Jeff Kelly, Scout Troop Master 998, was the guest speaker at the Kiwanis Club of Clermont. He told the group a little about himself. As a senior in high school, an army recruiter addressed his class and shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the army. His basic training was done at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He was deployed to Iraq for three tours. During his last tour in 2008, on his 29th birthday, he was catastrophically wounded and had to retire.
When he recovered, he became the Scout Master of troop 998 in Clermont, the first all-girls Troop in Lake County. The group is comprised of 7 girls, who meet weekly at Family Christian Center in Clermont.
Scout Master Kelly talked about some of the goals and activities of the Troop:
Goal: Being able to achieve Eagle Scout rank, the highest rank in Scouting
Summer Activity: This year, the Troop went to Summer Camp with hundreds of troops at Camp Woodruff in Georgia.
Scout Master Kelley proudly described the Troop’s involvement in community affairs, including an event at Kings Ridge for a July 4th Celebration and the Fund Raising Event for Read to Sydney, a Therapeutic Dog that helps children read. Jeff said he is honored to lead the Troop and watch their progress.
Jeff’s young son was hospitalized in the ICU after being attacked by a dog. The boy has recovered and attended the meeting with his dad.
