MONROE — Jared Batz, a member of Troop 180, chartered by the American Legion post and VFW in Monroe, was awarded Scouting’s highest rank, Eagle. 

Batz was a member of the Blackhawk Area Councils 2022 class of over 120 eagle scouts. On Sunday, March 5,  Batz and his family were invited to an awards reception in Rockford, along with all of the eagle scouts in the council. 

At that awards luncheon, Batz received an award for having the top Eagle Service Project of the Year. Batz planned and organized, with help from many in the community, a memorial for those veterans in hospice care. 

HSS Hospice was the recipient of these memorials and was the originator of the idea. These beautiful mementos hold a small American flag and are placed at the veteran’s bedside. 

The accomplishment ends Batz’s scouting adventure of over 11 years.