Sterling Kent Phillips

“If it’s not for the boys, then, it’s for the birds.” These words tell you all you need to know about this native Texan who was born in Olton and grew up in Plainview until the family moved to Lubbock in his sophomore year of high school. He served the Army in Germany as a cook in 1972-74, but he got over those cooking skills and now does a great job over the open fire!

South Plains College for an associate degree in Science was his next stop before graduating from Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill., with a certification in Prosthetics in 1981.

With his oldest son and wife, Sheila, he joined Pack 296 chartered to the 96th Bomb Wing at Dyess AFB. He served the pack as a Den Leader in 1986, Cubmaster in 1987-1990, Webelos Leader in 1990-1991, committee member in 1992-1993. He became Scoutmaster of Troop 296 chartered to the 96th Bomb Wing in 1989 and remains in this position today. He has been a registered Merit Badge Counselor since 1988 and has served as a Unit Commissioner for several years and District Commissioner for three years.

Kent has led his troop on Philmont and Canoe Base treks as well as regular monthly campouts and summer camp. His style of leadership lets the boys make the decisions offering his “words of wisdom” only when necessary which is the way Lord Baden-Powell designed the patrol system. He didn’t change when he was an Assistant Scoutmaster for the council troop to the 1993 National Boy Scout Jamboree nor during the four years he was Lodge Adviser for Kotso Lodge, #330, Order of the Arrow, or during his current service as Adviser to the Vice Chief of Unit Elections.

He has volunteered leadership to so many events that we have lost track. But his awards are easily available in the record books - District Award of Merit, 1989; Cubmaster Award, 1990; Cub Scouter Award, 1991; Webelos Den Leader, 1992; District Commissioner’s Arrowhead Honor Award, 1993; District Commissioner Key, 1994; Scoutmaster Award of Merit, 1996. He was selected for Vigil Honor by Kotso Lodge in 1994. Kent graduated from Timber Tag in 1989 and has served on the staff each year since with one year as Senior Patrol Leader. He earned his Wood Badge beads in 1990. Kent joined the Chisholm Trail Council Executive Board in 1994.

Kent doesn’t avoid community involvement where his boys are concerned mostly being present when they perform in sports or band or other school activities. He has served as vice president of the Madison Band Boosters and is a member of the Cooper Band Boosters.

In his professional life, Kent owns his business, Abilene Artificial Limb Co. As a certified prosthetist he is a member of the American Board of Certification in Prosthetics, the Texas Association of AAOP and AOP, and of the National Association of AAOP and AOP .

Kent’s Scouting Family includes three sons, Jason, an Eagle Scout; John, a Life Scout; and Justin, a Life Scout;  and his wife, Sheila, vice president for program of the Chisholm Trail Council

Current as of 05/31/2003

Chisholm Trial Council Abilene Boy Scouts of America, Texas