By Eric Zavinski
The Fallen Heroes Survivors Foundation (FHSF) was founded by Mike Ladouceur, an associate chapter adviser in Colonneh Lodge. Ladouceur's goal in starting the organization was to support the families of military members killed in combat. Ladouceur says his mission is to help these tragedy-stricken families become self-sufficient in a dignified manner. Colonneh Lodge is chipping in to help Ladouceur provide financial aid and healthy community outlets to the families of fallen soldiers.
Colonneh Lodge of the Sam Houston Area Council is playing a pivotal role in making FHSF's mission a reality. Eleven Scouts and seven Scoutmasters, under the leadership of Lodge Adviser Andy Chapman and Lodge Chief Zach Muldrow, have already agreed to serve as role models for some of the children who have lost a parent in combat. The volunteers have plenty to do; there are 47 families in the area coping with the loss of a loved one.
"Scouting is a safe environment," says Ladouceur, whose Arrowmen are striving to provide help in many different ways. Some are even being trained by professional counselors in order to provide a peer outlet for children who are having a particularly tough struggle with their grief. Other Arrowmen are helping to staff an assortment of activities like as camping trips and community block parties. Even hosting movie nights and tug o' war competitions for the kids is a major step in helping these youth through a difficult time. Colonneh's members even look to boost the kids' self-esteem by extending opportunities to socialize with peers.
Ladoucer says that young people don't experience the pressure of talking about a deceased loved one in the same way when they can speak with someone their own age, rather than a professional therapist or counselor. Scouts of the same age range provide both a friend and a role model.
The objective is to have Colonneh Lodge reach out to these young people, pass on healthy characteristics and good citizenship while also providing support. "The people who fought for us were worried about the rest of us, and we're just trying to repay them," says Ladouceur about the initiative.
If you are in the area, you can help by reaching out to Aquila Chapter Adviser Carol Clarkston at cclarkston_51@yahoo.com. Lodges around the nation are encouraged to help in the effort to repay our fallen heroes in any way possible.