HONORING CHINO TROOP 201

On 2026-06-03, Representative Norma J. Torres (D-CA-35) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING CHINO TROOP 201" in the House.

HONORING CHINO TROOP 201

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E520] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING CHINO TROOP 201 ______ HON. NORMA J. TORRES of california in the house of representatives Wednesday, June 3, 2026 Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chino Troop 201 as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. Troop 201 was founded in 1926 by Vernon Decker, Bob Brady, and Ernest Soper. The three partnered with the American Legion to launch Chino's first Scout troop, making it the oldest Scouts troop in my district. Troop 201's first Scoutmaster was Jon Cooley. In the early days of the troop's founding, the troop did not yet have a Scout house. Members of Troop 201 held their early meetings at the ``Thimble Club,'' a local spot in Chino. In 1935, the City of Chino recognized the growth of the organization and worked with the troop to help its development. The city left a piece of land for the troop to use as a home. The Scout house gave the troop a stable place to meet and a secure area to store gear, guaranteeing that scouts in Chino had a roof over their heads. Troop 201's founders, sponsors, and the City of Chino have supported the community centered around Chino Rotary Club. For the past 100 years, the troop has provided young leaders with opportunities for adventure, service, and character development, shaping them during key transformative years. In 1941, Troop 201 partnered with the Chino Rotary Club, uniting in their commitment to promoting community, leadership, and service. Since then, scouts in this troop have contributed thousands of hours to community service, outdoor education, and leadership training. The current organization leadership consists of Patricia Cox, the Chartered Organization Representative, Maritza Sanchez, Troop Committee Chair, and Jeffrey Baker, the current Scoutmaster. Under the direction of organization leaders and dedicated parents, families gather at the John Anderson Scout Center every Monday night for regular meetings. Beyond weekly meetings, an outdoor adventure is offered each month in addition to four major events each year. Scouts can choose between canoeing down the Colorado River, backpacking and fishing by the Eastern Sierra Mountain Range, developing skills on a desert trip that offers training on rifle shootings, rappelling, and rocketry, or attending an intensive summer camp focused on advancement and skill- building. This year, a special fifth major event will be offered: Troop 201's Centennial Celebration. The celebration will honor all scouts who have shared fond memories with the organization for more than 100 years, in addition to more than 125 Eagle Scouts from Troop 201 who have contributed to more than 600 community service hours each year. In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Chino Rotary Club Troop 201, it is my privilege to honor such a remarkable organization. Its impact on our young leaders in Chino and beyond is worthy of the highest commendation. ____________________