On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my Country....That is the Boy/Cub Scout Way!

This is my son Jay's BSA Troop and my son Josh's future BSA Troop! We were blessed as much or more by our time at the shelter here in Vicksburg..... In the end only kindness matters!

WHAT THE HECK IS SO IMPORTANT ABOUT A MEDIA RACK ANYWAY?

It may not have seemed like much, but it was a lot more important than you think.

When Hurricane Katrina struck, thousands fled the coast, many not knowing what would become of them and their homes. Some came to Vicksburg, and there they waited; trying to get basic necessities, and eager for information about their homes. The waiting is tough on everyone, but the waiting is sometimes harder on the children; spending their Labor Day Weekend so far from home and friends. But then, for a little while, some Boy Scouts showed up and spent some time with them building 'media racks'.

The materials were donated by Home Depot. The scouts just brought hammers...and smiles. The craft, a little media rack for CD's or tapes was simple, inexpensive, and may one day find it's way into a garage sale or the trash. But this week many of these racks are still being lovingly colored with crayons or pens (all that's available in the shelter). Some have toys or books on them now, and many were tucked close to pillows in the shelter not far from that favorite stuffed animal.

On the whole the entire event was nothing really great, except that these children had someone spend some time with them, taking their minds off their troubles. It's not even a big deal for the scouts, who are supposed to do good turns and help others. They really didn't think they were doing anything that great. We called, and they showed up. This is a group of guys who take hours planning a campout and can't decide what to have for breakfast, but It took them just a few hours to get together to put on this event. Perhaps they thought this was important?

After the craft these young men stayed awhile. They helped unload supplies, the walked evacuee's dogs. They did whatever they were asked to do; Scouts are helpful and obedient.

No, it really wasn't much...except to those children. Many lost their homes, and some lost family. But they learned that others do care and, somehow, they are going to get through this. It was just another example of how Scouts can show up, help out when needed, and treat it like another day. We're lucky to have these guys around when help is needed, very lucky.

Richard Van den Akker