Rostraver Township Eagle Scout helps troops overseas through service project
submitted photo
Alex Komacek keeps a print of a photo taken of himself with the care packages he put together for the troops.
Holly Tonini
Alex Komacek poses for a photo in his home in Rostraver Township.
Holly Tonini
Alex Komacek holds a letter sent to him by Military Connections Corporation that thanked him for his hard work and let him know which countries his care packages were sent to.
When it came time to choose a community service project for his Eagle Scout requirements, Alex Komacek of Rostraver Township decided to do something that’s very near and dear to his heart.
He assembled care packages for U.S. troops who are stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq.
“I have always admired the men and women who put their lives on the line to serve our country,” said Komacek, 18, a resident of Rostraver Township and a Boy Scout since 2006. “This project was a way to give something back to our brave troops.”
Last September, Komacek contacted Military Connections — a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit organization that provides care packages, equipment and supplies to service members overseas — and offered to assemble 50 care packages.
“Military Connections challenged me to set an even loftier goal so I decided to prepare 100 care packages,” said Komacek. “With the help of my dad, I organized a troop supply drive and dropped off Eagle Scout project boxes at six American Legion posts and three churches in the area.”
Over the course of the next four months, the Komaceks began to fill boxes with donations from the community.
“The response was incredible,” said Komacek. “People were really generous with their contributions and we collected items such as trail mix, candy, beef jerky, canned fruit, granola bars, coffee and energy drinks.”
With the help of his parents, sister, cousin and friends, Komacek assembled 103 care packages and also raised funds to ship the packages. The troops received their care packages last January.
“Alex’s project not only brought vital supplies to the troops, but it also reminded them that there are people back home thinking of them,” said Summer Tissue, founder of Military Connections. “Alex is a remarkable young man and we look forward to hearing about his future endeavors.”
Altogether, Komacek had to earn 21 merit badges to meet the Eagle Scout rank requirements. Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America. Only 4 percent of Boy Scouts are granted this rank after a lengthy review process.
“I learned a lot of hands-on skills, such as first aid, camping and cooking,” said Komacek, who received his Eagle Scout badge during a Court of Honor ceremony on April 29, 2017. “As a result of working on my merit badges, I learned about discipline and hard work.”
Komacek’s parents, Phil and Sally, became emotional when talking about their son.
“I’m very proud of Alex,” said Phil Komacek. “His Eagle Scout project was very difficult and time consuming. But he persisted and accomplished something very wonderful.”
Added Sally Komacek, “Alex’s project meant a lot to several members of our family who have served in the armed forces. This project demonstrated what a caring person he is.”
Komacek, who recently graduated from Belle Vernon Area High School, is planning on attending Rosedale Technical College, where he wants to study automotive technology. In addition, he is working as a host at Denny’s Restaurant in Belle Vernon and plays bass for a local band called the Overseers.
Along with most of his fellow scouts at Troop 1560 (Rehoboth Church), Komacek has aged out of the organization. However, he hopes to become a Scout leader in the future.
“Scouting isn’t what it used to be,” said Komacek. “Back when my dad was young, just about everyone wanted to be a Boy Scout. That doesn’t seem to be the case today. And that’s a shame because Scouting offers many rewards to young people. Through Scouting, you become closer to God and your country. Scouting enriched my life and I’m glad I stayed with it all the way through the Eagle Scout rank.”