This is the council’s largest fundraising event. Individual tickets are $175, but tables and partnerships are available. For more information, go to www.wmascouting.org or call (413) 594-9196.
Michael Matty celebrated his 48th birthday on Mount Everest. In May, he'll be honored as Distinguished Citizen of the Year by the Western Massachusetts Council of the Boy Scouts of America
SPRINGFIELD – Michael R. Matty, president of St. Germain Investment Management in Springfield, is a successful business man and seven summits climber having conquered Mt. Everest in spring 2011.
Matty, of Longmeadow, gives some of the credit to his time as a Cub Scout. He is scheduled to receive the 2013 Distinguished Citizen Award from the Western Massachusetts Council, Boy Scouts of America at the council’s gala 6 p.m. May 1 at Chez Josef in Agawam.
This is the council’s largest fund-raising event. Individual tickets are $175, but tables and partnerships are available. For more information, go to www.wmascouting.org or call (413) 594-9196.
Seven summits mountaineers have climbed the highest peaks on all seven continents.
“You wonder how much of it was rooted in me as a kid,” Matty said. “To me anything that gets kids feeling good about themselves and getting outside and active addresses a lot of the issues we have. Especially issues about childhood obesity.”
Ron Young, Eagle Scout, Iraqi Freedom prisoner of war, finalist on CBS TV’s “The Amazing Race,” and Apache pilot and training officer, will be the guest speaker.
According to a news release, March 30, 2003 forever changed Young’s story. While flying his first combat mission during the invasion of Iraq, he and his copilot were shot from the sky approximately 50 miles southwest of Baghdad. The two men eluded pursuing Iraqi soldiers for several hours but were ultimately captured under strong gunfire. They were held for 23 days. Two unsuccessful attempts were made to free the pilots, but the Iraqi posts were heavily armed.
Ultimately a Marine raid freed Young, his crew mate and five other POWs.
According to the Scouts, Chris Mensing, president and CEO of AAA Pioneer Valley and last year’s honoree, will present the award to Matty May 1.
Serving as chairman and master of ceremonies is Eugene J. Cassidy, president & CEO of Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield.
Previous Distinguished Citizen honorees have included Denis Gagnon, David Glidden, Sheriff Mike Ashe, Peter F. Straley, Peter A. Picknelly, John Davis, David Southworth, Stephen Davis, Mark R. Tolosky, and Mensing.