February 6, 2013 Mr. Wayne Brock Chief Scout Executive The Boy Scouts of America 1325 W.

Walnut Hill Lane Irving, Texas 75015 Dear Mr. Brock, When I was a young man I was a member of The Boy Scouts of America (BSA). I started as a young Tiger Cub and, years later, proudly earned my Eagle Scout Award. The work I did and experiences I had with the BSA shaped the successes I have had later in life. I very proudly displayed my Eagle Scout card in my wallet so that, simply upon opening my wallet to get money out, everyone would see my accomplishment. I am sad to report that about six months ago I removed that card from my wallet. Reading reports that homosexuals were banned from scouting made me ashamed to be associated with the organization I once relished. I realize that this bigotry has been a part of scouting since its inception, but I was just recently made aware of it, and it disgusts me. I have friends and family members who are homosexual and I consider them equal to myself. All my life I have dreamed of being the troop leader of my future sons scout troop, but that dream died not too long ago. I do not want any future progeny of mine to learn bigotry, exclusion, hate, intolerance, or plain ignorance. I personally do not want to promote or be a part of an organization that promotes such cancers on society. I realize and understand that the BSA is a private organization and can make any rules for members it pleases, and I respect and support that, as an American. I, however, cannot morally be associated with such an institution. It is with a heavy heart that I renounce my Eagle Scout Award and return it to you. I was initially waiting until today, February 6, 2013 to write you this letter and send back the award which I was once so proud. Today, there was supposed to be a vote to remove the institutional ban on homosexuals in the BSA, I was hoping beyond hope that the leadership of the BSA would overturn the archaic and, honestly, unAmerican policy, but alas, the vote has been postponed. The postponement of the assumed vote is as bad, in my mind, as a vote to keep the prejudiced policy intact. I have faith that one day, hopefully in the near future the leadership of the BSA removes the blinders of narrow mindedness and overturns the institutional policy of exclusion so that any citizen of the United States of America, regardless of sexuality can take advantage of scouting. When that does happen, I hope you remember me and return my Eagle Scout Award and return me to your rolls, as I am proud of my and my brother Eagle Scouts achievement, but until then, I renounce my Eagle Scout Award and reprimand the BSA for its policy of exclusion and hate. Please do not hesitate to contact me should have any questions or comments, thank you for your time. Yours, If policy is repealed, please send Eagle Award (plus the 2 other religious awards I returned) to: John DeSpain 1830 Elm St. St. Charles, MO 63301

John F. DeSpain III Troop 212 St. Louis, Missouri Jfd6600@gmail.com 314-578-4799