With over 45 years of dedicated service to Scouting and veterans, Gary A. Vaughan is awarded the Council’s highest honor—the Distinguished Service Star—for his unwavering commitment to youth, leaders, and community.
The Council created the Distinguished Service Star in 2016, the highest Council honor. This distinguished award is reserved for volunteers with at least 15 years of truly distinguished service to Scouting over a lifetime at the UNIT or COUNCIL levels or OVERALL service to our youth, our Scout leaders, our Council Committees and our communities. The Distinguished Service Star is typically, but not always, awarded after an individual has received the Silver Beaver Award. In recognition of his extraordinary leadership, mentorship, and lifetime of service to Scouting and the community, we proudly honor Gary A. Vaughan with the 2024 Distinguished Service Star.
Gary A. Vaughan, originally from Kingsport, TN, now resides in Peoria, AZ. He has dedicated over 45 years to Scouting, having revived many units after their original troop folded. As American Legion Scouting Chairman for AZ, Head Commissioner for Camp Geronimo, and COR for Troop and Pack 1776, he mentors adult leaders and ensures youth have the chance to complete their Scouting journey from Cub to Eagle, sponsoring 55 units statewide. Gary also serves as Commander for 6,000 veterans, providing support for their needs.
Gary has received numerous honors including the Silver Beaver in 2 different Councils, Meritorious Service Star, District Award of Merit, Distinguished Commissioner, OA Vigil Honor, OA Axe Award, and served as Wood Badge Course Director.
Scouting is deeply meaningful to Gary, shaping future leaders, strengthening our nation, and promoting values of service, duty, and character. According to Gary, “there is nothing like the feeling that comes when you see the joy in others as they face hard things only to succeed by accomplishing greater things. That goes for our adults as well as our youth. And besides, it’s FUN!”
