Congratulations to our immediate past National Commodore!
Distinguished Eagle Scout, VADM Charlie Wurster (USCG, retired), has been named as one of the 2020 Silver Buffalo award recipients. He and his family will be honored at the 2020 National Annual Meeting of the Boy Scouts of America in May near our nation’s capital.
The Silver Buffalo Award, created in 1925, is bestowed upon those who give truly noteworthy and extraordinary service to youth. This award, Scouting’s highest commendation, recognizes the invaluable contributions that outstanding American men and women render to youth.
Charlie’s contribution to Sea Scouts cannot be overstated. He oversaw the transformation from our legacy Sea Scout program into a new, modern Sea Scouts and laid the groundwork for growth. Here is what I said about that at our change of watch ceremony back in May:
I think that history will look back on Charlie’s time as National Commodore as being as transformative a leader as any in the history of Sea Scouts -perhaps only Tom Keane had such a profound impact on our program.
Think of it this way. Charlie brought our beloved but creaky 100-year-old vessel into dry dock, and did a complete refit. He gave her modern navigation systems allowing us to go where we couldn’t before – like the ability to have Sea Scout ships on any river that can float a kayak. He gave her a refitted propulsion system including the ability for Power Squadrons and now Coast Guard Auxiliary flotillas to charter ships. He gave her a new crew in the form of a solid and effective National Committee and Regional Commodores. He reflagged her under BSA’s flag, rather than Venturing’s and in doing so, updated the communication systems and got us back in close contact with our colleagues in the rest of the BSA. He even spiffed her up with a new coat of paint in the form of our new Scout-like uniforms! All that remains is to re-launch the good ship Sea Scouts BSA and get her back underway. If anyone was ever set up for success, it is me, and I owe Charlie profound thanks for that.
I am delighted to see that BSA recognizes Charlie’s contribution. Please join me in congratulating Charlie on this outstanding recognition.
Bravo Zulu Charlie!
T.W. Cook
National Commodore