Sheppard scout earns highest rank twice

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Vernon Cunningham
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Boy Scout Troop 232 honored Kynan Franke, 15-year-old, during an Eagle Scout Court of Honor June 5, in the Heritage Center at Sheppard. Troop 232 is sponsored by Sheppard.

The Eagle Scout Court of Honor is a ceremony which recognizes a scout's elevation to the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America. Only two percent of scouts attain Eagle Scout.

"I feel thankful for making this award at such a young age," Kynan said. "It is a great reward and accomplishment."

Lt. Col. Kevin Franke, Kynan's father, said both he and his wife are very proud of Kynan for achieving his goal.

"It's pretty special to have your son accomplish something like this in today's environment," Colonel Franke said. "Especially while having to move so often."

Kynan joined Cub Scout Pack 730 in Bowie, Maryland, at seven years old. He advanced through the ranks and earned the Cub Scout's highest award, the Arrow of Light, following a move to Colorado Springs, Colorado.

In 2006, he joined Boy Scout Troop 610 of Valrico, Florida, and advanced to the rank of Life Scout. As a Boy Scout, he continued to rotate through military bases with his family and continue his rank advancement. He joined Boy Scout Troop 232 in August of 2009 and continued his activities, which led to the honor of becoming an Eagle Scout.

"Kynan has earned 32 merit badges, to include Citizenship in the Nation and World, Pioneering, Wilderness Survival, Space Exploration, Orienteering and Emergency Preparedness," Colonel Franke said. "Now that he is an Eagle Scout, Kynan has a goal to achieve Eagle Palms since his dad only achieved Eagle Scout rank. He is also interested in continuing to support junior scout's advancement in leadership roles within his troop.

"It took his commitment, parental support and strong adult scout leaders to provide an avenue for this type of opportunity. Also, it took our committed involvement to provide the best continuity possible as we moved locations. We had to plan accordingly and try to find the troops that we could work with best."

Kynan added that moving around made it difficult to obtain a bunch of ranks at once.

"At different locations I earned different ranks," said Kynan. "At Colorado I earned up to Tenderfoot. In Florida I got to Life Scout. The main idea is not to give up."

Eagle Palms are bronze, gold and silver awards, not ranks, which indicate an Eagle Scout who has accumulated an additional five, 10 and 15 merit badges respectively.