Boy Scouts recognize Brandy Station family

By Nate Delesline III

Published: May 15, 2008

A Brandy Station family received regional recognition Wednesday from the Boy Scouts of America for their contributions and decades of service to Culpeper.

About 150 community leaders, family members and past and present scouts gathered at a morning breakfast ceremony at the Daniel Technology Center at Germanna Community College.

Three members of the Troilo family — Joe Sr., Tony and Frankie Troilo Gilmore received Culpeper’s Good Scout Award on behalf of the National Capital Area Council.

“I’d like to let you know that this is the greatest thrill of my life,” Joe Sr. told the crowd.

In addition to a trophy, each was presented with two traditional Boy Scout symbols—a campaign hat and a neckerchief. Now in its ninth year, this is the first time that more than one person has been recognized simultaneously, said award chairman William “Tripp” Butler.

Award recipients need not have been scouts or even involved with scouting. Instead, the committee looks for people who embody and support scouting principles.

“You’ve got very, very strong scout leadership in this community,” said Todd Brown, a longtime family friend. He called the Troilos synonymous with Brandy Station. A handful of the many others selected to speak on their experiences with the family agreed.

“I have known the Troilo family for 40, 50 years,” said longtime family friend Allen Seale. “I’ve had many people say to me, ‘Tell me about the Troilo family. My only comment is they are the most unique family you’ll ever meet.”

Culpeper County residents for more than 80 years, the Troilo family is probably best known for their Brandy Station tire and commercial towing business, Rosson & Troilo. They also played a key role in the organization of the Brandy Station Volunteer Fire Department and continue to support that organization.

Frankie and Tony also were instrumental in organizing Culpeper’s Soapbox Derby race six years ago. The event, set this year for June 21, has since become the second-largest event of its kind in the world. About 130 youth are expected to participate.

One of the largest youth organizations in the world, an estimated 100 million people have been involved. Past and present scouts took the opportunity to laud the positive impact scouts and their leaders have had on communities.

“A lot of friends I made in scouts are still some of my best friends today,” said Josh Nixon, who earned the organization’s top award, the Eagle Scout. “I feel that probably the best thing about scouting is the leadership it teaches.”

Al Lambert, a scout executive with the council agreed.

“The things that our leaders do make a difference,” he said.

Seale said they’re good at something else too — just being available to lend a caring ear. After a visit with any of them, “You leave there felling 10 times better than when you got there,” Seale said.

The National Capital Area Council covers Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and part of Maryland. Culpeper and Fauquier County are part of the Piedmont District, home to 1,400 scouts and 51 scout units.

Nate Delesline III can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 110 or .