Pay attention when you walk through your neighborhood. You never know what good deed might greet you.
On Father’s Day, June 19, 2022, four members of the Rehor family were preparing for a photo of Charlie Rehor III’s Eagle Scout project for American Legion Post 43— three sets of corn hole boards that had been created in his grandfather’s garage. PN just happened by, recognizing the most senior Charlie Rehor, a longtime neighbor who had provided plenty of stories over the past 30 years about the history of the neighborhood as well as his fishing exploits in May Watts Park.
With permission, PN took a bunch of photos of Charlie Rehor, Chuck Rehor, Charlie Rehor III and Ken Rehor.
The photo above was published in the July 2022 “Lasting Impression,” a feature that appears monthly on the next to the last page of our print edition. The caption included a suggestion for readers to watch for story and more photos online soon. So here goes…
How Charlie Rehor planned his Eagle Scout Project
Less than four percent of Scouts become Eagles, the highest rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program, due to the rigorous requirements and lengthy review process required to achieve this honor. The most challenging part of earning this rank is to organize, document and lead a project that has a lasting benefit to the community. These are called Eagle Projects.
I joined the scouting movement as a Cub Scout in elementary school. I had a lot of fun in Cub Scouts attending Pinewood Derby races, camping, hiking and learning new skills with my friends. After earning the Arrow of Light award (the highest rank and award in Cub Scouts), I joined Troop 106 in Naperville. In the early 1980s, Troop 106 was chartered by American Legion Post 43. Unfortunately, due to low recruitment numbers exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Troop 106 was dissolved and Troop 111, chartered by VFW Post 3873, welcomed the scouts from Troop 106 into their fold.
Because of the many years of support from the American Legion, I wanted my Eagle Project to benefit my former troop’s charter. I spoke with Nadia Rios, Commander of American Legion Post 43, and asked her what I could do for an Eagle Project. Commander Rios told me that the Legion was in need of a new set of cornhole boards to use during Veteran get-togethers and to use during fundraisers where the proceeds would fund Veterans’ programs.
After my project proposal was approved by the council, I immediately got to work.
My initial plan was to build two sets of two boards (for a total of four cornhole boards), but I received enough donations that I was able to build a third set. I customized the board and purchased customized bags with the American Legion logo. In addition to planning and organizing the project, I did a lot of research to ensure the Eagle Project would best fit the needs of the American Legion.
After many weeks of preparation and three full work days, where many volunteers showed up to assemble, paint, and finish the boards, I turned my project over to the American Legion.
Commander Rios and several Marine veterans were there to greet me. Everyone who saw the boards said that they “far exceeded their expectations.” They set-up the boards and were using them that very day!
This project was made possible by the generous donations from Daniel from Sherwin Williams in Naperville Plaza, Basia from Backyard Games in Joliet, and Peggy from SirSpeedy Printing in Villa Park, Mr. Ashcraft of Troop 111 and my family.
I also received incredible support from my Troop 111 and former Troop 106 leaders, fellow scouts, friends, and parents. This Eagle Project would not have been possible without the guidance and generosity of the American Legion Post 43 and Commander Rios.
—Charlie Rehor
New cornhole boards put to use for Bags Tournament at VFW Post
