Gavin Michael Mcclean, an eighteen-year-old homeschooled senior, completed his Eagle Scout project in April at the VFW Post 9415 in Phelan. He designed and built an impressive shaded structure over the horseshoe pits, which are located directly behind the VFW building on Nielson Road.
The three pits were weathered by the desert sun and wind which were in need of some TLC. Gavin and his crew of fellow troop members took on the challenge to give back to the community. They spent four consecutive weekends pouring concrete, erecting beams, installing a roof, and painting the structure. His hard work will be greatly appreciated come summer when the shade will help protect veterans and community members during the VFW’s monthly horseshoe tournaments.
During the post’s weekly Friday night dinner on April 26th, VFW Post 9415 Commander Mike Bazylak presented Gavin with a commemorative plaque. The plaque reads: “In appreciation for making the VFW Post 9415 the location for your Eagle Scout project, the Veterans of Foreign Wars thank you for your hard work and dedication.” The VFW is sincerely thankful for Gavin’s contribution to the community.
Even though Gavin no longer lives in the area, his dad still lives nearby in Apple Valley, and his older brother also completed his Eagle Scout project in Phelan at the Forever Wild Animal Sanctuary back in the early 2000s.
Gavin is a member of Boy Scout Troop 110, and being promoted to Eagle Scout is one of the highest honors in the Boy Scouts, which has benefits that directly translate to the military. Therefore, Gavin has decided to follow in his mother’s footsteps and enlist in the Navy. His new Eagle Scout honor allows him to climb two whole ranks, beginning as an E-3 instead of an E-1. He is set to be shipped off to boot camp this June, and Gavin mentioned that his time in the Boy Scouts has prepared him for this new endeavor.
“[The Boy Scouts] taught me a lot about leadership and communication. It’s provided me with many useful skills while also having fun!” said Gavin.
The Phelan VFW invites the community to enjoy the newly designed horseshoe pits at their monthly horseshoe tournaments, which take place every second Saturday of the month. The next tournament is scheduled for Saturday, June 8th, at 12:00 p.m. and is always open to the public. Sign up at the VFW, located at 4892 Nielson Road in Phelan, or call 760-868-1999 for more information.
