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Scouts Killed In Tornado Identified; Texas Governor Offers Condolences Save Email Print

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(June 12, 2008)—Officials Thursday identified the four teenage Boy Scouts who died when a tornado struck a scout camp Wednesday evening in Iowa as Aaron Eilerts, 14, of Eagle Grove, Iowa; and Josh Fennen, 13, Sam Thomsen, 13, and Ben Petrzilka, 14, all of Omaha, Neb.

Another 35 injured scouts and scout leaders were taken to hospitals in western Iowa and in Omaha, Neb, Iowa Public Safety Commissioner Eugene Meyer said, including three with serious skull, pelvic and spinal injuries.

Twenty less seriously injured victims were treated and later released, Meyer said.

The Boy Scouts and their leaders at a western Iowa scout ranch had little or no warning before a twister struck Wednesday night.

One scout who survived the twister said it took only eight seconds for the tornado to pass, but said, “That was the longest eight seconds I’ve ever had.”

Meanwhile, authorities say two people are dead in northern Kansas after tornadoes cut a diagonal path across the state Wednesday night.

At the scout camp, some of the scouts were out on a hike while others huddled, frightened, in a shelter as the twister destroyed the camp, flattening buildings and tents.

Rescue workers cut their way through downed branches and dug through debris in the rain and lightning to reach the camp.

Ninety-three scouts, ages 13 to 18, and 25 staff members were attending a weeklong leadership training camp.

One scout said he saw another boy with his head split open, describing it as "a pretty gruesome image."

Some scouts sought shelter near the fireplace in a cabin at the camp, but the fireplace collapsed when the tornado struck.

Iowa rescue officials now say all the scouts and staffers have been accounted for.

They've been continuing a search in case there was anyone else on the 1,800-acre ranch north of Omaha.

Iowa Governor Chet Culver praised the Boy Scouts for their heroic rescue efforts.

After the tornado, several of the campers used chain saws and other tools to begin freeing those left trapped under piles of debris.

Others set up a triage system and uninjured scouts administered first aid to victims, using techniques that they had practiced just the day before.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who’s an Eagle Scout himself, expressed condolences to the scouts and their families Thursday.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the Boy Scouts and their families in Iowa as they recover from the tragedy and loss suffered yesterday evening,” Perry said.

“I am deeply proud of the heroic efforts made by the Boy Scouts to protect each other even in the midst of such chaos. I am certain that many lives were saved and injuries prevented because of the training that they learned out in the wilderness this very week.

“The skills practiced by these scouts will continue to serve them the rest of their lives and grow them into some of the most exceptional leaders in their communities.”

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Posted by: crs Location: Waco on Jun 12, 2008 at 10:04 AM
As a Boy Scout leader in the McLennan County area and am grateful for the training my son has received in the Boy Scouts. When he began as a cub scout, he was a follower, now, he is an Eagle Scout and a leader. There is no price that you can put on the training that he has received. May scouting continue for years to come and may God bless the families.

Posted by: John E. Location: Salado, TX on Jun 12, 2008 at 09:27 AM
I was a Boy Scout many years ago. The first aid training I received as a Scout gave me a solid foundation for the "buddy care" training I received in the Air Force, and the training a took later as a volunteer fireman. The uniforms I wore with pride later in life had their beginnings with the Boy Scout uniform I wore as a young man. "On my honor, I will do my best, to do my duty, to God and my country." All the Scouts involved deserve recognition for using their training when it was needed the most!

Posted by: Carrie Location: Kempner on Jun 12, 2008 at 09:08 AM
My thoughts and prayers go out to all the families.

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Cold Night...Gusty, Warm Tuesday!
From Rusty Garrett:

A cool, windy afternoon will evolve into a cold overnight with light winds, but the winds will return to the south by morning and become strong and gusty again by midday.
With dormant vegetation and very low relative humidity values, there is serious concern about grass and brush fires. A Red Flag Warning will be in effect Tuesday for virtually all of the News10 viewing area. Please heed any burn bans that may apply to your area.

Temperatures will warm to above normal readings Tuesday and Wednesday ahead of the next cold front, which will swing through the area late Wednesday, bringing us another round of windy and cooler weather for the end of the workweek. A slow warming trend is expected this weekend.

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