There’s no better way to honor veterans than with the help of service men and women. And that’s what the West Virginia National Guard (WVNG) and the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) are teaming up to accomplish next month.

The BSA is hosting a Veterans’ Appreciation Day, which will be open to West Virginia National Guard (WVNG) members and their families at the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in Mt. Hope, W.Va., on July 18, 2015. This is a closed event and attendees must register to participate.

Brig. Gen. Charles Veit, assistant adjutant general for the W.Va. National Guard, received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award on Oct. 3, 2014 at the W.Va. Cultural Center on the Capitol Complex in Charleston, W.Va.

Brig. Gen. Charles Veit, the WVNG Assistant Adjutant General – Army, will be the keynote speaker at the event’s Friday night dinner for veterans. Veit served as the military’s Joint Task Force Commander for the 2013 National Jamboree. The task force was comprised of active and guard members from all over the country. Because of his steadfast dedication and immense involvement with Scouting, including obtaining his status as Eagle Scout at age 15, his military service as a general officer, and role in the National Jamboree, Veit was awarded the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award in October 2014.

“It’s a tremendous partnership between the Boy Scouts and the WVNG,” Veit said. “The amazing thing about the Summit is that they have so many events and activities. The BMX bike course is Olympic quality. The only shooting sports range in the U.S. that is larger is the one the NRA has. It’s the largest bouldering site. There is no place that has all those things at that level in one place. It’s going to be an incredible event for all the veterans, their dependents, for everyone who comes to use the facilities.”

The inaugural event will include a wide-variety of fun activities for everyone, including Scout and veteran team races, canopy tours, tomahawk throws, mountain biking, and exploring the Summit Activities Center. Lunch and dinner will be provided, and the day will be concluded with a closing ceremony which includes a performance by country artist Aaron Tippin. But space is limited so attendees should get their tickets now (info on how to do that at the bottom of this article).

A Continuing Partnership

This isn’t the first or last time the WVNG and the BSA have teamed up. WVNG will lead management operations for the World Scout Jamboree in 2019 at the Summit.

“One thing I really like about the military in general and the Boy Scouts is that they are values-oriented organizations,” Veit said. “One of the values that is integral in both organizations is service, especially service to the community. I believe that’s the reason why the Boy Scouts and the National Guard mesh so well; through service and other values, we contribute to the community and help make people better citizens.”

How to Attend Veteran’s Appreciation Day at the Summit

If you know someone who should attend Veteran’s Appreciation Day at the Summit, be sure to send them this info:

WVNG soldiers, airmen, and their dependents (up to three) can register here by July 15  to celebrate Veterans’ Appreciation Day at the Summit. It is a first come, first served event and registration will close once the max number of attendees is reached. The Summit Bechtel Reserve online registration must be completed prior to arrival (there will be no exceptions for non-registered personnel).

Parking and check-in will be at the Glen Jean Armory in Mt Hope, W.Va. Transportation to and from the event will be provided. Parking at the Summit Bechtel Reserve is reserved for veterans with disabilities. Check-in is 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Glen Jean Armory – no late arrivals will be authorized to attend.  Service members’ valid military ID will be needed at time of registration. For more information, contact Lt. Col. Timothy Vandeborne at 304-561-6487 or Col. Robby Scarberry at 304-993-0061.