Richard Rainey

Commander, United States Navy (Retired)

Commander Rainey has flown over 4,000 flight hours in operational and training missions throughout his aviation career.   He has held major department head positions overseeing operations, maintenance, training, and administrative functions and staff of over 200 personnel.  He screened for aviation command of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 94, located at the Naval Air Station in Willow Grove, PA.  He has served several tours of duty to the Mediterranean Sea based 6th Fleet where he provided airborne operational support to destroyers and frigates in various missions including:  Anti-submarine Warfare, Over-the-Horizon targeting/Air-to-Surface Missile Launch of enemy surface combatants, Naval Gunfire Observation, Targeting and Support, and Search and Rescue operations.  

 His 17-year old son, Matthew, is an Eagle Scout and senior patrol leader assigned to Troop 1776.  Matthew is pictured (as a 4-year old) seated in the cockpit of a Kaman Aerospace SH-2G Seasprite Helicopter that his father formerly flew.

AVIATION, CITIZENSHIP IN THE COMMUNITY, NATION, AND WORLD MERIT BADGE AND AMERICAN HERITAGE COUNSELOR

3.      Do the following:

a.      Pick a current world event. In relation to this current event, discuss with your counselor how a country's national interest and its relationship with other countries might affect areas such as" its security, its economy, its values, and the health of its citizens.

b.      Select a foreign country and discuss with your counselor how its geography, natural resources, and climate influence its economy and its global partnerships with other countries.

4.      Do TWO of the following:

a.      Explain international law and how it differs from national law. Explain the role of international law and how international law can be used as a tool for conflict resolution.

b.      Using resources such as major daily newspapers, the Internet (with your parent's permission), and news magazines, observe a current issue that involves international trade, foreign exchange, balance of payments, tariffs, and free trade. Explain what you have learned. Include in your discussion an explanation of why countries must cooperate in order for world trade and global competition to thrive.

c.      Select TWO of the following organizations and describe their role in the world.

i.      The United Nations

ii.     The World Court

iii.    World Organization of the Scout Movement

iv.     The World Health Organization

v.      Amnesty International

vi.     International Committee of the Red Cross

vii.    CARE

7.      Do TWO of the following (with your parent's permission) and share with your counselor what you have learned:

a.      Visit the Web site of the U.S. State Department. Learn more about an issue you find interesting that is discussed on this Web site.

b.      Visit the Web site of an international news organization or foreign government, OR examine a foreign newspaper available at your local library, bookstore, or newsstand. Find a news story about a human right realized in the United States that is not recognized in another country.

c.      Visit with a student or Scout from another country and discuss the typical values, holidays, ethnic foods, and traditions practiced or enjoyed there.

d.      Attend a world Scout jamboree.

e.      Participate in or attend an international event in your area, such as an ethnic festival, concert, or play.