When Ethan Bower set out to complete his Eagle Scout Project, he knew he wanted it to make a real difference. His chosen mission: to serve the men and women who have already given so much- our veterans. Partnering with Volunteers of America North Louisiana’s Veterans Services Division, he led a project that not only improved their Veterans Transitional Living Facility, but also left a lasting mark of gratitude and respect.
Inspiration & Motivation
For Ethan, the choice was personal.
“I chose to work with the VOA Veterans facility as my mom is a veteran and my dad is still active duty, so I have grown up my whole life around the military and veterans and I have a great amount of respect for them. I really wanted my project to benefit the military aspects of my community and I heard that there was potential opportunities at VOA,” he explained.
His journey in Scouting had already taught him leadership and service, but this project gave him the chance to give back in a deeply meaningful way.
Planning the Project
The idea for the project began when Ethan noticed the need for some landscaping attention and heard requests from veterans for cornhole boards. After discussions with staff at VOANLA’s Veterans Transitional Living Facility, he created a plan to revitalize the flowerbeds and craft custom cornhole boards for the veterans to enjoy recreationally.
“For my planning process, I divided it into multiple steps, determining what I wanted to do, confirming it with VOA, confirming it with my BSA troop and council, fundraising, extra planning and organizing the project, communicating the dates with my troop, and then executing the project. I needed to get a lot of approvals, mainly with the project itself and the dates I could go to VOA and work on it, but my BSA council also required plenty of forms for fundraising and the project idea,” he said.
From outlining the scope of work to recruiting volunteers, the project required careful preparation and commitment.
Leading the Work
On project day, more than 10 volunteers gathered to help bring the vision to life. As project leader, Ethan coordinated teams, ensured safety, and kept spirits high.
“I was able to get a group of 12 volunteers (7 scouts and 5 adults) through my troop. Part of the project is that I lead a group of other scouts, so I reached out to my troop for volunteers to help,” he recalled.
Impact on Veterans
The completed project quickly became more than just a physical improvement.
“The project is aimed to help struggling veterans at the facility and provide outdoor recreation for the veterans. I envision this outdoor space as a place they can gather for relaxation and fellowship,” he shared.
Lessons & Reflections
Through the project, Ethan learned lessons about responsibility, teamwork, and perseverance.
“My Eagle Project allowed me to improve my own leadership skills, but also the importance of community service and the effect a group of individuals can have on their community,” he said.
He also gained a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices of veterans and the importance of service beyond Scouting.
Looking Ahead
While the project is complete, its impact will continue for years to come. Ethan hopes that his project will inspire others in his troop to support the veterans in VOANLA’s Veterans Services Division. Earning the rank of Eagle Scout requires dedication, leadership, and vision, and Ethan demonstrated all three. His project at Volunteers of America North Louisiana’s Veterans Transitional Living Facility is a reminder that young leaders can create lasting change, honoring those who have already given so much to our country.
We thank Ethan for his commitment to both Scouting and community service, and we encourage others to find ways to support local veterans in their own communities.
