HAMPDEN — Eric Armstrong, son of Rich and Linda Armstrong of Hampden, attained the rank and distinction of Eagle Scout, a rank only approximately 5 percent of Scouts attain.
Eric is the fifth Armstrong to reach the rank of Eagle Scout, joining his brother Ryan Armstrong, cousin Mike Armstrong and his two uncles, Mark and Bill Armstrong.
As part of his Eagle Scout requirement, Eric earned 23 merit badges.
For his Eagle Scout project, Eric constructed a new snowmobile bridge and access trail for the Goodwill Riders Snowmobile Club.
The bridge crosses Reeds Brook on the ITS 82 Snowmobile Trail and the new trail was necessary to access the new bridge crossing and reconnect with the old trail. The former crossing of Reeds Brook was on the Mobile Oil pipeline and had no bridge.
This crossing would constantly flood and block access to the rest of the ITS 82 Trail system heading north.
The new bridge and trail are wider and safer for the whole community to enjoy.
Eric is a member of Troop 41 in Hampden and is a junior at Hampden Academy. After high school, Eric plans to follow the family tradition and attend Maine Maritime Academy to study engineering.
An Eagle Scout ceremony honoring Eric was held in April at the Hampden Community Center.