Boy Scouts of Kirtland AFB Troop 85 to mark 60 years Published Feb. 28, 2013 By Adam Bailey Nucleus staff writer KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. -- April will mark the 60th consecutive year that the Boy Scouts of Troop 85 have been present on Kirtland Air Force Base. The Boy Scouts provide boys ages 11 to 18 the life skills and experiences built on the fundamentals of the Scout Oath and Scout Law that were established more than 100 years ago. "I truly believe we produce great citizens and potential leaders for our nation," said Troop 85 scoutmaster John Robison. Troop 85 has been recognized for the program's advancement and outdoor activities finishing in the top three units with the El Valle Manzano District for the past two years. Some of the activities the scouts do include camping, hiking, learning different kind of knots and how to use them, and working on other life skills. Another program the scouts provide is community service. They work on beautification, erosion control, trail maintenance and campsite improvements, among other projects. "One of the programs the Boy Scouts of America has is 'Leave no Trace,' which is taking care of the environment. While Scouts are on base, they are always practicing this program, picking up debris and trash, making the area better than they found it," said Robison. "We also have outstanding volunteers with this program." What sets this troop apart is their location on base. "In the past 60 years, the troop has been honored to have 63 scouts who have attained scouting's highest rank - Eagle," said Robison. "We are also fortunate to have Airmen who are also Eagle Scouts dedicating their time and skills to enhancing this program."