Virginia Beach, Va. – Three local Boy Scouts of America (BSA) leaders have received the Silver Beaver Award, the highest honor bestowed by a local BSA council. First introduced in 1931, the prestigious award recognizes volunteer leaders who have provided distinguished service to youth. The Silver Beaver Award is not an “earned” award; rather, the distinction is granted by one’s peers in the local Scouting area.

Tom Callahan was among the Scouts founding Cub Scout Pack 120 in Buffalo, NY, in 1972. He earned the Arrow of Light and crossed over to Troop 120 the following spring. In January 1977, he earned Eagle Scout, the first of four brothers to achieve Scouting’s highest rank.

A Scouting trip to Washington, DC, and the US Naval Academy in 1974 provided a glance at his future. After graduating from USNA with a BS in Economics, Tom pursued studies to qualify as a Nuclear Engineer, serving aboard the Norfolk-based submarine USS Jacksonville. By 1993, Tom had completed his JD/MBA, returned to the area, and reconnected with Scouting as an assistant Scoutmaster (ASM) in Troop 362.

He soon took positions on the Scout Fest Planning Committee, the Endowment Committee, and as Elizabeth River District Administration Chair. By the late ’90s, Tom was asked to join the Tidewater Council Executive Board as the Finance Chair, where he served until 2003.

At about this time, his oldest son joined Cub Scouts. Through both of his sons’ Journey to Eagle, Tom held positions as Cubmaster and Committee Chair of Pack 417 and assistant Scoutmaster and Scoutmaster of Troop 417. After earning the Girl Scout Gold Award, his daughter became a BSA Venturer and attended Jamboree with her brothers. Tom’s wife, Kathryn (a Gold Award recipient), is also an active Scouter. Together with Wes Sherman, Tom and Kathryn founded Troop 19 in 2019.

As his children headed to college, Tom became Princess Anne District Chair and later district and then council Family Friends of Scouting Campaign Chair. He is currently the Vice President of Membership while remaining active as an ASM with Troops 417 and 19.

Tom has served as a member of the Boards of Directors of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Virginia Law Foundation, Larkspur Swim and Racquet Club, and various church committees. He enjoys rowing with the Juniper Rowing Club on the Intracoastal Waterway, improving his oil painting skills, and challenging the Scouts in hiking and paddling.

Scouting provides opportunities to explore skills and interests beyond what a youth’s environment might present or support. The community of Scouts and Scouters continues to help Tom learn and share experiences and opportunities.

The recognition ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at the Khedive Shrine Center, 645 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake, Virginia. Tom will be honored alongside fellow Silver Beaver Award recipients Scott Buggey and AJ Vasta.