Scouting Salutes the Military
April 23, 2026
Location: Army Navy Country Club
1700 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA 22202
Dinner and Program: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Join us on April 23, 2026, from 6–9 PM at Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, VA, for Scouting Salutes the Military—a powerful evening honoring the service, sacrifice, and leadership of our military community.
Chaired by Lt. General (Ret.) Marc Sasseville, this signature event recognizes exceptional individuals across the military and Scouting America National Capital Area Council, whose contributions inspire the next generation of leaders.
Held during the Month of the Military Child, the program highlights Scouting America’s steadfast commitment to supporting military-connected youth—fostering resilience, belonging, and character no matter where their families serve.
We are also honored to welcome Lt. General (Ret.) Joseph Berger, former 42nd Judge Advocate General of the U.S. Army and a proud Eagle Scout, as our Keynote Speaker.
Be part of this meaningful celebration and join us in saluting those who serve while supporting the next generation of leaders.
Join us in celebrating our 2026 Honorees:
🏅 Distinguished Civilian Service Award
John Schulke
Troop 1518 Scoutmaster; Burke Lake District Unit Commissioner; Crew 1470 Committee Member; Order of the Arrow, Burke Lake Chapter Vigil Nominations Adviser
Troop 1518 Scoutmaster; Burke Lake District Unit Commissioner; Crew 1470 Committee Member; Order of the Arrow, Burke Lake Chapter Vigil Nominations Adviser
🏅 Veteran Achievement Award
Paul Adair Petty
Skipper, Sea Scout Ship 1176, Chairman, Venturing Crew 1176, Acting Commodore, NCAC Sea Scout Wardroom Committee, Secretary, Friends of Sea Scouts of Maryland (which serves NCAC), Dean, College of Adventure, University of Scouting, Head Chaplain, LDS Chaplain Corps, 2026 National Jamboree, NCAC Religious Relations Committee Member, NCAC Camping and Outdoor Committee Member, NCAC Short Term Camping Administrator, Burke Lake District Committee Member and Training Team Member
Skipper, Sea Scout Ship 1176, Chairman, Venturing Crew 1176, Acting Commodore, NCAC Sea Scout Wardroom Committee, Secretary, Friends of Sea Scouts of Maryland (which serves NCAC), Dean, College of Adventure, University of Scouting, Head Chaplain, LDS Chaplain Corps, 2026 National Jamboree, NCAC Religious Relations Committee Member, NCAC Camping and Outdoor Committee Member, NCAC Short Term Camping Administrator, Burke Lake District Committee Member and Training Team Member
🏅 Distinguished Service Award (Active Duty) – U.S. Army
Derek Sarringer
Cubmaster, Pack 118; Assistant Scoutmaster & Scoutmaster, Troop 118B; Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop 118G
Cubmaster, Pack 118; Assistant Scoutmaster & Scoutmaster, Troop 118B; Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop 118G
🏅 Distinguished Service Award (Active Duty) – U.S. Air Force
Ron Dion
Leader, Pack 1076 and Troop 1076
Leader, Pack 1076 and Troop 1076
🏅 Distinguished Service Award (Active Duty) – U.S. Coast Guard
Phil Baxa
Pack 888
Pack 888
🏅 Distinguished Service Award (Active Duty) – U.S. Navy
Ryan Birkelbach
Pack 868 and Troop 150
Pack 868 and Troop 150
🏅 Distinguished Service Award (Active Duty) – U.S. Marine Corps
Josh E. Cavan
Cubmaster, Pack 681 and Assistant Scoutmaster and OA Troop Advisor for Troop 681
Cubmaster, Pack 681 and Assistant Scoutmaster and OA Troop Advisor for Troop 681
🏅 Military Scout Excellence Award (Military Child)
Sophia Delk Reyes
Troop 118, Fort Belvoir, VA
Troop 118, Fort Belvoir, VA
⭐ Be part of this meaningful celebration. Support those who serve — and the youth who follow in their footsteps.
Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors!
Bronze Star Sponsors
Patriot Sponsor
Service Advocate Sponsor
For sponsorships contact: Alissa Deaver, 301-214-9138 Alissa.Deaver@scouting.org
Keynote Speaker
Lt. General (Ret.) Joseph Berger
Former 42nd Judge Advocate General of the U.S. Army and a proud Eagle Scout.
