7-24-2026 10:17pm

Lebanon Scout Completes Eagle Scout Project to Honor Medal of Honor Recipient Col. Gordon Roberts

Beth Callahan Editor

Story and photo courtesy of Game Day Communications

LEBANON, Ohio — The community is invited to celebrate the grand opening and dedication of a new monument honoring Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Gordon Ray Roberts on Saturday, July 25, at 11:00 a.m. at 1 Taylor Street, Lebanon, Ohio.

The monument is the culmination of an Eagle Scout service project led by 15-year-old Life Scout Warren Poeppelmeier of Dan Beard Council’s Troop 57, chartered by the American Legion Post 186. Warren envisioned the project as a lasting tribute to one of the region’s most distinguished military heroes and led the effort to raise $66,000 to design and construct the memorial.

See the Facebook page dedicated to the project here: https://www.facebook.com/people/Warrens-Eagle-Scout-Project-Col-Gordon-Roberts-Medal-of-Honor-Monument/61574638295361/

Col. Gordon Roberts, a Lebanon resident, received the Medal of Honor the nation's highest military decoration, from President Richard Nixon in 1971 for extraordinary heroism during the Vietnam War. His courage and selfless actions saved the lives of fellow Soldiers and continue to inspire generations of Americans.

"Warren’s goal was to create a place where people can learn about Colonel Roberts' incredible story and reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and service that earned him our nation's highest military honor," states Andy Zahn, Dan Beard Council Scout Executive and CEO. "We hope this monument will inspire others to serve their communities and country."

The July 25 ceremony will officially unveil the monument and recognize the many individuals, organizations, veterans, and community supporters who helped make the project possible. The event is open to the public, and residents are encouraged to attend as Lebanon celebrates one of its hometown heroes.

Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Scouting America, requires Scouts to demonstrate leadership by planning and directing a significant community service project. Warren's monument will stand as a permanent reminder of Col. Roberts' legacy and the values of courage, leadership, and service.

About Dan Beard Council, Scouting America:

Dan Beard Council, Scouting America is the region’s largest youth organization serving 12,000 youth and mobilizing over 3,500 volunteers each year in 12 counties serving Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky. For more information on how to join or support Scouting, visit: www.DanBeard.org