DES MOINES—Mid-Iowa Council, Scouting America recently honored Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate with the highest honor for Eagle Scouts – the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. Secretary Pate was awarded the distinction during April’s Leaders Luncheon by Mid-Iowa Council Scout Executive / CEO, Matt Hill.

Established in 1969 by the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA), the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award (DESA) is recognized as the highest honor for Eagle Scouts. It is awarded to individuals who earned the rank of Eagle Scout at least 25 years ago and have achieved national-level prominence in their field.

“It was my distinct honor, on behalf of more than 4,500 Scouts and 1,500 dedicated Scout leaders, to present the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award to Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate,” said Hill. “Secretary Pate’s lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and civic responsibility exemplifies the very essence of what it means to be a Distinguished Eagle Scout. His achievements reflect great credit upon himself, the State of Iowa, and the values of Scouting. We could think of no one more deserving of this prestigious recognition.”  

Secretary Pate began his scouting career as a Cub Scout, during which he first learned more about working with and serving others. Secretary Pate’s father was his Troop leader, which began a tradition of family bonding alongside Scouting.

“I am extraordinarily honored to be recognized with the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. I look back fondly on my time in Scouts and how it shaped me and my core values, which I’ve carried with me beyond my time in the Scouts into my career in public service,” said Secretary Pate.

After earning the rank of Eagle (the highest rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program of Scouting America) in 1976, it was important for Secretary Pate to remain involved in the organization, and he continued his service in Scouting as an Assistant Scoutmaster. This allowed Secretary Pate a unique opportunity to instill the same leadership skills, morals, and values he learned as a Scout in the next generation. He continued his involvement in Scouting throughout his life, notably when his son and grandson both became Scouts.

“A lot of people my age refer to our younger generations as future leaders – but I submit that no, they are leaders of today,” said Secretary Pate. “It’s important to provide opportunities for our young Iowans to step up, and Scouting is one of the programs that truly empower young people to step up and become leaders. I promise to do what I can to support the program and ensure these opportunities remain for future scouts.”

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