News Release: Norfolk Scout Leader David Lannetti Receives National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award

Virginia Beach, Va. – Norfolk Circuit Court Judge David W. Lannetti, a member of the Scouting America Eagle Scout class of 1973, was honored as a recipient of the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) Outstanding Eagle Scout Award by Scouting America Tidewater Council at its Recognition Banquet on April 29, 2026, at the Khedive Shrine Center in Chesapeake.

Lannetti began his Scouting adventure as a Cub Scout in Pack 172 in Warrington, Pennsylvania. He received his Arrow of Light in 1970 and crossed over into Troop 172, which had a reputation as “the canoeing troop.” He quickly advanced through the Boy Scout ranks, soaking up Scouting principles (while frequently canoeing) and earning the rank of Eagle Scout in 1973 at age 13. He went on to receive the Bronze, Gold, and Silver Eagle Palms.

He was elected to the Order of the Arrow, was an Ordeal and Brotherhood member of Ajapeu Lodge #33, where he served as a chapter vice chief. He also served on summer camp staff at Ockanickon Scout Reservation in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Dave went on to graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1981 and was selected by Admiral Hyman Rickover to receive nuclear engineering training and serve on nuclear submarines. While in the Navy, he was heavily involved as a Scout leader in Norfolk with his two sons, serving in Pack 24 as Tiger Cub leader, den leader, Webelos leader, and Cubmaster.

When his sons joined Troop 24, he served as a Troop Committee Member and Assistant Scoutmaster. Dave went to Philmont Scout Reservation with each of his sons, serving as the Council Contingent Leader in 2004 during an 85-mile trek and the Troop 24 Contingent Leader in 2016 during a 55-mile trek (with his wife, Kami, as another adult leader). Both of his sons went on to become Eagle Scouts. Dave and Kami also established Venturing Crew 24, which included two of their daughters, and served as Crew Advisors.

After retiring from the Navy, Dave went to law school and, upon graduation, practiced law in Norfolk. He has remained active in Scouting, serving on the Tidewater Council Executive Board for the past 18 years, including on several committees and as the National Eagle Scout Association Representative. He completed Wood Badge training in 2007 (as a Bobwhite) and went on to serve as a staff member during several Wood Badge courses, culminating in his service as Wood Badge Course Director in 2012.

Dave has also been a very active member of Larchmont United Methodist Church (the chartering organization for Pack 24, Troop 24, and Crew 24) for decades and has served as its Chartered Organization Representative for many years. He regularly organized the annual Scout Sunday service, usually providing the sermon himself.

He has been recognized for his contributions and service with, among others, the James E. West Fellowship Award, the William D. Boyce Award, the Powhatan District Crew Leader of the Year Award, the Silver Beaver Award, and the Tidewater Council “Living Legend” Award.

In 2014, Dave was elected by the General Assembly to serve as a Circuit Court Judge in the City of Norfolk, where he continues to serve. In his spare time, he serves on law-related committees and boards at the local, state, and national levels; is an adjunct professor at both William & Mary Law School and Regent University School of Law; coaches Special Olympics athletes; and recruits for the U.S. Naval Academy. The Scout Oath and Law have been—and continue to be—guiding principles in his life.