Scoutmaster Lineage

Scoutmaster [ skaʊt-mɑs-tər ]:  
A term in use since as early as 1579, but which has, since 1908, become more prominently understood as the leader of a Boy Scout Troop.

If one were to review the roles listed in Scouting America, one would find that "officially" the Scoutmaster has three basic roles:

1. Providing the youth leaders with the tools and skills to run their Troop. 

2. Making sure the rules of Scouting America and the Chartered Organization are followed.

3. Being a good mentor and positive role model.

However, if you ask anyone involved in Scouting for any length of time, you'll get an answer similar to this: 

The Scoutmaster holds a revered role in Scouting tradition, serving as a mentor, leader, and guiding force for young Scouts on their journey of personal growth and character development. Tasked with instilling the values of the Scout Oath and Law, the Scoutmaster provides wisdom, encouragement, and a steady hand as Scouts navigate challenges, learn essential skills, and foster a spirit of service and adventure. More than just a leader, the Scoutmaster embodies the ideals of Scouting, shaping future generations with patience, and dedication, while maintaining an unwavering commitment to building responsible, capable citizens. The Scoutmaster serves as a foundation for a solidly built troop, without whom, Scouting would not be possible.
One doesn't just become a Scoutmaster. They learn the role over time. Many were previously Scouts as a youth. Most have served in other roles, as a committee member or Assistant Scoutmaster (or both) within the Troop, or other troops, for many years. 

...All are rigorously trained and tested. 

The following have given a great deal of their time and committed immeasurable effort to serve as Troop 777 Scoutmasters since our founding:

Thomas "Chief" Coulter 1963 - 1986
Joe Dematteo 1987
Jim Williams 1988 - 1989
Freddie Stroupe 1990 - 1998
Jerry Tidwell 1999 - 2000
Tom Moore 2001 - 2004
David Elam 2004 - 2005
Freddie Stroupe 2005 - 2006
Lane Reams 2007 - 2009
Damon Chittenden 2010 - 2016
Phillip Armstrong 2016 - 2024
James Lashlee 2025 -