Frederick J. Gellert – 2021 Silver Beaver Award Honoree

Fred Gellert’s military career has taken him worldwide, but Fred’s passion for Scouting was always on display wherever he went.

Fred currently serves as Scoutmaster for Troop 173, chartered to the Carlisle Barracks. Troop 173 presents a unique membership challenge since it is based at the U.S. Army War College, as service members stationed there change annually, resulting in a 70-80% turnover every year. Throughout Fred’s decade of service to Troop 173, he has maintained a steady corps of volunteers who have kept 173 vibrant and functioning with an average of 45-50 Scouts every year.

Fred has served as a Den Leader/Cubmaster in four different packs, Pack Committee Chair/Member in three packs, Assistant Scoutmaster/Scoutmaster in three troops, Assistant Scoutmaster/Scoutmaster for two National Jamboree troops, and a committee member for five of the six districts in which he has served.

When Fred was deployed to Afghanistan in 2011, he supported Scouting as Committee Chair of Scouts for Afghan Scouts (SfAS). This group at Bagram Air Base Kabul worked to support a troop of Afghan Scouts. After Fred returned home, the Afghan Scouting Association was recognized by the World of Scouting Movement (WOSM).

A Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow, Fred received the District Award of Merit in 2000, the Scouter’s Training Award in 2002, the Scouter’s Key in 2007, and completed the Wood Badge training course in 2003.

The New Birth of Freedom Council is pleased to present the Silver Beaver Award to Frederick J. Gellert.