FROM STAFF REPORTS

Twin brothers who are charter members of Boy Scout Troop 317 of Stafford County Christian Church have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor in the Boy Scouts.

John and James Deffenbaugh, sons of Lance and Judy Deffenbaugh of Stafford County, received their awards from Scoutmaster Joe Klocek during a combined Eagle Court of Honor ceremony at Stafford County Christian Church in late July.

In addition to their parents, sharing in the celebration were their aunt, Melinda Clester; cousins Jared, Mallory and Andrew Clester of Upland, Ind.; and their grandmother Joyce Deffenbaugh of Hartford City, Ind.

John has held various leadership roles in the troop, which was chartered in 2007, including senior patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, patrol leader, and instructor.

He previously was chosen for the Order of the Arrow by his troop, and he taught Bear Claw Leadership Courses at the district level.

John has earned 28 merit badges, as well as the World Conservation badge.

John also received the Arrow of Light award, the highest achievement in Cub Scouts, during his time as a Webelo.

For their Eagle project, John and James led fellow Scouts, family and friends in building a community garden for SERVE in Stafford County. So far, the garden has yielded about 100 pounds of fresh produce for local needy families.

Not only did the brothers lead the construction of the project, but they have maintained the garden throughout the summer.

Both teens are involved in their local church and participate regularly in the Children's Church program, the youth group, and have gone on two mission trips.

Both have been swimmers with the Curtis Park Seahawks for 10 years, and both play varsity basketball and run cross country for Grace Preparatory School. James has also served in student government.

John is a Junior Master Gardener and volunteers by tutoring at Stafford Junction's Brain Builders program throughout the school year and assists in Stafford Junction's summer camps and programs.

He is currently helping with the new Cub Scout Pack that Stafford County Christian Church chartered in March 2012.

James also has held various troop leadership roles, including senior patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, instructor, patrol leader and chaplain's aide.

He received his Order of the Arrow and took part in District Bear Claw Leadership classes.

He has earned 29 merit badges, and the World Conservation badge. He also received the Arrow of Light award during his time as a Webelo, Cub Scout's highest achievement.

In addition to Scouting, James keeps bees and chickens. He cares for more than 20 chickens and sells eggs to friends and family.