Army Reserve commander named Cub Master of the Year

Courtesy Photo | Lt. Col. Mike Poss, commander of the Strategic Command Army Reserve Element, under the 76th Operational Response Command, poses with his wife, Dawn, after being awarded the Cub Master of the Year Award at a banquet in Bellevue, Neb. March 7, 2015. "Being a Cub Scout volunteer leader gives me an opportunity to demonstrate leadership as a role model for my four sons while teaching positive values to the youth of our military community," said Poss. (Courtesy photo)  

BELLEVUE, NE, UNITED STATES

04.11.2015

Courtesy Story

76th Operational Response Command

Story by Capt. Tara Vaida

BELLEVUE, Neb. — The Cub Master of the Year Award for the Wagon Wheel District, consisting of Omaha, Bellevue and Papillion, Nebraska, was presented to Lt. Col. Mike Poss, commander of the Strategic Command Army Reserve Element, under the 76th Operational Response Command, March 7, 2015, at Bellevue University.

Poss was presented the award for his numerous efforts, including developing a recruiting plan that brought in 32 new Cub Scouts and 16 parents to Pack 457, multiple food drive events and recycling programs, just to name a few.

“I am honored and humbled to be selected as the Wagon Wheel District Cub master of the year in the Bellevue and Omaha area,” said Poss. “Being a volunteer is a valuable return of investment for the community.”

He has led Cub Scouts as a den or pack leader for the past five years. As a cub master, his pack received the Journey to Excellence gold level, which is the highest level, for the past two years, as well as the National Summertime Award. Under his leadership, pack membership has increased 350 percent.

“My son is involved in Cub Scouts,” said Col. Michael C. Rowells, deputy commanding officer of the 76th ORC. “The effort needed to take over a program and bring it back from the brink of failure, and sustain it, is a testament to his dedication and determination to make a difference. [Mike] Poss stands out as one of the most honorable officers with which I have ever served.”

In addition to Cub Scouts, Poss coaches several sports for the Offutt Air Force Base Youth Center and community, including football, baseball, basketball and wrestling. He is a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization and an active volunteer for the LeMay Elementary PTA, Base Chapel, Habitat for Humanity, blood mobile and local food pantry.

“Being a Cub Scout volunteer leader, and also a coach for the Offutt Youth sports, gives me an opportunity to demonstrate leadership as a role model for my four sons while teaching positive values to the youth of our military community,” added Poss.

• Date Taken: 04.11.2015
• Date Posted: 04.11.2015 16:54
• Story ID: 159739
• Location: BELLEVUE, NE, US
• Hometown: BELLEVUE, NE, US