Eagle Scout project brings community together

To some the rain on Saturday was disappointing as Eagle Scout Shawn DePoy recognized the community with his Eagle Scout project. 
The rain caused not only a wet day but also a chilly one, but for DePoy it was a sign that someone special was watching over him.
DePoy, along with several community leaders, met for a flag raising ceremony as part of DePoy’s Eagle Scout project — the Winamac Community Flag Display that is located south of Winamac, along U.S. 35 in front of Galbreath. 
The rain, to DePoy, was a sign that his dad, Bill, was watching over him. He told the story that when his dad was driving a truck to Texas, Bill took the rain with him in a drought area. When a drought happened again in Texas, Bill was asked to visit. 
“When I saw the forecast today, I knew. He had to come here someway, somehow,” DePoy said. 
To become an Eagle Scout, a Scout must complete a project in leadership, organization and that benefits the community. 
During the ceremony, the first two flags to be flown were the American and Indiana flags. Next a representative from each organization that would fly a flag spoke including Boy Scout Troop 229, Venture Crew 2229, Girl Scouts Troop 47609, Friends of the Panhandle Pathway, Northern Indiana Power From the Past Inc., American Red Cross, the Community Foundation of Pulaski County and the Knights of Columbus. 
Many of the organization presidents and leaders said they were honored to be a part of the project and congratulate DePoy on his hard work. 
DePoy was given a special presentation during the ceremony by Retired Chief Master Sgt. Larry Brady. Brady said DePoy is a future leader as he brought the community together to accomplish his Eagle Scout project. 
He then told a story of sitting on a plane and a Wounded Warrior giving him a coin that states “mission accomplished.” Brady said he doesn’t know the name of the soldier, who received the coin when President George W. Bush gave a speech on the USS Abraham Lincoln in 2003.
On the front of the coin it reads “Operation Iraq Freedom. We Stand For Liberty.” On the back it reads, “Mission Accomplished. Freedom Will Endure.” 
“At this time, with one of my hats that I wear as a retired Command Chief at Grissom, Shawn, I would like to present you the coin. Mission accomplished. Great job,” Brady said. 
DePoy said he was very honored and at the time was momentarily speechless. 
DePoy then talked about the project that he considers life-changing. He said the journey has had many roadblocks and successes.
After the ceremony, DePoy said the event was another show of support from the community and how his project will continue with their help. 
DePoy, who is a Winamac Community High School Senior, plans on attending college at Purdue Northwest and majoring in mechanical engineering.