G3’s Eagle Project

As many of you know, my son, G3, has been active in the Boy Scouts for the last several years. He has worked incredibly hard doing service projects, taking on leadership roles, and completing all the required merit badges. This is one of those times that I really wish my Dad were still alive because he would be incredibly proud of G3—just like Kati and I are. Earning the rank of Eagle is a goal that was inspired by my father. It was Dad who first got G3 excited about scouting, and he had looked forward to so many milestones in G3’s scouting life, but unfortunately, COVID killed him before he could be a part of them. If Dad were still alive, he’d be taking an active role in helping G3 with this project. But alas, fate is not always kind.

Many Scouts choose to do their Eagle Projects in their church, school, or town. G3, however, was driven by presidential history. Considering this is an election year, his timing couldn’t be better. Traveling around the country and learning history from National Parks and State Parks is an interest that my parents sparked in me and I’m glad I was able to pass that passion on to my son. I am happy to know that G3 appreciates all the traveling we have done and the history he has learned.

In order to complete his Eagle Project, G3 needs to buy materials. Please consider donating so that he can accomplish his goal. Below is G3’s brief description of his project. I have also included the GoFundMe link at the bottom of the page. Thank you for your help.

“My name is Gary Jaeger. I am a Boy Scout with Troop 84. I’m currently working on my Eagle Service Project, which is motivated by my interest in Presidential history. It will consist of refurbishing the well at the Grover Cleveland Birthplace in Caldwell. It will also include designing and installing two interpretive signs. This project is very dear to me, not just because it is my Eagle Project, but because it is part of an ongoing seven year project of mine.

When I was seven, my mother took me to the Grover Cleveland Birthplace (Caldwell, NJ) so I wouldn’t be a distraction to my other parent who was preparing for finals in graduate school. While there, I’m sure I learned about Grover Cleveland’s life and what he did when he was the president, but the thing that really stuck with me was his childhood games. The caretaker, Sharon, was very good at getting me excited about the history. A very interesting twist of fate is that she is the beneficiary who I am working with currently. A full circle. We stayed more than an hour, and I had enjoyed it so much, I said I wanted to visit all the presidents’ houses. As a result, for my last several summer vacations and some long weekends, we have traveled around the country so that I could learn more about the men who have governed our country. So far, I have visited the houses of 35 of the 45 presidents. (Biden is the 46th president, but only 45 men have held the office. Cleveland was the 22nd and 24th president since he served two non-consecutive terms.)

Now I want to return to the house that sparked my passion for Presidential history to give back to the historical community for all it has given me.”

If you can, please help G3:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/gary-jaegers-eagles-project?utm_medium=email&utm_source=product&utm_campaign=p_email%2B2300-co-team-welcome&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0BMQABHVpHdKvOFfdzEK0A61mdwZM9JyfL1NdsC7F8nV9UgZofmMfzoYsPhaDS7w_aem_ATp5FyOrWg3cyxeStUWexUfQuBBl8zT-8CZydbl-HzXofA94BWK2D6_5TOJMfOUzQ5A