Troop 331 Scoutmaster Brian G McMullen ‘Retires’

On Tuesday, Troop 331 held its annual year end picnic and Court of Honor at its favorite spot in Holmdel Park.

Under threatening skies the Scouts played games in the meadow while their parents crowded the picnic tables and barbeques readying the wonderful dinner that the picnic has become known for. 

The crowd was larger than usual and, here and there, a local dignitary could be seen. In addition to the normal festivities there was one more event that brought out many people. Brian G. McMullen was ‘retiring’ as the Scoutmaster of the Troop.

McMullen joined Troop 331 in 1997 when his oldest son, Justin, crossed over from Cub Scouts. Since then Justin’s brothers; David, Steven, and Jason have all followed into Troop 331. Over the years all four boys have attained the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in Boy Scouting. They are part of more than 30 Scouts that have become Eagles while Brian McMullen served as Scoutmaster. 

It is something he is extremely proud of, he said.  “We try to give the Scouts an opportunity to learn leadership skills while having fun at the same time.”

 “As adults we facilitate what the Scout wish to do.  It is the result of a Scout led troop that so many Scouts have gone on to reach Eagle rank,” he said.

The Troop held a brief ceremony to honor their Scoutmaster. Numerous guests spoke to the qualities that made him a good Scoutmaster. From Deputy Mayor Serena DiMaso to Josh Gilstein, an Eagle Alumnus of the troop, the words attested to Brian McMullen's dedication to the Scouts and the Scouting way. 

Recognitions came from Senator Menendez, presented by Neil Granowitz, and the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders who, in appreciation of his volunteerism, declared June 14th as Brian McMullen Day. 

One of the Scout patrols, the Phoenix, presented him with a large bronze Eagle and voted him an honorary member of the patrol. 

In closing Brian McMullen thanked his wife, Marcy, for her support over the years and all the other adults who “have come to my aid and made the job easier.”  

Retirement, by the way, is in quotes because McMullen will continue to work with the Troop as Scoutmaster Emeritus and assist the Scouts to achieve their goals.

The evening ended with the Troop holding a Court of Honor. 

Scouts were recognized for a total of thirty one rank advancements and ninety seven merit badges. 

The new Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leaders, and Assistant Patrol Leaders were all installed. 

Finally, the Troop bid farewell to several of its graduating seniors who leave for college in the fall. 

As to those threatening skies, not a drop of rain fell on the Troop’s parade.

If you are interested in Troop 331 please visit their website, holmdel331.mytroop.us, or email the new Scoutmaster, John Guaragno, at scouterjohn@hotmail.com.