Enumclaw’s Randy Gallatin has received a number of honors from Boy Scouts of America, but none compare to the Silver Beaver Award he received March 19.

The Silver Beaver Award, introduced in 1931, is one of the highest honors awarded in Scouting. It is presented for outstanding service to youth.

Gallatin was honored by the Pacific Harbors Council at a recognition dinner at Pierce College’s Fort Steilacoom campus.

He was one of 12 to earn the award, a silver beaver suspended from a blue and white ribbon worn around the neck.

Candidates for this award must be nominated and that’s the part Gallatin finds most touching.

“The honor is there are people who think enough of me to even do it,” Gallatin said, explaining the extensive research that goes into the background of each candidate. “It is quite an honor. Of the 5,000 people (who are eligible) probably everyone of them deserves this honor.”

The Silver Beaver Award is Boy Scout’s answer to the lifetime achievement award.

Gallatin currently serves as the Plateau area’s adventure crew adviser for Troop 546 in the Sleeping Giant District.

He has received Boy Scouts of America’s Eagle Scout and Arrow of Light honors and is a member of the Order of the Arrow and has been an active parent and leader volunteering with Scouts since his sons started Cub Scouts in 1981. As time went on, Gallatin deployed and served in Special Forces in the Army and earned the rank of colonel.

After retiring from the military, Gallatin served as a member of the leadership at Trinity Lutheran Church of Enumclaw. He was also a member of the board of directors for the Enumclaw Youth Center. He has volunteered his time for the Muckleshoot Tribe Pow Wow for many years and is the head of security at Enumclaw High School.

“I’ve always been involved in Scouting,” Gallatin said.

“Randy’s relationship with the Scouts is one that is a joy to observe,” noted his official nominating papers. “He truly cares about young people and believes nature is an awesome place for them to learn about themselves and grow into the best they were created to be. Randy has regularly volunteered his time, energy and creative energies to his country through his 20 plus years of service in the Army and to adults and youth in his local Enumclaw community where he continues to embody the Boy Scout Oath.”

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