Life Scout Leo Brownstein’s Eagle Scout U.S. Flag Project

Montecito Scout Troop 33’s Life Scout Leo Brownstein, a high school senior, is doing a community project as one of the many steps required towards his earning the prestigious Eagle Scout status. According to the Boy Scouts of America, Long Beach Council, “Nationally, 6.49% of all Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout rank, and since 1912 more than 2,485,473 have earned it.”

Brownstein reached out to the Montecito Association (MA) and to the Montecito Journal to establish community support needed to complete his project, which involves informing the community of the proper way to retire a U.S. flag that is old, torn, or worn out; setup a flag collection station for flags to be retired; and to lend support to the local American Legion Post 49, Santa Barbara.

I met with Brownstein and Nathan Camp, Assistant Scout Master, Scout Troop 33, Montecito, to do an info interview with photos for our readers about the Eagle Scout Award, Brownstein’s project towards that, and how we can help. 

Brownstein explained, “Torn or tattered U.S. flags should not be flown and need to be disposed of properly through burning in a dignified manner or safe destruction for nylon flags. In addition, flags should never touch the ground or be displayed with the union [the stars] upside down. Troop 33 will be in the MA Village 4th Parade and have a booth set up at Lower Manning Park to provide info about the troop, U.S. flag retirement, and collect flags. There is also a collection box at the Montecito Community Hall to retire your flags.”

Additional questions I had for Brownstein were:

Q. How did you decide your Eagle Scout project to be on behalf of SB American Legion Post 49 and the U.S. flag?

A. I decided to do my Eagle Project on behalf of the American Legion Post 49 and the U.S. flag to expose the community to the amazing work of the American Legion, and their mission to preserve our flag and its meaning. American Legion Post 49 is also our charter for Troop 33 in Montecito, which is how I initially learned about them. I ended up doing much of my community service for both school and scouts with the American Legion, which definitely contributed to my readiness to do the project for them. I have already completed part of my project for them, which was presenting about flag retirement during their event on Vietnam Veterans Memorial Day. They’re really a wonderful group of people who want to do what they can for the community and our veterans. I’ve met tons of great people in my time volunteering for them, all with different backgrounds and stories. I’ve been able to connect a lot of what I’ve learned from these guys to what I’ve learned in scouting, from parts of the Scout Oath and Law, and in everyday life.

What do you need from the local community to support your project, and what is your plan outline to achieve it?

The community can support our American Legion Post by making a donation directly to them or drop off any old flags that need to be retired. I will have flag collection boxes for my Eagle Project set up in the Montecito Community Hall, in addition to collecting flags at a table during the 4th of July parade in Montecito. Finally, our troop meets at the Scout house in Upper Manning Park on Sundays at 4 pm and can connect you to the American Legion and other resources in our community.

Lending his guidance, Assistant Scout Master Camp provided the details of becoming an Eagle Scout to shed light on Brownstein’s project for our readers:

“An Eagle Scout project is the culmination of many years of a scout’s journey in their troop. While the adult leaders are there to ask questions and help a scout clarify their projects, these young men and women are the ones who come up with their project ideas, formulate a plan, and then work with their beneficiaries, the community, and fellow scouts to complete the project. These skills are honed over time as a scout completes their various rank advancements. I love watching scouts go from being taught the basics of pitching tents, reading maps, and cooking meals in their early stages to growing into accomplished leaders that organize meal plans for their patrols, lead our troop meetings, and teach the new scouts all the basics to be prepared for exploring our backcountry. Leo is a shining example of a scout that has become an incredible leader in the troop, that actively looks out for his fellow scouts, and that has given his time to serving his friends in the troop and the American Legion. I’m incredibly proud and grateful to bear witness to his growing up into a fine young man, and someone who already lives the Scout Law every day. He is a scout that is Trustworthy, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.”

And of course, our Montecito Association has added their support for the project. I reached out to Houghton Hyatt, executive director of the Montecito Association, for their statement. Hyatt responded, “The Montecito Association is proud to support Life Scout Leo Brownstein of Troop 33 in his Eagle Scout project honoring our nation’s flag and veterans. Leo’s commitment to service reflects the values we cherish as a community. His partnership with American Legion Post 49 and the flag collection drive from July 4th to 18th is a meaningful opportunity for all of us to retire American flags with the dignity they deserve. We encourage residents to participate by bringing worn or damaged flags to the collection box at Montecito Community Hall or visiting Troop 33’s table at the 4th of July parade. Thank you, Leo, for leading with purpose and patriotism – we’re honored to be part
of your project!”  

411: For more info on Troop 33: https://sbtroop33.org/