Special to the NEWS
The World Scout Committee recently presented “exceptional” Scout leader and San Benito native Armando Aguirre with the Bronze Wolf Award, World Scouting’s highest honor, for his outstanding service to the Scout Movement and creating an impact at the national, regional, and world levels.
“This esteemed recipient of the Bronze Wolf Award exemplifies the spirit of Scouting through his unwavering dedication over many years,” reads a statement by the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM). “His leadership and commitment have impacted generations of Scouts and continue to inspire Scouts around the world. We celebrate his achievement and his leaving a lasting imprint on the Scout Movement.”
Aguirre has dedicated much of his life over the past 40 years to the Scout Movement with a focus on training future generations of Scout Leaders. His commitment to developing leadership skills and strengthening international Scouting relationships has left a lasting impact on the global Scout community, the statement continued.
Regionally, Aguirre was a key member of the Interamerican Scout Committee from 2016 to 2022, and served as Vice Chairperson from 2019 to 2022. Since 2012, Armando has been instrumental in the development and immense success of the Interamerican Leadership Training (ILT), previously serving as course director, coordinator, promoter, recruiter, fundraiser, and representative.
His efforts have inspired other Scout Regions to conduct similar leadership training programmers. The growth and impact of the ILT owe much to Armando’s initiative to recruit and develop volunteer staff, design the curriculum, and raise funds to support the programmer.
Nationally, Aguirre’s efforts to train leaders began early in his days with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Over the past 30 years, he has led numerous national and regional leadership training courses for youth and adult Scouts, and has served as Wood Badge course director.
As Vice-Chair for the International Seminar at BSA’s Philmont Scout Ranch, he was involved in syllabus development and bringing international presenters to the event. Aguirre is a member of the BSA’s International Committee and works closely with the Committee’s Chair to familiarize local Scouts with international Scouting and encourage their participation in global events, according to list of creditions.
Currently, Aguirre is a member of the Interamerican Scout Foundation since 2022 and serves as its Vice-Chair. His innovative approaches to fundraising have significantly expanded the base of donors, earning the foundation a strong standing in the region. He continues to be involved in the ILT, celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, and remains a key driving force behind its continuous success to upskill young people in the region and create more youth-focused leadership opportunities.
Aguirre has received numerous recognitions for his exceptional service to Scouting, including the “Diploma de Gratitud” from Scouts de Guatemala, the “Medalla de Gratitud” from Ecuador Scouts Association, the “Estrella de Mar” from the Venezuela Scouts Association, and the “Silver Fox Award” from Scouts Canada.
“His unwavering commitment and contributions have earned him the esteemed Bronze Wolf Award, recognizing his remarkable impact on Scouting at all levels,” the Scouts’ press release concludes.
Since its inception in 1935, only 40 Americans have ever been honored with such distinction.
Aguirre was raised in San Benito where he attended Landrum Elementary School and graduated from San Benito High School in 1969.
Aguirre was a San Benito News “street seller” when the publication cost $.10 a copy and the seller received five cents for each paper sold. He, along with other street sellers, would run up and down the streets of San Benito, from Farmers Hardware to Las Playas on Stenger St.; from Moody’s to the Post Office on San Houston, calling all small businesses and people just walking by asking if they wanted to buy the paper, he recalled.
Aguirre’s father, Guadalupe “Lupe” P. Aguirre, served as a City Commissioner for San Benito for several years. At that time, the City of San Benito’s motto was “On the Grow.”
Armando currently resides in Sugar Land, Texas with his wife, Nelda. They have been married for over 40 years and have two grown children. He is a graduate of The University of North Texas.
The award will be presented at the World Scout Conference in Cairo, Egypt on August 23, 2024.
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