Woodbury, MN — April 26, 2024— BSA Troop 9005 of Woodbury, Minnesota proudly announces the recognition of Riley Symicek from Cottage Grove, MN as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Scout of the Year for the State of Minnesota.

On April 3, 2024 - The Cottage Grove VFW Post 8752 had selected Riley Symicek as the Scout of the Year.   VFW Post 8752 forwarded Riley’s nomination to the VFW Minnesota District 4, which includes VFW Posts in Saint Paul and the east metro area for the district-level competition. 

 

On April 8 - VFW Minnesota District 4 Committee selected Riley Symicek as the District 4 VFW Scout of the Year!   District 4 VFW advanced Riley’s nomination to Department of Minnesota VFW Committee for state-level judging.

On April 24, 2024 - The Minnesota VFW State Scouting Committee has selected Riley Symicek as the Scout of the Year Award Recipient for 2024! This honor will be celebrated and presented to Riley Symicek during the MN VFW Annual State Convention Joint Award Ceremony on June 14, 2024, in Rochester, MN.   Furthermore, Riley's application will now be forwarded to the National VFW Competition, where he will be in the running for the prestigious title of the 2024 VFW National Scout of the Year.

The VFW Scout of the Year program annually honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and citizenship. Riley Symicek's dedication to these principles, through his School Participation, Scouting and Community Service Records as well as his remarkable Eagle Scout project, have earned him this prestigious recognition.

Riley Symicek's Eagle Scout project showcased his commitment to making a positive impact in his community. By raising funds to purchase backpacks and personal care items for the patrons of the Listening House Homeless Day Program in St. Paul, MN, Riley directly contributed to supporting individuals in need. He distributed 60 backpacks, embodying the spirit of service and compassion that defines the scouting movement.  Riley is a Senior at Park High School in Cottage Grove, MN.   He plans to attend Hamline University in St Paul, in the fall of 2024 for a degree in Computer Data Science.  Riley hopes to find a world problem and solve it with data.   

The VFW Scout of the Year program recognizes individuals who have received the Eagle Scout Award, Girl Scout Gold Award, Venture Summit Award, or Sea Scout Quartermaster Award. Eligible candidates must also be registered, active members of a Boy or Girl Scout Troop, Venturing Crew, or Sea Scout Ship, and have demonstrated exemplary citizenship in school, scouting, and the community.

Cottage Grove VFW Post 8752 and BSA Troop 9005 extends their heartfelt congratulations to Riley Symicek for his outstanding achievement and thanks him for his dedication to scouting, community service, and the values of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. 

For more information about VFW Scout of the Year program which provides members of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to be recognized for their standout citizenship, patriotism and love of country contact Cheryl Burton at officemanager@vfwmn.us. 

For more information about BSA Troop 9005 and its commitment to youth development and community service, please contact Steve Addington at info.troop5woodbury@twh.email.

 

I am Mark Schutta, and I am your Post Commander for the 2024-2025 election cycle. It
is my honor to serve you and all Veterans and their families. Since taking the position over, we
have been very busy working with a donor on a property he donated to the VFW. This is a
wonderful gift and it will go a long way in insuring our Post success, as well as serving the
Kelly Kunza-Pierce, our Club Manager has been busy keeping the Post afloat, literally,
as we sustained some water damage due to all the rain. Over the past several weeks the roof
repairs have been completed, drainage in the front of the building has been redone, and water
remediation completed within the banquet hall and men’s restroom downstairs. Not to worry
though, Kelly and our wonderful staff were able to keep the kitchen and bar open. So stop by for
Dennis Coslett, our Gambling Manager and staff have been looking at ways to improve
the customer experience within our gaming booth. As of 1 September, we will be partnering
with Triple Crown Gaming for all our gambling needs, to include new devices for our e-tab
players. The e-tabs will be the same games, same look, and same payouts. All the changes will
help reduce our costs, improve customer experience and provide for our Veterans’ donation
Junior Vice Commander Michael "Dutch” Johnson is busy working on membership
renewals. If you haven’t paid your dues yet, please do so. You all are valued members! Through
the good work of Post Quartermaster, Krystal Behr, Junior Vice Commander Michael Johnson,
and the Post Relief account, we were able to upgrade 30+ memberships from yearly to Life
Memberships for individuals over the age of 70. Congratulations to those who were upgraded,
Our Senior Vice Commander, Dan Thompson, has done a great job in guiding us during
our Housing and Finance Meetings. Dan has a very diverse background so he is able to quickly
I hope you all can see that your Post is doing well, However, we continue to need your
support. Whether your able to provide us a little time volunteering, your talent is always needed
no matter what career field or fields you come from. Finally, your willingness to pay your dues
Cheers!
Mark Schutta, Post Commander