The 8th Annual National Whitney M. Young, Jr. Service Award Banquet, hosted by the Boy Scouts of America, Chattahoochee Council, will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, in the St. Luke United Methodist Church Ballroom in Columbus, GA. Ms. Barbara Gauthier, News Anchor for WTVM News Leader 9, will be the Mistress of Ceremony and Ms. Justine Boyd, Regional Development Director for the Atlanta Region of UNCF, and former recipient of this award from the Atlanta Area Boy Scouts Council, will deliver the keynote address. The recipient of the 2021 National Whitney M. Young, Jr. Service Award will be Muscogee County Sheriff Gregory D. Countryman.

The Whitney M. Young, Jr. Service Award is a national recognition of those individuals and corporations – “unsung heroes” – who do exceptional service for their community. The mission of the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Service Award Banquet is to secure resources in support of Scouting programs for at-risk youth and provide experiences that develop self-esteem, character values and living skills, thereby enhancing the lives of young people in disadvantaged areas of our community.

Sheriff Countryman is being honored for his work and service to our youth and citizens throughout the Muscogee County community. He has dedicated his life to law enforcement, serving 30 years and holding various positions, to include Marshal of Muscogee County, as well as serving in the following divisions: Field Services, Courts, Fugitives, and the Jail.

“We are delighted to be able to present this award to Sheriff Countryman” said Juan Osorio, Scout Executive & CEO for the Chattahoochee Council, Boy Scouts of America. As a former inner-city youth and Scout alumni of the outreach program, Juan understands the importance of this banquet. “This event allows us the opportunity to reach out to our under-resourced areas and ensure that all our families are being served by Scouting”, said Osorio.

“It is our distinct honor to be able to present Sheriff Countryman with this prestigious award. In both his professional and personal life, he is a positive role model for our youth and our community”, added Osorio. “Facing adversity as an inner-city youth, was not easy for me, but the Scouting Program provided the tools and guidance to overcome. Our goal is to continue to provide a quality Scouting program to every available youth regardless of their financial background and this banquet allows us to do just that.”

For information on how to purchase a ticket for the event or to become an event sponsor, visit www.91BSA.org/Young, [email protected], or call (706) 327-2634. Tickets for the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Service Award Banquet are $50 per person or $400 for a table of eight. Deadline for sponsorships and ticket sales is November 9, 2021.