ALLEN J. MCDANIEL, JR.

Allen was born in Santa Anna, Texas in 1928. Since his dad worked for West Texas Utilities, he moved soon after to Mason and from there to Ballinger where he graduated from Ballinger High School in 1946. After graduation his family moved to Abi1ene where he received a degree in chemistry from Abilene Christian College in 1958 and a degree in English from Hardin Simmons University. While at ACC, he received numerous honors and awards and was active in several clubs and organizations. He worked for a time at Los Alamos for the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany during his military service. While in the U.S. Army he received decorations for the Texas State Guard, U.S. Army Service medal, 425th Army Band, 26th Regimental Combat Team and the WW II Victory Medal. Also while he was in Europe, he became a noted archery champion in the Eucom International Archery Tournament held in Bavaria in 1947. He took 2nd place over 100 professional archers. After his return from Europe he worked for a time for a local printing company. He then taught English, Chemistry, and Music in Norman College (Norman Park, Georgia) aid in Texas public schools. He also taught archery at Abilene Christian College for 3 years before becoming a librarian there in January 1975.

Allen is an active member of the University Church of Christ and belongs to several clubs. Among them are: the Abilene Mensa Society, founding member of the Central Texas Gem and Mineral Society, American Chemical Society, National Field Archery Association, Abilene Archery Club, and Texas Archeological Society. He is the author of "Edible Plants in the Big Country" which he dedicated to Scouting and donated a copy to each of the libraries in Abilene.

Allen became involved in Scouting in September 1982 when he became a Webelos leader in Pack 217 chartered to Taylor Elementary School P.T.A. He held this position until December 1993 when be became a Den Leader Coach for Pack 214 and a Webelos Leader for Pack 291. After serving a time as Den leader Coach he then became Webelos Leader for Pack 214. In 1995 he transferred his membership to Cubmaster for Pack 214 chartered to Ortiz School P.T.A. and to Pack 291 chartered to Fannin Boys & Girls Club. He is presently serving in this position along with being on the District Committee and serving as Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 258. He has helped with many of the Day Camps, Family Camps, Mom & Me and Dad & Lad camps, assisting wherever he was needed. He is an active Brotherhood member in the Order of the Arrow, and helps with camporees, and summer camp.

In 1990 he received the District Award of Merit from the White Buffalo District for his service. He has received the Distinguished Commissioner Award, Den Leader Coach Award, Webelos Den Leader Award, Den Leaders Training Award, Arrowhead Honor, Scouter’s Key, Cub Scouters Award, and the Boy Scout leader’s Training Award. He has attended Timber Tag, Wood Badge, College of Commissioner Science, Akela’s Kiva, Pow Wow, University of Scouting, Train the Trainer, and Cub Workshop.

Allen is probably the most dedicated volunteer in the Chisholm Trail Council and has a heart that is as big as the Council itself. His claim to fame is providing experienced uniforms to those who are in need. He has no children of his own but he has more children than anyone and is a "father" to every boy he works with in Scouting and the community. Scouting is his life.

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Current as of 03/21/2006

Chisholm Trial Council Abilene Boy Scouts of America, Texas