History Conversations | Service, Sacrifice and the Creation of Camp Schmitt

Kevin Patti traces the remarkable history of eight former members of Takoma Park’s Boy Scout Troop 33 who served in the United States military during World War II and lost their lives. Of the eight men who once lived in Montgomery County, two were Eagle Scouts, four were officers, one was awarded the Silver Star, one the Air Medal and two the Purple Heart. The presentation then goes on to detail how the community, scouts, and scout leaders gave of time, talents, and resources to build a Boy Scout camp, Camp Schmitt, in honor of the eight men in 1959.

Kevin Patti is a former member and Eagle Scout from Troop 33 and is the son of the late Donald Patti who served as Scoutmaster between 1973 and 1994. Kevin grew up forming friendships and learning from Camp Schmitt. Professionally, Kevin has worked in public history as a park ranger for the National Park Service for twenty-eight years. His scouting experience led directly to his career.