In 1983 I joined Boy Scout Troop 1 at Post 201 in San Diego, Dwight C. Mitchell. I made it to Eagle in 1988 while in the troop at the same post. The post was very kind to us. They helped with our trips to camporees such as the one to Vandenberg Air Force Base. We, in turn, would help with poppy sales and memorial services, and helping with events such as spaghetti dinners and breakfasts. We also would clean the parking lot. I am very grateful to The American Legion for the opportunities it afforded us boys. The troop was made up of mostly boys who were living in poverty and otherwise would not have gotten the opportunities we did.