Greenville, S.C. (August 6, 2013) – The Blue Ridge Council of the Boy Scouts of America presented Eagle Scout T. J. Benwire of Travelers Rest with its prestigious Heroism Award Monday night during the Greenville Drive game at Fluor Field. Benwire, a rising senior at Bob Jones Academy, was honored for assisting scouts injured in an automobile accident on July 13, 2012.
Benwire was nominated for the award by several scouts he assisted after the accident as they departed Camp Old Indian. Several nominations mentioned Benwire’s confidence, calmness and focus in dealing with the situation. One scout was seriously injured and Benwire’s insistence on not moving him until EMS arrived prevented further injury.
The Heroism Award, one of Scouting’s highest honors, is presented to fewer than 300 scouts each year who have “demonstrated heroism and skill in saving or attempting to save a life at minimum risk to self.” Benwire is the first recipient from BSA Troop 519, which is sponsored by Bob Jones University, to receive the award.
Benwire was elected as Senior Patrol Leader for his troop at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree and has been awarded three Silver Palms and 105 merit badges. He recently passed his open water dive and is now a licensed scuba diver for life.
