Dear friends,

Many of you may know that Gary Banfield suffered a stroke on August 10th. He was on a rare family vacation camping with his wife, Betty Jo, in Georgia. He was airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. Fortunately, it is a level -5 stroke hospital and they were able to operate to remove the blood clots from the brain. He has been on a ventilator until just recently when they were able to put in a trachea and feeding tube. He remains in Georgia and Betty Jo is staying nearby to be close. His son John is traveling to and from Columbia, South Carolina where he lives and works and his daughter Amy has been flying in from New Mexico. As you know it is difficult in the age of COVID to visit. They have only been able to be with him a few hours since the event.

When I said it was a rare family vacation I really meant that. Gary usually takes vacation days to go with scouts on the many outings, summer camps, Jamborees, and Philmont expeditions he leads as Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 502, something he has been doing for more than 34 years. There were lots of missed family vacations while he went scouting. Under Gary’s leadership, more than 200 youth have reached the ultimate achievement of becoming an Eagle Scout. Countless others have been shaped by Gary’s unwavering commitment to the next generation of young adults.

Gary truly lives every day by the Scout oath and law to do his “duty for God and Country, and to help others at all times”. Now we are asking for your help. We ask you to support Gary and his family through your prayers and by making a financial gift. Funds will be used for Gary’s care and will be helpful to provide for whatever his recovery looks like in the future. We have set up this Facebook Page to share updates, old photos, and stories of everyone's favorite Scoutmaster https://www.facebook.com/groups/665613624370346.

While we do not know the eventual outcome of his condition, we do know that the financial burden of this unanticipated medical event is significant. There is an immediate need to help Gary and his family, and your generosity however large or small will be greatly appreciated. Please join us in support and prayer for the Banfield family. A Scout is Helpful. A Scout is Reverent.