Matthew J.

Rider

Celeste Ehm

English I

15 May 2007

The Eagle Scout President

The Admirable Accomplishments of a Young Gerald R. Ford

A person of character is one whose life is exemplified by moral excellence.

It is not easy to live such a life in today’s times. Character is something that is not

attained by accident. It involves seeking mentors, training, establishing, and

achieving goals. Ford utilized many opportunities as a youth that would later

enable him to serve his country. Gerald R. Ford was a man of character who

became the President that he was because of his father's mentoring, his

involvement in and support of Boy Scouts, and his successful football career.

Gerald R. Ford was born on July 14, 1913, in Omaha, Nebraska. When he

was five months old, his parents divorced. His mother, fleeing from her abusive

husband, moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan (Cochran, 1). After a few months she

married Gerald Rudolff Ford, a Grand Rapids businessman (Cochran, 7). Dorothy

Ford was a full-time mother who said that she would not have it any other way

(Laackman, 7). It might seem like a huge coincidence that Gerald R. Ford’s

stepfather has the same name as his stepson, but it is not. Jerry’s original name was

Copyright© 2007
Matthew J. Rider
 Rider 2

Leslie Lynch King, Jr. after his birth father (Shellenbarger, 2). Although his name

was not legally changed until 1935, he was called Jerry by his family and friends

(Cochran, 7). Gerald R. Ford, Sr. was a salesman in a family-owned paint and

varnish company. He later became president (Gerald Ford, Wikipedia Foundation).

Jerry’s dad was probably the most influential person in his life. Ford, Sr. made a

point to involve his four sons in the family’s business; this taught them many

business skills (Laackman, 8). Jerry was the eldest of the boys. When asked what

Jerry meant to him, his youngest brother, Richard Ford, said, “He was the best

older brother you could ever have. He set the standard for myself and Tom and

Jim.” (Shellenbarger, 2). After a statement like that, you may think that Jerry was

almost an angel, but unbelievably, when he was younger, he had a very intense

temper. His mother and father were strict disciplinarians. When Jerry was about to

explode, his mother, as part of her training, would have him recite the poem “If”

which states: “If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and

blaming it on you…you’ll be a man, my son!” (Shellenbarger, 2) His parents also

required honesty. Ford, Sr.’s attitude was, “This is the way it is going to be.”

Richard Ford remembered this about his parent’s policy- “You could never get in

trouble in the Ford household if you told the truth!” (Shellenbarger, 2) Gerald Ford,

Sr. instilled many positive qualities in his son Jerry’s life, but on Jerry’s twelfth

birthday, another character building opportunity entered his life.

Copyright© 2007
Matthew J. Rider
 Rider 3

Jerry joined Boy Scouts of America in 1925. He joined Troop 15, chartered

by Trinity Methodist Church in Grand Rapids (Cochran, 1). His Scoutmaster,

Chuck Kindel, said “I could tell right off that Jerry would become an important

person…He was a born leader” (Laackman, 24). He was even criticized by his

friends that he was too much of a Boy Scout (Laackman, 30). Nevertheless, the

criticism did not affect his motivation toward reaching higher. As Jerry achieved

the different ranks in the Boy Scouting program, his dad faithfully motivated him

to continue (Shellenbarger, 4). In November 1927, at the age of fourteen he

attained the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank that a Boy Scout can achieve

(Cochran, 1). Since Jerry started Boy Scouts at the age of twelve, attaining this

rank at the age that he did, was incredible. The Eagle Rank is awarded to boys who

have completed the required merit badges and an Eagle project. Because of Jerry’s

example, two of his three brothers also attained the rank of Eagle (Laackman, 29).

Jerry’s involvement in scouting did not stop when he graduated from high school.

He continued to support scouting for the rest of his life. This was recognized when

Jerry was presented the Distinguished Eagle Award on May 12, 1970 (Laackman,

29). In a biography that was published by what is now the Gerald R. Ford Council,

titled Gerald R. Ford’s Scouting Years, he said in recognition of his involvement in

Scouting:

Copyright© 2007
Matthew J. Rider
 Rider 4

As you know, I have been associated with scouting all

my life. First as a scout; later, as an enthusiastic supporter

of BSA. It is an association that has provided me with a

great deal of satisfaction. As a youngster, Scouting taught

me the importance of sharing and teamwork…yet the

ability to act independently. Through Scouting I became

more confident and self sufficient. And upon becoming

an Eagle Scout I became well aware of the marvelous

sense and satisfaction of achievement, above all,

Scouting helped me become aware of my obligations to

society and nature. (Laackman, 1)

As a youngster, Jerry was very active not only in BSA, but athletically as

well. He played football and other sports through high school. His football career

really started when he attended the University of Michigan from 1931-1935

(Cochran, 1). He did not have much playing time until his junior year (Laackman,

11). After a successful year in 1934, the Most Valuable Player Award was awarded

to Jerry. As a senior, the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity gave him the honor of

joining the fraternity. Later that year he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in

Economics (Cochran, 1). Jerry accepted his first job at Yale University coaching

the football and boxing teams. His method of coaching was “Punt, Pass, and

Copyright© 2007
Matthew J. Rider
 Rider 5

Prayer,” which meant that if punting did not work, try passing, and lastly they

would pray. While he was coaching at Yale, the Detroit Lions offered him a $2,400

contract to play for them. He turned it down because he was pursuing acceptance

into Yale Law School (Shellenbarger, 3). During the summer of 1938, Jerry

attended law classes at the University of North Carolina, because he could not get

into Yale. Finally, in February of 1938, after much determination he was accepted

into Yale Law School. Much to the surprise of the professors, Jerry graduated third

highest in his class (Cochran, 1).

For a brief time Jerry practiced law in Grand Rapids and then he chose to

enter the political field. After thirteen successful terms as a Michigan

Representative, Gerald R. Ford was appointed by President Nixon to take the place

of former Vice-President Spiro Agnew. Shortly thereafter, President Nixon

resigned from office. Gerald R. Ford became the first person that did not need to

run for the offices of Vice-President or President. Former President Jimmy Carter,

who became very close friends with Ford, said, “He didn’t seek the office. And

yet…he was not frightened of the task before him.” (Carter, 1). Mr. Ford would not

have been the President that he was without his involvement in Scouting and

athletics (Shellenbarger, 3). He readily acknowledges the impact that Scouting had

on his life.

Copyright© 2007
Matthew J. Rider
 Rider 6

My early years as a Boy Scout were invaluable in helping

to shape the course of my later life. Throughout my

public service and extensive travels around our country, I

have seen firsthand evidence of the immeasurable worth

of the basic values taught by scouting programs…

(Laackman, 56).

He goes on to explain that the Scout Oath provides a solid base on which a Scout

can build both individual and national strength. The Scout Oath states:

“On my honor, I will do my best, to do my duties, to God

and my country, to obey the scout law, to help other

people at all times, to keep myself physically strong,

mentally awake, and morally straight.”

The Scout Oath holds high standards for Boy Scouts. Scouts need to take great care

not to bring dishonor to the Scouting name thus dishonoring themselves. Mr. Ford

knew this well. Later on in his quote, he states that the three most important

principles upon which Scouting is based on include self-discipline, teamwork, and

moral and patriotic values. With this in mind, it is easy to understand why he was

able to have such a strong relationship with his constituents. Ford finishes his

statement by saying; “By working for these principles, those who belong to and

Copyright© 2007
Matthew J. Rider
 Rider 7

support the Boy Scouts of America add greatly to the vitality of our society and to

the future well-being of its people.” (Laackman, 56).

Gerald R. Ford had an important place in God's plan for our country. When

he was young, Gerald learned values that, later, were used by God in bringing

healing to those whose hearts could not forgive. His gentle but firm spirit was

evident as he led our nation as President through a difficult time. Mr. Ford has been

an inspiration to numerous young men and women throughout the nation to pursue

the qualities that he exhibited. Because of numerous activities in his youth,

specifically BSA and football, and his father’s involvement with him, Gerald R.

Ford became a man of desirable character and qualities.

Copyright© 2007
Matthew J. Rider
 Rider 8

Works Cited

Carter, Jimmy. Eulogy for President Ford.

<http://www.ford.utexas.edu/grf/funeral/carter.asp>.

Cochran, J. “President Ford’s Life and Career.”

<http://www.ford.utexas.edu/grf/timeline.pdf> 27 July, 2006.

“Gerald Ford.” Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia 3 Apr 2007, 18:56 UTC.

Wikipedia Foundation, Inc. 4 Apr 2007. <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/

index.php?title=gerald_ford&oldid=120037381>.

Laackman, Blair H. Gerald R. Ford’s Scouting Years. Grand Rapids, MI: West

Michigan Shores Council, 1982.

Shellenbarger, Pat. “Groundwork for Success was laid in Early Years.” The Grand

Rapids Press 27 Dec. 2006, 2+.

Copyright© 2007
Matthew J. Rider
 Rider 9

I.Introduction

A.Thesis Statement

Gerald R. Ford was a man of character who became the President

that he was because of his father's mentoring, his involvement in
and support of Boy Scouts, and his successful football career.

II.Childhood

A.Birth

B.Parent’s Divorce, Baby 5mo

C.Mother Moves to G.R.

D.Marriage

E.Full time Mother

F.Gerald Rudolff Ford, Sr.

1.Not Birth Father

2.Name

3.Salesman

4.Involved Boys

Copyright© 2007
Matthew J. Rider
 Rider 10

G.Step-Siblings

H.Parents Disciplinarians

1.Ford, Hot-Tempered

2.Parents Required Honesty

3.Richard Ford Quote

III.Boy Scouts of America (BSA)

A.Membership

B.Scoutmaster’s Quote

C.Dedication Criticized

D.Father Encouraged Eagle

E.Attained Eagle

F.Brothers Also

G.Presented Award

H.G.R. Ford Supports Scouting

IV.College

Copyright© 2007
Matthew J. Rider
 Rider 11

A.U of M, Football

B.Bench Warmer

C.M.V.P.

D.Joins Fraternity

E.Graduates with B.A.

F.Coaches at Yale

G.Awaits Law School

1.Summer Classes

2.Accepted At Yale

3.Graduates

V.Presidential Career

A.Presidency

B.Carter Quote

C.Scouts & Sports Prepared President

D.G.R. Ford Quote

E.Character from Scouts

Copyright© 2007
Matthew J. Rider
 Rider 12

F.Truth, Compromise

VI.Conclusion
A.Restate Thesis Statement

Copyright© 2007
Matthew J. Rider