Today, Eagle Scout Scott Teare, secretary general for the World Organization of the Scout Movement, was awarded the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award during a ceremony at the Summit Bechtel Reserve. His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf, the king of Sweden, was on hand for the festivities during the 2013 National Scout Jamboree.
While each Eagle Scout is remarkable in his own right, few are truly exceptional. Those who excel in their professions and in service to their communities are eligible to receive the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, which is awarded by the National Eagle Scout Association.
"I was just blown away," Teare said in a NESA statement. "I have awards from all around the world, but nothing compares to this."
NESA's president, Eagle Scout Glenn Adams, and NESA committee member Eagle Scout David Briscoe presided at the ceremony. Each has also received the award.
Teare currently leads WOSM, the chief international Scouting association. WOSM is based in Geneva, Switzerland. In his role, Teare coordinates the efforts of national Scout associations that serve 28 million members in 160 countries. He is also helping the organization reinvent itself to better serve its constituent Scout associations.
Previously, he was director of the Boy Scouts of America’s International Division.
The Distinguished Eagle Scout Award is given by the National Eagle Scout Association upon the recommendation of a committee of Distinguished Eagle Scouts. Only men who have held the Eagle Scout rank a minimum of 25 years are eligible for nomination.
Notable recipients include President Gerald R. Ford, astronaut Neil Armstrong, and Tuskegee Airman Col. Charles McGee. Since 1969, just over 2,000 men have received the award.