At this year’s Eagle Banquet, Occoneechee Council had the privilege of presenting the Medal of Merit to six youth and separately recognizing an adult leader for his role in a life-threatening emergency.
The Medal of Merit recognizes meritorious action, outstanding acts of service, uncommon bravery and presence of mind in situations involving risk to life. It honors those who do more than learn the skills, they use them when it matters most.
Fewer than 7,000 youth have been awarded the Medal of Merit in the U.S.
This year’s recipients demonstrated exactly that.
Honoring Courage
We are proud to recognize:
- Evelyn Carr
- Keifer Froom
- Sawyer Joyce
- Witt Moyer
- Phillip Knott
- Musa Zafiruddin
- Council Commissioner Scott Fedorchak
Their actions reflect preparedness, leadership, and service in moments that required it most.
Evelyn Carr: Acting Without Hesitation
Camp Durant | Carthage, NC | Summer 2025
During a meal in the dining hall during summer camp 2025, a fellow Scout began choking.
Without hesitation, Evelyn Carr performed the Heimlich maneuver, successfully clearing the obstruction and restoring the Scout’s ability to breathe.
Her immediate action prevented what could have become a life-threatening emergency.
Keifer, Sawyer, Witt, and Phillip: A Coordinated Response
Camp Davy Crockett | Whitesburg, TN | Summer 2025
Scouts Keifer Froom, Sawyer Joyce, Witt Moyer, and Phillip Knott had just completed award requirements when they encountered an adult staff member who had fallen from her vehicle and collapsed, also during their 2025 summer camp.
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, they assisted her to the camp’s First Aid building and remained with her while monitoring her condition. They cleared a path, repositioned equipment, and helped move her safely inside for further care. When her condition appeared to worsen, two Scouts retrieved and prepared the AED in case it was needed.
Emergency responders transported her for advanced treatment, including a Life-Flight to the University of Tennessee Hospital.
Their composure, teamwork, and quick response were critical in those first moments.
Commissioner Scott Fedorchak: Medical Assessment and Leadership
Camp Davy Crockett | Whitesburg, TN | Summer 2025
Our own Council Commissioner Scott Fedorchak arrived shortly after the Scouts began assisting the staff member. After assessing her vital signs and neurological responses, he determined she was likely experiencing a stroke — a life-threatening emergency.
He directed that 911 be called and oversaw her care until emergency responders arrived. His assessment and leadership ensured that the situation was treated with the urgency it required.
Musa Zafiruddin: Service Beyond the Troop
Musa Zafiruddin was also honored with the Medal of Merit for donating bone marrow to save his sister’s life.
Bone marrow donation is a significant medical procedure requiring serious commitment and post-procedure recovery. Musa chose to step forward in service to his family.