Each year roughly 50,000 young men join Scouting's highest rank and Alvin Townley set out to meet some of these incredible Eagles of today. He hoped to discover what the badge means to them, and the promise they hold for America and the world beyond. Everywhere he went he met Eagles continuing the amazing journey they started in Scouting, whether in the villages of Afghanistan, or the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, or in the schools of inner cities. He talks with such success stories as actor Jon Heder, NFL quarterback John Beck, and Olympic medallist Joe Pack. Townley found that Eagles are changing the world through actions that capture the essence of what it means to be part of the Scouting tradition. "Spirit of Adventure" pays tribute to them and provides inspiration for Scouts everywhere.
Alvin Townley spent a year traveling throughout the country to explore the legacy of America's Eagle Scouts. In thousands of miles of travel, he met with Eagles from all walks of life. The result was Legacy of Honor, a uniquely powerful narrative of character and virtue in American life.
Alvin's journey truly began years ago in Atlanta, Georgia, where he followed the Scouting path of his grandfather and father and earned his Eagle Scout rank with Troop 103. He is a Brotherhood Member of the Order of the Arrow and has completed High Adventure treks at the Florida Sea Base, the Northern Tier Canoe Bases, and Philmont Scout Ranch.
The author graduated from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. He has interned in the U.S. House of Representatives, served on the executive staff of an international consulting firm, and worked for his alma mater, where he built relationships with alumni across the country and spoke to classes on corporate strategy and ethics.
Alvin currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, where he works and coaches at Marist School. He also works with Reach for Excellence, a tuition-free program benefiting talented middle school students from underserved communities.