Local Boy Scout Earns Heroism Award

A local Eagle Scout was honored this week for an act of heroism.

T.J. Benwire of Travelers Rest was presented with the Boy Scouts of America's Heroism award Monday during a Greenville Drive game.

Benwire, a rising senior at Bob Jones Academy, was honored for assisting scouts after an automobile crash July 13, 2012 as the troop was leaving Camp Old Indian. He was nominated for the award by several of the scouts injured during the crash.

According to the Blue Ridge Council, Benwire's confidence, calmness and focus in dealing with the situation were key points made in nomination letters supporting him. The council said that Benwire's insistence not to move one injured scout until EMS arrived, may have prevented further injury to the teen.

The Heroism Award, one of Scouting’s highest honors, is presented to fewer than 300 scouts each year. Benwire is the first recipient from BSA Troop 519, which is sponsored by Bob Jones University, to receive the award.

Benwire was elected as Senior Patrol Leader for his troop at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree and has been awarded three Silver Palms and 105 merit badges. He recently passed his open water dive and is now a licensed scuba diver for life.

He is the son of Lee and Cherie Benwire.