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WEST VALLEY VIEW NEWS | JUNE 16, 2021
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Boy Scouts award Avondale man the Medal of Merit BY LAUREN SERRATO
West Valley View Staff Writer
T
he Boy Scouts of America awarded a 15-year scouting veteran and current Cubmaster of Pack 64 with the Medal of Merit for his outstanding service. Despite the honor, Steven Brunasso admitted to being slightly embarrassed from all the attention. “I am normally a very private person. The Medal of Merit is a great honor from BSA, but I think my son’s face when he got to pin it on my uniform was the best part,” Brunasso said. “He was so proud to present it to his dad. This is why I am a scout leader. The impact we have on youth. I am a role model.” The Medal of Merit is an award that is presented to a youth member or adult leader who has performed an act of service of a rare or exceptional character that reflects an uncommon degree of concern for the well-being of others, according to Andy Price, scout executive with the Grand Canyon Council for the Boy Scouts of America. Brunasso is one of few scouts to receive the Medal of Merit. “The Medal of Merit is one of a class of awards from Boy Scouts of America that recognizes youth and adults for meritorious and/or life-saving actions made by members,” Price said. “Of the two meritorious awards, the Medal of Merit is considered a higher-level award than the other. Overall annual numbers are not available, but the award has been presented in the Grand Canyon Council only a handful of times in the past several years.” Brunasso was awarded his Eagle Scout in 1984. He is the cubmaster of Pack 64 in Avondale, sponsored by St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Brunasso received the award for saving the life of one of his friends during a work lunch. When his co-worker suddenly became silent and appeared to be
choking, Brunasso jumped into action and applied the Heimlich maneuver. That forced a piece of food to dislodge from his throat and allowed the man to breathe again. “Jason was sitting directly across from me, and his eyes went wide but not a word, sound or gasp. I don’t think he realized what was happening at first,” Brunasso said. “I looked at my watch and thought I had about 5 minutes to get him breathing. I got up and went around behind him. I reached down below his ribcage and thought of the biomechanics of the Heimlich. I tried two times and I could hear some air passing now.” Price said Brunasso is a great representation of the organization based on his recent heroics and his continued commitment to the scouts. “We are proud of Steven’s quick thinking and response in utilizing training he’s received in scouting to help save the life of another,” Price said. “Our scouts and leaders pledge to live by the values of the Scout Oath and Law as well as the motto of ‘Be Prepared.’ This is an excellent example of Steven’s preparedness.” Brunasso has years of experience with the Boy Scouts. He started off as a Cub Scout, made his way to Boy Scout and has been an adult leader for about six years. He even had the opportunity to scout in the BSA’s Direct Service 800 Council in Saudi Arabia. Once a month, the troop of seven boys and its leaders camped in the desert. “I remember the adventures. Camping in the desert can be very unforgiving, but the adults made sure we took risks that they could backstop. That is one of the secrets of scouts, failure is the best teacher,” he said. Throughout all his time with the scouts, Brunasso said he enjoyed the lessons it taught him and the standards to which all young men are held. “As a kid, I especially liked the En-
Steven Brunasso is the Cubmaster of Pack 64 and the winner of the Medal of Merit. (Photo courtesy of Steven Brunasso)
glish concept of well-mannered gentleman and chivalry as a code of conduct,” Brunasso said. “This provides a code that a boy can use to focus his will as he grows into a man. It served me very well. I can’t say that I was a scout, I am still a scout. It became a core part of my personality now and guides my daily life.” For those considering the Boy Scouts, Brunasso said he recommends it. He added that a well-run Cub Scout pack or Boy Scout troop is one of the best programs for kids. “You get to learn teamwork, how to be a good citizen and get a code of conduct for the future,” Brunasso said. “I have also found that the boys that are the unruliest can get the most out of a good scouting program. “They need a set of good values to live their life by.” However, the greatest thing Brunasso said the Boy Scouts has given him is the lifelong friendships. “The brotherhood of all mankind,” he said. “Scouts from anywhere are one family. We focus on the good in each oth-
er and accept who we are. I think this is certainly something the world needs more of. I see scouts as good principled people all over the world that try to help others and one big family.” Brunasso has traveled to over 60 countries and said he met scouts in about six locations. He looks forward to participating in more international events as his children move up through the Boy Scouts. Price and Brunasso agree that the organization is special, and they hope others understand that. “Over this century of service to Arizona’s youth, boys and girls have learned life skills, leadership, and self-confidence — traits that have served them and all of society throughout their lifetimes,” Price said. “While many perceive scouting as a ‘camping club’ our ‘outdoors society,’ in actuality it is a highly effective learning laboratory that allows youth to experience outdoor adventure while developing skills and attributes that will prepare them for a successful life as a contributing citizen in America and beyond.”
