Since its start in 1960, Tamaqua Boy Scouts of America Troop 776 (now operating as Troop 777) has had 82 members become Eagle Scouts, the highest level in Scouting.

The first to achieve this honor was John Romer, who is now retired and enjoys hiking the Appalachian Trail, while the most recent Eagle Scout is Anthony DeAngelo, a high school student.To pay tribute to the troops' accomplishment, Romer and State Senator David G. Argall, who was the troops' 15th Eagle Scout, along with several other volunteers, organized a reunion for those associated with the troop over the years. The reunion was held Oct. 11 at the Owl Creek Reservoir Pavilion in Tamaqua. Current Scoutmaster Kevin Steigerwalt presided at the event.As the scouts and their families enjoyed the sunny Autumn day, Sen. Argall unveiled a commemorative Eagle Roll Call Plaque, which he donated, as well as several additional name plates to be added for future Eagle Scouts.During the honor roll call, each Eagle Scout had the opportunity to share memories of their scouting experiences and the life lessons that were learned. From hanging out on the back porch at scout camp, to broken down buses, trips to Canada, and critters they met, each shared an appreciation for the skills learned, useful then and for the rest of their lives.Some, like Sen. Argall, were also proud to be parents of Eagles Scouts, continuing with the Scout honor in the family. Honorable mentions and grateful praises were also given to troop Leaders Joe Vlcek, and Carl Hafer (who were attending), the late Doug Miller, the late Junior Zehner, the late Bingo Heisler, and Dan Geissinger who is currently in a nursing home. Their dedication and time invested in the troop were truly appreciated by all.Troop 776 Eagle Scouts include: John Romer, the late Paul M. Ansbach, Thomas Stramm, Donald Zehner, Joseph Lehatto, the late Bruce Haggerty, Kenneth Meredith, Daniel Meredith, Larry Seligman, the late Greg Wetterau, Lewis Erbe, Greg Hafer, Brian D. Vlcek, Brian Hartz, David G. Argall, Daniel Geissinger III, Barry Geissinger, John Marcin, Paul Vanek, Robert Marcin, Donald Moyer, Richard Hollenbach, David Lindemann, the late Charles Kemmery, the late Paul E. Ansbach, Douglas T. Argall, Richard Brown, Dale Hadesty, Brian Connely, William Brown, David Derr, Richard Houtz, Robert T. Roche III, Matthew Heffelfinger, Dana Hadesty, Christian Hadesty, Richard Christ, Victor Baddick, Brian Nattress, Greg Gleockler, Kevin Woodring, Nathan Johns, Mark Clemson, Michael Graham, David Brown, the late Patrick Roche, Corey Derr, Bill Knappenberger, Michael Towle, Michael Kane, Matthew Jones, Andrew Yearick, Brian Clemson, Timothy Knappenberger, Kyle J. Zehner, Jarrett Reigel, Matt Houser, Adam Jones, Raymond DeWire, Shane M. Murphy, Richard G. Wolfe, John F. Gurcsik, James M. Gurcsik, Derick E. Brobst, Brandon Fulton, Blake Ferrich; Troop 777 - Shawn Klitsch, Christopher Rhode, Arthur J. Argall III, Josh DeBellas, Michael J. Chickilly, Justin D. Brobst, Alex Jones, Dylan Smith, Michael Gurcsik, Tylor Wolfe, Tyler Winterburn, Tyler Groner, Conor Veglia, Jacob Kropp and Anthony DeAngelo.Troop 777 meets at 7 p.m., every Monday, in the social hall at the St. John's UCC Church in Tamaqua.