Chase Freeman Soon to Be Eagle Scout and Soar His Career

Chase Freeman soon will be an “Eagle” and he plans to soar in his career

Chase Freeman is a young man with a mission.

A 15-year-old freshman at Lafayette High School, Chase is already making plans to become an officer in the United States Air Force, and following a six year military career, he plans to earn a master’s degree in Military Engineering at Ole Miss.

Ashley, Gage, Chase and Rob Freeman

The son of Rob and Ashley Freeman of Oxford, Mississippi, Chase is a Flight Commander in the AFROTC and is completing final requirements to earn the rank of Eagle Scout in Oxford’s Troop 45.

“Chase just completed his Eagle project, which was to build a command platform for use of the Lafayette High School AFROTC,” said his mother, Ashley.

“Chase came up with the initial idea to build an observation platform to observe and direct drill teams during practice and competitions. He drew up his plans, designed the deck to fit the area, as well as fit an adjacent ramp, where it would be made handicapped accessible,” she said.

Chase calculated the materials needed and went from business to business to ask for support of his project, collecting donations of cash and materials.

“He spent hour upon hour meticulously planning and executing his plan and lead a group of Scouts and volunteers to construct his vision. This will be a well used and long lasting structure that represents his dedication to Scouting and all the tenants it represents,” said his dad, Rob Freeman, who is a long time Scout leader.

Chase is proud of his project!

Chase’s younger brother, Gage, is also a Scout and plans to earn “at least one more merit badge” than did Chase who has over 60 merit badges on his sash. Both brothers started training early for the rank of Eagle. Chase was only 12 and Gage was nine when he earned the Medal of Merit.

“Chase was only 12 and Gage was nine when he earned the Medal of Merit,” Rob said. “Scout training is effective and beneficial for young men.”

In addition to these awards and leadership positions in Troop 45, Chase has one unique medal, which is a special source of pride for him, his parents and little brother. The award is often called a “hero’s medal” and recognizes the occasion in which Chase probably saved the life of Gage.

“He was choking on something and I used the training I received in Boy Scouts, applying the heimlich maneuver, and whatever was lodged in his throat popped out,” Chase said, explaining he reached his arms around Gage’s chest from the back, jerked hard and forced air through his lungs to dislodge the obstruction.

“I am extremely proud of Chase and the opportunity to work with young men in Scouting,” Rob said.

Thank you to every Scout from Troop 45, every donation from Discount Lumber, Dash For Cash, Smith Building Supply, Sneed’s Ace Hardware, and Elliott Lumber for helping make Chase’s Eagle Scout Project possible.

“It is especially rewarding to work with one of your own in a program which teaches leadership and life skills for the next generation of leaders of our nation, he added.

Rob is a long-time Scout, and having completed his required Eagle Project, Chase will soon be an Eagle. Not far behind, 13 year-old Gage remains eager in his quest for the highest award in Scouting, too.

Emily Newton is a staff writer for Hottytoddy.com and editor of Experience Magazine. They can be reached at emily.newton@hottytoddy.com.

Follow HottyToddy.com on Instagram and Twitter @hottytoddynews. Like its Facebook page: If You Love Oxford and Ole Miss…