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By Britt Brinson

David Wade, Director of Human Resources for the City of Cordele, has been awarded the Kiwanis International BSA Community Organization Award by the Boy Scouts of America.  He was presented the award during Troop 270’s Summer Quarter Court of Honor at Cordele First United Methodist Church on Monday, July 29, 2024.  Wade has been affiliated with Scouting in Crisp County for a number of years, first as a Scout in his youth and later as an adult through the Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs with his son Jensen. 

According to the BSA website, “The Kiwanis International – Boy Scouts of America Community Organization Award recognizes members of Kiwanis International and any registered adult who act as role models and render distinguished and dedicated service, leadership, or other exemplary contributions to the Boy Scouts of America. Candidates must have the recommendation of their local club and their local Scouting Council to be eligible. This honor is awarded for exceptional service that strengthens the relationships between Kiwanis and the Scouting organizations, and that exemplifies the common principles and values of Kiwanis and Scouting. Work accomplishment and dedication, rather than a specific number of years in Scouting, will be the criteria for this award.”

David was recommended for this award by Kiwanian David Simmons and Cordele Boy Scout Troop 270 Assistant Scoutmaster Britt Brinson.  In his letter of recommendation, Simmons wrote, “David has been a member of the Cordele Kiwanis Club since November 2011. During his time as a member, he has been very active in the club’s projects. David served as Club President during the 2014-15 Kiwanis year. During his time as Club President, he led the Cordele Kiwanis Club in voting to donate over $30,000 toward Kiwanis International World Wide Service Project, which is the Eliminate Project. The Eliminate Project is a program with aspirations to eliminate neonatal tetanus. Since serving a Club President, he has remained active in the club and served as a club committee chairman on several occasions.”

Brinson added, “When our previous Charter Organization decided to give up that role, David was instrumental in securing the Cordele Kiwanis Club as our new Charter Organization.  Before taking over as COR, David served our Troop in the roles of Troop Committee Member, then Assistant Scoutmaster. He also serves as Assistant District Commissioner for the 8 Rivers District of the South Georgia Council, Boy Scouts of America.”

Brinson continued, “I am sure that David has been very active in the Kiwanis Club, just as he has been indispensable in our Troop. He has probably been involved in 75%-80% of all Troop activities since he and his son, Jensen, crossed over. He rarely misses a Troop meeting, service activity, or campout, whether his son is participating or not. He is a Brotherhood member of the Withlacoochee Lodge of the Order of the Arrow. He goes to summer camp with the Troop every year. I don’t believe that anyone is more deserving of this award.”

William Hurt, President of the Cordele Kiwanis Club, endorsed Wade’s application.  South Georgia Council Scout Executive Mark Manchester added his endorsement to the application, which was then forwarded to the National Headquarters of the Boy Scouts of America in Irving, Texas for final approval.

The BSA National office supplied the certificate that was awarded to Wade, as well as a square knot insignia that David will be able to wear on his uniform.  Wade is married to Brandi Jensen Wade.  They have three children and three grandchildren.

Cordele Boy Scout Troop is chartered by the Cordele Kiwanis Club and meets each Monday evening 6:30-8:00 at the Historic Cordele Boy Scout Hut, located at 1101 South 3rd Street..