MONMOUTH — On Oct. 7, Stewart Matthew Buzzell achieved the highest rank in Scouting, Eagle Scout. Stewart is a 16-year-old junior attending Monmouth Academy. He is the son of Scott and Sherry Buzzell.

In his Boy Scouting years, Stewart has earned more than 30 merit badges, 12 of which are required to become an Eagle Scout. He has attended numerous summer and winter camps and Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.

Stewart’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor was held at VA Maine Healthcare in Augusta (Togus). In August 2011, Stewart researched ideas for his Eagle Scout project, which is the community service project that is the last major component of achieving the Eagle Rank, and it made perfect sense for Stewart to choose Togus to benefit from his project. Stewart wanted to dedicate his Eagle Project to all veterans who have fought for our freedom. Two past veterans include his grandfather, Luther Stewart Bussell, who served in World War II and fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and his adopted grandfather, Reginald Gastonguay, who also served in World War II, and was at the signing of the Casablanca. Gastonguay had also retired from Togus as a boiler operator.

Stewart’s Eagle Project was to build three wheelchair-accessible raised beds for the long term care facility at Togus to allow the veterans to grow vegetables and maintain the beds. Stewart met with Robert Coro, his representative at Togus, and created a project proposal plan. In April, Stewart presented his proposed project plan to the Eagle Board and received approval, setting his plan in motion.

Stewart solicited and received donations of materials and loam from businesses and friends in the community. Troop members, friends and family met at Togus to begin the building process under Stewart’s leadership. During the process, the veterans took a big interest in what was going on by observing and asking questions about the work. Building of the raised beds was completed in mid-May. On Memorial Day weekend, Stewart’s family and Troop 654 showed up at Togus loaded down with flowers, vegetables and sensory plants to assist the veterans with spring planting.

After the planting was completed, the troop socialized with the veterans over juice and cookies while others came out to admire a job well done. Stewart felt a sense of pride and accomplishment.

An Eagle Service Project Report still needed to be completed. Stewart needed to itemize materials used, number of man hours, list of donations and portfolio of pictures of the job in progress to be presented to the Eagle Board for final ratification on July 25. Stewart’s project passed the board of review and he was informed that he could start planning his Court of Honor.

Stewart arranged his Court of Honor to be held at Togus as he felt it was important to allow the veterans to attend. The ceremony started with the Color Guard presentation led by one of the veterans holding the American Flag, while Eagle Scout Joe Manduca played the bugle.

The 12 Candle Scout Law ceremony was performed by Troop 654. Guest speakers included Sen. Earle McCormick and Rep. Mel Newendyke; Monica Beaulieu, acting associate director for VA Maine Healthcare System; and Robert Coro II, health specialist for Geriatrics and Extended Care Services VA Maine Healthcare Systems; District Reps. Pete Myers and Charlie Ferguson, as well as Tom Manduca and Scott Davidson representing Troop 654. Stewart’s uncle, Carroll Patterson, gave the Invocation and Benediction.

Scout Master Scott Buzzell, Stewart’s father, ended the ceremony with Stewart’s dedication to Luther Stewart Buzzell, Reginald Gastonguay and all veterans, which led into a standing ovation for the eight wheelchair veterans in attendance. After the pinning of the Eagle Medal, the ceremony was followed by a light lunch.

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