Representative Thomas “Patt” Maney Receives Distinguished Eagle Scout Award

Representative Maney has been named a Distinguished Eagle Scout upon nomination by the Gulf Coast Council and the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). The award is granted to Eagle Scouts who, after 25 years, have distinguished themselves in their life work and have voluntarily shared their talents with their communities.

An Awards Dinner and Court of Honor were held on Thursday, Oct. 24, to recognize Maney and his lifetime of service to Okaloosa County, the State of Florida, and, as many stated, the world. Over 250 attendees, ranging from family, lifelong friends, colleagues, and community business leaders, gathered to pay tribute. Speakers regaled the crowd throughout the evening with stories from Rep. Maney’s past and present and toasts to his future. One message was prevalent in each story – Scouting laid the foundation for the man that Patt Maney is today.

Maney has distinguished himself through his career as a Brigadier General in the US Army, Florida State Court Judge, and currently as an elected official to the House of Representatives in the Florida Legislature through continued service to God, country, and other people by following the principles of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

Maney achieved distinction in service in the US Army, attaining the rank of Brigadier General in command and staff positions, including international service in Panama, Haiti, Bosnia, and Afghanistan. In civilian life, he served as a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army. The US Secretary of Veterans Affairs appointed him to two different national advisory committees. He served as a Florida State Court Judge for almost 29 years and has continued his public service in the House of Representatives in the Florida Legislature. He has given distinguished service to his community and nation and has been awarded as:
- Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award presented by His Royal Highness, Prince Phillip
- Secretary of State Meritorious Honor Award
- Secretary of Defense Outstanding Public Service Medal
- Purple Heart Medal
- Military Order of Purple Heart National Patriot of the Year
- Disabled American Veterans National Outstanding Veteran of the Year
- National Civil Affairs Association John H. Hilldring Award
- Army War College Outstanding Alumnus
- Daughters of the American Revolution National Medal of Honor
- DAR National Distinguished Citizen Medal DAR/SAR/S.R.
- Hannah White Arnett Bronze Medal of Distinction
- Honorary Doctorate of Laws - University of Kentucky
- Florida Governor’s Medal of Merit
- Conference of County Court Judges Harvey Ford Award

The National Eagle Scout Association Committee, as part of Alumni Relations at the BSA national office, selects recipients for the award. Members of the selection committee are all recipients of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. The Distinguished Eagle Scout Award was implemented in 1969. Since that time, only 2,500 have been approved out of 2.7 million Eagle Scout ranks. The local BSA council, which encompasses an Eagle Scout’s primary residence, is responsible for nominations.

Photo Caption: Left to right: William James, Caroline Maney, Rep. Patt Maney