Pisani brothers earn Eagle Scout rank

It takes a certain type of person to achieve Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Boy Scouts. One must possess certain qualifications and qualities, such as trustworthiness, honor, bravery and many more. 

Baldwin Legion Post 246 commander Stu Cohen awarded Boy Scout Troop 234 for their achievement and rank up into Eagle Scouts at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church this month.

“This kind of nation is awarded for commitment to serving the United States Armed Forces in the name of freedom and democracy at the courageously protecting our liberty and independence,” said Cohen.

Brothers Anthony, 18, and James Pisani, 16, of Troop 230 are among that group, earning the Eagle rank on Sunday at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church. Climbing through the ranks as they got merit badges and awards, both gave it all they had and were rewarded in the end – and both encourage young scouts to do likewise.

Anthony started his scout journey in 2015, but even before he was thinking about scouts, he was aiming for joining the Navy. He and his father remember the moment well. “In first grade going into a soccer game I told my dad, ‘Hey, I want to join the military,’ and he’s like, ‘Okay, sure.’ Twelve years later, I’m in the Navy,” Anthony recalled.

He has followed his dream. Home in Oceanside from the Great Lakes U.S. Navy Base for the ceremony, he will go back for more electrical technician training Jan. 2. 

“Everything I learned in Boy Scouts, most of it translates to my Navy life,” he said. But there are differences: “You go in as a civilian, you come out as a sailor; it’s a different transition.”

James, an Oceanside High School 11th grader, started scouts once he reached first grade just like his big brother. He said he “never thought I’d be there, but I’m thankful for all of it, no matter if it’s good or bad.” 

Their father, Anthony, was just as amazed at the brothers’ accomplishment. “I’m surprised,” he said. “One is big; two is amazing.” 

“I have been so honored to have my older brother with me while being a scout, and even more being Eagle Scouts,” said James. 

James said the best part of scouts for him was “being introduced to leadership in the invented role of operations officer. After that I went on to historian, and patrol leader during Covid-19 meetings.” 

He credits Scoutmaster Steven Xuereb with imparting the valuable skill of leadership. 

“I would not have gotten any of these jobs or been up here today without my first job as operations officer, which was given to me by Mr. X. Mr. X is the best scoutmaster I could have asked for. He’s so attentive to every scout, no matter what it is, and definition of a leader,” James said. At the ceremony, he awarded Xuereb the mentorship pin.

The Eagle ceremony was an emotional affair as the satisfaction and feeling of completion washed over the brothers, their family who assisted along the way, and their leaders who encouraged them. 

Giving the Eagle Charge was one such mentor, Christopher Ferrara, an Eagle Scout himself as well as an Eagle Scout father and one of the troop’s first scoutmasters.