ORANGE PARK – After failing to meet last year’s goal, Scoutmaster Richard Knoff leaned against the wall with fists clinched, waiting to hear the tally on Thursday, May 15, at the Clay County …
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ORANGE PARK – After failing to meet last year’s goal, Scoutmaster Richard Knoff leaned against the wall with fists clinched, waiting to hear the tally on Thursday, May 15, at the Clay County American Values Dinner.
The goal was to raise $40,000 for the North Florida Council of the Boy Scouts of America. However, the ask proved to be considerably off the mark.
Then he heard “$58,010.” His eyes squinted, and his fists pumped with excitement.
“I am overwhelmed,” Knoff said. “This is fantastic. This shows Clay County’s compassion.”
The dinner attracted hundreds of civic, government and business leaders to honor longtime attorney and community organizer David King and County Manager Howard Wanamaker.
King started his business in 1986. He has been active with the county’s Chamber of Commerce, Bar Association and the Military Appreciation Luncheon.
King said Scouting helped him to “focus and direct all of that energy into positive and productive endeavors.
“That made a big difference in my life, and it paid off for me years later.”
Wanamaker became the 46th commanding officer of the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville in 2013. The first person he met at his new post was King, and they’ve been friends ever since.
Like King, Wanamaker said a lot of what he learned in the U.S. Navy was similar to what he learned in Scouting.
“The Navy challenges you at every moment, and you progress through that leadership at different positions throughout the Navy,” Wanamaker said. “Leadership in the Navy is built upon three principles: honor, courage and commitment. Effective Navy leaders lead by example, placing the mission and the welfare of their sailors above personal interests. These leaders must make sound decisions under pressure, communicate clearly and always be prepared to adapt. These traits are developed through discipline, training and a commitment to excellence – all valuable qualities.
“Scouting instills confidence, fosters teamwork and encourages a strong sense of responsibility – all essential in a balanced life. The lessons learned shape character, inspire a purpose and empower young people to reach beyond their limits, to aim high, find success and realize their dreams.”
The tandem of King and Wanamaker helped attract many of the county’s leaders to the annual dinner – all for the record night of donations for the troops that make up Northeast Florida Region.
