by Jim Councill

It’s time to celebrate the public service life of our neighbor, friend and regional colleague.

On Oct. 26, Phillip Bradshaw of Carrsville and Isle of Wight County was honored as the Good Scouter of the Year, awarded to him for over 36 years of service to the Boy Scouts of America.

Phillip began his scouting career in 1964 as a Cub Scout and was the first member of Pack 37 and Troop 37 to progress from Bobcat to Eagle — a long and worthwhile journey that set the stage for success and public service.

Phillip has served Scouting in most every Cub and Boy Scout leadership role, most impressively as Scout Master for over 16 years.

Born in a Scout-dedicated family, Phillip’s Dad, Joel Bradshaw Jr., founded Camp See Gar on the family farm, which celebrates its 50th anniversary next year. Phillip is among a flock of Eagles in his family. He and four brothers, two cousins and two nephews are all Eagle Scouts.

As an adult, Phillip has given 35-plus years in scouting service, along with his wife, Stella, who has supported Cub, Boy and Girl Scouts for the same period of time. Truly a scouting family — devoted to building young men in their community.

Phillip has earned many leadership and district awards, but one of the most impressive awards following his Eagle rank is the Silver Beaver Award granted to those who demonstrate extraordinary devotion and contributions to Boy Scouts of America through time and leadership.

The Good Scouter Award is also influenced by how a man lives his life and continues to give to and serve his community.

Somewhere between full-time employment and being a volunteer Scout leader, Phillip has found time to follow in the footsteps of his mentor/father as the supervisor of the Carrsville District of the Isle of Wight Board of Supervisors.

Phillip is the only native-born member on the Board today and has served since 1994, 17 years of public service. He currently serves as chairman of the Board of Supervisors.

Phillip also serves as chairman of the Finance and Economic Development Committee and on the Franklin/Southampton County/Isle of Wight County Intergovernmental Relations Committee. He is a member of the Hampton Roads Partnership, Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance, and Hampton Roads Mayors and Chairs. He represents Isle of Wight well as a regional thinker and participant.

Currently Phillip is the President of the Virginia Association of Counties, which represents all 100 counties in the state on General Assembly issues paramount to local government. What a prestigious honor for Phillip and Isle of Wight.

For these civic and scouting contributions to better his community, the lives of “young boys to men,” to his district, his county and his state, Phillip A. Bradshaw has earned the prestigious recognition of the 2010 Good Scouter of the Year Award.

Congratulations Phillip, a friend, neighbor, colleague and public servant.

JIM COUNCILL is the mayor for the City of Franklin and can be reached at franklinmayor@franklinva.com.