In 2008, The Review featured Ian and Zach Prochaska as they worked toward their Eagle Scout projects, which focused on supporting troops and veterans.
Nearly a year later the brothers are busier than ever – both graduated from high school just as they finished their projects.
For his project, Ian was collecting magazines and paperback books for the John D. Dingell VA Hospital in Detroit. His goal was to collect between 750 and 1,000 books for the hospital.
Working with the community, specifically local churches, the American Legion, businesses (Kroger on Baldwin Rd, Baldwin Caf?, and CJ’s Village Caf?), and the UAW, he placed drop boxes to collect items from the community.
‘The support from the local community was fabulous,? said Ian. ‘Everyone really turned out to support our troops by donating items.?
He said that stories and briefs in The Review helped immensely, as he received phone calls and mail from across Oakland county from people wanting to donate books and magazines for the project.
All said and done, Ian collected 3,155 books, which was much more than the Veteran’s hospital was able to handle. The hospital took around 1,500 books and the remaining books were donated to Purple Heart in keep with Ian’s desire to help veterans.
‘The day we delivered the books to the hospital was very special,? Ian said.
After meeting up with Wayne Snyder, Volunteer Services at the hospital, they loaded books to cart them to the hospital library.
‘After explaining what we had done, it was touching to receive thanks from the veterans,? said Ian. ‘We spent some time talking with some of the veterans, and helped sort through the books so they could see what they were getting. Everyone was great to work with, and it was a wonderful experience. These people may be thankful that we were bringing them books, but they will never understand how thankful we are for what they have done for us.?
Zach’s project included collecting DVD movies, music CDs, handheld games and microwave popcorn to be sent to the Morale, Welfare and Recreation units in Iraq, the hospital in Landstuhl, Germany, and the Wounded Warrior Barracks in North Carolina. His goal was to collect 500 items, and the funds necessary to ship the items to their destination.
Working with many of the same community groups and businesses, and also with the Orion Assembly Plant, he was able to greatly exceed his goal. The final count was 327 DVDs, 146 CDs, and dozens of boxes of popcorn.
To help cover my expenses, he held a Dollar Drive at the Orion Assembly plant.
‘I have to give a huge amount of credit, and a big thank you, to everyone at the Orion plant,? Zach said. ‘Their support for my project was incredible.?
From the Orion plant alone he raised more than $2,250, and with contributions sent in, he raised almost $2,700.
With the additional funds, he bought personal care items including clothing and personal hygiene items for the Landstuhl medical facility. In addition, he purchased two Wii Fit systems with additional games to be used for physical therapy at the Wounded Warrior Barracks.
‘The outpouring of support from the community was wonderful,? Zach said. ‘The project succeeded beyond my hopes.?
Just days after high school commencment, Troop 284 held a double Eagle Scout Court of Honor for the Prochaskas where they were presented their Eagle Scout awards. The troop is sponsored by King of Kings Church in Lake Orion.
This fall, the two boys will head to the University of Michigan to study pre-med.