defense’s support of Scouting programs abroad makes a lasting, positive impact on both our nation and the world.”
He continued, “SACEUR General Cavoli, Council President Dan Coberly and I, all share one major thing in common; we earned our Eagle Scout in Transatlantic Council. It speaks volumes and serves as a testament to the lifelong values and ethos that Scouting and the U.S. Military instills in its membership. Each of us advanced to the highest levels within our profession. Scouting and the Scout Law and Oath were at the forefront and contributed to our successes in life.”
A New Chapter for TAC Sea Scouts: Change of Watch Welcomes New Commodore
On September 11, 2025, the Transatlantic Council (TAC) Sea Scouts gathered aboard Sea Scout Ship 802 in Brussels for a special tradition—the Change of Watch ceremony. This milestone event marked the transition of leadership from outgoing Council Commodore Jose G. Lepervanche to incoming Commodore Trey Jaeger.
The ceremony, led by Ship 802 Skipper Alex “Zero” Gross, brought together Sea Scouts, Sea Scouters, and special guest Sat Ciampo, the National Sea Scout Commodore.
Honoring a Legacy of Growth
Commodore Lepervanche leaves behind an impressive legacy. During the pandemic, he relaunched TAC Sea Scouting by chartering Ship 802 under Consolidated Scout Units 802, originally created to support Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA members. What began as an online experiment soon grew into something extraordinary—an international hub for Sea Scouts spanning continents.
Through interactive online meetings, creative videos, and local aquatic adventures, TAC Sea Scouts found ways to stay connected and active, even when separated by oceans. Today, their sails stretch far and wide, from the Adriatic Sea to the UAE, Kenya, and waterways across Europe.
Reflecting on his time as Commodore, Lepervanche shared:
“I want to thank all TAC Sea Scouters and Sea Scouts for helping relaunch TAC Sea Scouting during the pandemic years. As Commodore Emeritus, I will continue to support the new TAC Council Commodore’s vision, update online resources, support TAC Sea Scouts Alumni, and contribute to TAC International and Sustainability plans. I sail on my own boat, part of the TAC fleet of three Sea Scout Ships, and look forward to seeing you across TAC territories or online.”
Looking Ahead
Incoming Commodore Trey Jaeger expressed gratitude for the foundation laid by his predecessor and pledged to steer TAC Sea Scouting into its next era of growth and adventure.
With Jaeger at the helm, the future looks bright for a program that, while still small within the council, makes an outsized impact across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
Join the Adventure
The TAC Sea Scouts community is already preparing for its next big moment. To find a Ship in your area, visit our Sea Scouts page.
Announcing the TAC Council Shoulder Patch Contest!
With 2026 coming around the corner, the Transatlantic Council is in need of a new Council Should Patch (CSP) and we want your help! We are seeking designs from young people and adults who reside in the council’s footprint. It can be a modification of the existing patch – or a brand new one altogether! The winning design will need to meet parameters below, as well as the official Scouting America CSP specifications.
Patch parameters:
- Must fit within standard size of a council CSP (5-inch x 2 ¼ inch area)
- Must include text of “Transatlantic Council” and “Scouting America”. No abbreviations.
- Must include a fleur-de-lis
Design nominations are due November 1st to Assistant Scout Executive John Erskine.
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