West Des Moines Scout's Project Still Serves Kids Today

Troop 242 scoutmaster shares memories of Sgt. Declan Coady's Eagle Scout work building chairs for Iowa Youth Homeless Centers

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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A West Des Moines scout troop and Valley United Methodist Church community are remembering Sgt. Declan Coady, who grew up in Troop 242 before joining the U.S. Army Reserve. His former scoutmaster recalls Coady's dependable leadership, kid-focused service projects, and Eagle Scout work building chairs for Iowa Youth Homeless Centers, which are still in use today.

Why it matters

This story highlights how a young person's Eagle Scout project can have a lasting impact on the local community, even years later. It also showcases the positive role that scouting can play in developing leadership and service-oriented values in youth.

The details

Sgt. Declan Coady was an active member of West Des Moines' Troop 242 as a youth, where he demonstrated strong leadership skills and a commitment to community service. For his Eagle Scout project, Coady built chairs for the Iowa Youth Homeless Centers, which are still being used by the organization today. His former scoutmaster remembers Coady as a dependable and kid-focused scout who left a lasting impression.

  • Sgt. Declan Coady grew up in Troop 242 in West Des Moines.
  • Coady completed his Eagle Scout project of building chairs for the Iowa Youth Homeless Centers.
  • The chairs Coady built are still being used by the organization today.

The players

Troop 242

A West Des Moines scout troop that Sgt. Declan Coady was a member of as a youth.

Sgt. Declan Coady

A former member of West Des Moines' Troop 242 who went on to join the U.S. Army Reserve.

Valley United Methodist Church

The church community in West Des Moines that Troop 242 is associated with.

Iowa Youth Homeless Centers

The organization that received the chairs built by Sgt. Declan Coady for his Eagle Scout project, which are still in use today.

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What they’re saying

“Sgt. Declan Coady's dependable leadership, kid-focused service projects, and Eagle Scout work building chairs for Iowa Youth Homeless Centers are still making an impact today.”

— Troop 242 Scoutmaster

The takeaway

This story demonstrates the lasting positive impact that young people can have on their local communities through scouting and service-oriented projects. Sgt. Declan Coady's Eagle Scout work continues to benefit the Iowa Youth Homeless Centers years later, highlighting the enduring value of youth leadership and community engagement.