Scout builds steps for Veterans Independence Project in Westminster as Eagle project (2024)

Elias Jirout, 18, earned the rank of Eagle Scout — the highest rank attainable in scouting — by giving war veterans in Carroll County an accessible and safe way to gather, chat and enjoy the outdoors.

With help from family and friends, Jirout, who lives in Littlestown, Pennsylvania, constructed wooden steps, 26 feet in length, for the Carroll County Veterans Independence Project, a nonprofit formed in 2017 to provide services for veterans and their families.

The 30 steps, along with a safety railing, will give veterans a safer means of climbing a steep, grass-covered hill, adjacent to the Independence Project on Carroll Street in Westminster.

“I have always wanted to give back to veterans in any way, shape or form,” said Jirouit, a member of Boy Scout Troop 501 in Littlestown. “It’s always been a dream of mine.”

Jirout said his mom, Tina Hahn, contacted the nonprofit organization and asked what they needed, so he could form his Eagle Scout project around it.

Jason Sidock, executive director of the Independence Project, said to a crowd of veterans, local officials and scouts that gathered Wednesday to cut the ribbon on the new steps, that he immediately knew what they needed — an easy and safe way to reach the top of their steep hill to gather and meet.

“When they first came to me and they were looking for something they could do to help out, being an Eagle Scout myself, I thought it would be [something simple],” said Sidock, who was shocked when he was shown the elaborate designs for the steps.

“This allows our veterans to get to where they need to go,” he said. “He’s done a tremendous job. It’s a game changer.”

Jirout said without the help and expertise of Alan Snyder, a family friend and owner of a home improvement company, his dream might not have happened.

“The project was a bit out of my realm,” Jirout said. “I could have never gotten it done without Al Snyder.”

Snyder said he was happy to step in.

“When he told me it was for his Eagle Scout, I was in,” he said. “I just worked around my busy schedule.”

Jirout said he needed Snyder’s help not only in the design process, but to obtain the necessary building permits.

“The hardest part was getting the permits and inspection,” he said. “We went in June [2023] and got the permits in November [2023].”

Construction started in mid-November and took four days to complete.

Ed Cramer, 83, a retired Army colonel who served in the Vietnam War, said he is thrilled with the steps. Cramer, who co-founded the Independence Project, said the idea of finding a way to safely climb the steep hill has also been discussed. One idea was to build a “wandering path” as a way to reach the top.

Carroll County Commissioner Tom Gordon III, who represents Westminster in District 3, was also in attendance Wednesday. Gordon, himself an Eagle Scout, said he will always lend support to veterans.

“This is wonderful for the community,” said Gordon, who marveled at how quickly the steps were built when he visited the site last year. “This is just going to be fantastic for the community.”

Westminster Common Council member Ann Gilbert agreed.

“It’s a great project,” she said. “It’s wonderful and so important for the [Independence Project]. It’s just a good opportunity for veterans to enjoy the outside.”

Up next are new picnic tables and greenery, courtesy of Home Depot.

“Home Depot said whatever we want they will do,” Sidock said. “They’re coming in to beautify the place.”

Jirout, who graduated from Littlestown Area High School in May, said this fall he will attend Harrisburg Area Community College at the Gettysburg campus.

He also wants to continue his passion for helping veterans.

“I want to come here and do more,” he said. “I don’t want this to be a one time thing. It feels like a place I want to be.”