Benicia Boy Scout Troop 7007 recognized its members’ achievements in both rank and in earned merit badges during a Court of Honor on Tuesday, a ceremony attended by members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3928, which chartered the troop.

Led by Scoutmaster Scott May, the local troop has 35 registered members. Those who are working on their communication badge organized the Court of Honor.

The Court of Honor, which took place at the Benicia Veterans Memorial Building, 1050 First St., is a special ceremony that acknowledges accomplishments Scouts have made since the previous Court. The event is intended to motivate and inspire younger Scouts to work toward their own advancement, said Karen Seaton, one of the troop’s leaders.

During the ceremony, 19 Scouts were promoted in rank and 20 shared in receiving a combined 50 badges, Seaton said.

Among those who have been helping the Scouts are the troop’s charter representatives, Veterans Executive Ernie Gutierrez, Senior Vice Commander Ed Heffernan, First Sgt. Oren Rae and Sergeant Victor Rae, as well as representatives of Benicia Fire Department, Seaton said.

“Boy Scouts can earn any or all of the 121 merit badges currently offered,” she said. The Scouts start trying to earn those badges as they progress through the organization’s ranks — Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and, for about 5 percent of the members, the rank of Eagle Scout.

“Not every boy who joins a Boy Scout troop earns the Eagle Scout rank,” Seaton said. Those who do have met specific requirements, including completion of a project the candidate designed.

One Troop 7007 member already has achieved Eagle Scout rank, and several more have started the process that may earn them that designation, Seaton said.

Troop 7007 is Benicia’s first Boy Scout troop, having been founded in 1919. But through the years it had some ups and downs, Seaton said, and was re-established in October 2012 with four registered Scouts. From that point, the troop has continued to grow.

The troop meets Tuesdays at Benicia National Guard Armory, 711 Hillcrest Ave. Those interested may call Scott May at 925-383-5238.

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