Cape Girardeau, Missouri - Tony Smee, President of the Southeast Missouri Eagle Scout Association, has announced Ed Gargas as the honored sponsor of the 2017 class of Eagle Scouts.

Officially named the 2017 Col. Edward P. Gargas Class of Eagle Scouts, seventy‐five Eagle Scouts from Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois will be honored at Southeast Missouri State University on Saturday, February 10th at 2:00 PM in Academic Auditorium.

Gargas, himself an Eagle Scout, will address the latest class of Eagles as they receive their awards. The ceremony is free and open to the public, and all holders of the rank of Eagle Scout are encouraged to attend. It is estimated that less than five percent of all Boy Scouts will ever earn the rank of Eagle. The prestigious award requires formal demonstration of leadership over several years, creating and managing a significant service project that benefits the community, and earning a minimum of 21 merit badges that require proficiencies such as first aid, environmental science, lifesaving, emergency preparedness, personal management, citizenship and outdoor skills. A lengthy formal review before a board of Eagle Scouts and community representatives is the final hurdle prior to a Scout’s elevation to the rank of Eagle.

Mr. Gargas currently serves as Vice President of the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents, having been appointed by Governor Jeremiah “Jay” Nixon in 2015. He is Director of Operations and Sales with Bagby Wealth Management. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Southeast Missouri State University, as well as a Master’s in Business Administration from William Woods University and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.

Ed is a commissioned officer in the Missouri National Guard and currently holds the rank of colonel. He is a combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has received four Army commendation medals and many other awards for his performance and service. Ed's assignments in the military have included: brigade commander, brigade operations officer, battalion commander, battalion executive officer, battalion operations officer, division engineer, and company commander.

Ed is a member of the First Baptist Church in Dexter, as well as various other community and civic organizations including the American Legion, and the Dexter Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife Tina have one son, Nate. Ed attained the rank of Eagle Scout in 1984 in Troop 81, Kennett, Missouri.