Eagle Scout project for Tyler O'Neill provides collection boxes for worn flags


Tyler O'Neill, a Life Scout with Boy Scout Troop 64 in Waukon, completed his Eagle Scout project that offers local residents and visitors two locations where they can drop off worn American flags for proper disposal. One collection box is made of metal and is placed at the entrance of the Waukon City Park, and the other is made of wood (pictured with O'Neill) and is located in the Allamakee County Courthouse. Submitted photo.

Tyler O’Neill, a Life Scout with Boy Scout Troop 64 in Waukon, recently completed his Eagle Scout project, which benefits community members. O’Neill led the design, production and implementation of two collection boxes for the public to deposit worn and tattered American flags.
One collection box is constructed of metal and is located just inside the entrance of the Waukon City Park. The other box, made of wood, is available inside the Allamakee County Courthouse on Allamakee Street in Waukon, near the Auditor’s office.
The U.S. flag code, found at usflag.org, states, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” The boxes created by O’Neill will assist the public in properly destroying worn and tattered American flags. Each spring, the Waukon Boy Scout Troop organizes a flag retirement ceremony to properly destroy these flags.
The production of these collection boxes was made possible with the assistance of Greg Benjegerdes and Becky Underbakke at Benjegerdes Machine, Dave Eilers of Dave’s Custom Services, and Steve Mikulas of Thornwood Cottage Creations. O’Neill is thankful for their support of his Eagle Scout project and for donating their time and talents. He also appreciates everyone who donated their time and resources to make this project possible.
O’Neill is the son of Joe and Michelle O’Neill of Waukon. He is the grandson of John and Mary O’Neill of Harpers Ferry, and Ed Schmidt and Kathy Sangwin of Laurens. In his six years with Troop 64, O’Neill has served as Senior Patrol Leader and eagerly participated in all troop activities. He is a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon and participated in the youth conference trip to Indianapolis, IN last fall.
O’Neill is also a member of the Waukon High School cross country, track and baseball teams. He has participated in the State Cross Country Meet the last two years, and the State Track Meet this past spring. His hobbies include hunting, fishing, camping and running. After high school, he plans on attending the University of Iowa to major in biochemistry as a pathway to medical school.
In order for O’Neill to be considered for the Eagle Scout rank, he has achieved the rank of Life Scout, completed 21 merit badges, and completed his Eagle Scout project. He has submitted his Eagle Scout application and project paperwork to the Boy Scouts Northeast Iowa Council. Rank advancement is pending an Eagle Scout board of review. For more information on the Boy Scouts, visit www.scoutsiowa.org.