Eagle Scout hopeful leads troop to mark miles on Keesler tracks

Published July 20, 2011
By Susan Griggs
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Harrison Wright has taken big steps forward -- literally -- toward earning his Eagle Scout award with a project to mark the miles on Keesler's tracks for the convenience of Keesler's runners and walkers.

The 13-year-old son of Lt. Col. Jonathan and Lisa Wright often runs the I-81 track from their home in Bay Ridge, which gave him the inspiration for the undertaking. His dad, 81st Mission Support Group deputy commander, put him in touch with officials in the 81st Force Support Squadron to launch the work. He had two meetings with Keesler's fitness staff before walking I-81 and the Triangle and Crotwell tracks and doing conversions for the miles to ensure markings would be accurate.

"Blake Fitness Center supplied the paint, stencils and supplies for the project, and I supplied food and drinks for the members of my troop that helped," Harrison said.

Eight members of Troop 250 that meets at Beauvoir Methodist Church in Biloxi pitched in to help during the two-day effort, along with Harrison's dad and scoutmaster Chuck Uren.

Each of the three tracks is now marked in ¼-mile increments.

"I've learned a lot about planning a project, organizing my crew and keeping them motivated," Harrison explained.

"The response has been very positive," he continued. "Many people use these routes on a daily basis. Now they know how far they have gone. Before it was a guessing game to a point."

Harrison, who moved to Keesler a year ago, also includes brother AJ, 9, and sister Madison, 4.

"My family has really enjoyed living here in base housing and living in this area," Harrison said. "I wanted to give something back to the base."

Harrison has been involved with Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts for eight years. He will be a freshman at Biloxi High School this fall and hopes to complete his Eagle Scout requirements during the upcoming school year.

"I have three merit badges left to earn," he pointed out. "I'll keep doing community service hours, apply for the Eagle Scout merit badge, fill out paperwork on my project and have a board of review from my troop's district representative."

Harrison's favorite subjects are math, science and band, where he plays the trumpet. He hopes to attend the Air Force Academy with a goal of becoming a pilot, astronaut and scientist.