By Janet C. Wetzel
Enquirer contributor

Ron Roehrig has never been a Boy Scout, but those who know him say he epitomizes the scouting mission.

Ron Roehrig sweeps snow from the front of the administration building at Camp Friedlander. (Gary Landers photo) | ZOOM |

Since 1978, Roehrig has spent several hours to several days a week volunteering for the scouts. And since retiring from his 40-yearplumbing career in 1994, he helps out even more.

He's now assistant scoutmaster for new scout patrol forBoy Scout Troop 420.And although he's 70 years old, scouts know better than to try to outdo him. On a weeklong trip last June, Roehrig was right there with the 13- to 18-year-olds on a 90-mile canoeing and hiking trek through the wilderness in Minnesota and Canada.

"It was quite an adventure, a great trip that gave me a lifetime worth of memories," said Roehrig.

Roehrig was reluctant to talk about his contributions, but Troop 420 Scoutmaster Joe. Schneider and Committee Chairman Ed Hoffrogge said Roehrig has earned numerous honors.

"Ron is a Silver Beaver, which is the highest award that boy scouting can give a volunteer on a local level," Schneider said. "He's received the St. George Award, the highest honor the Catholic Committee can give to Catholic scouts; he's earned the Distinguished Commissioners Award"

Roehrig began volunteering in 1978 when a nephew joined Cub Scouts.

As assistant scoutmaster for Troop 420, he's in charge of a patrol group called the Scouts With an Attitude and Teamwork (SWAT). "He's an incredible man," Schneider said. "Once Ron was helping our family with a number of things. ... Nicky, my freshman son, said, `You know dad, if more people were like Mr. Roehrig, who just pitches in anytime and any place where there's a need, this world would be a nicer place. He's the kind of person I want to be someday.' I couldn't say it any better."

Roehrig also goes to the Archdiocese of Cincinnati's Office of Youth Ministries at least once a week to help the Catholic Committee on Scouting.

"I feel I'm making a difference in the lives of these boys. That's what makes it all worthwhile, when you see how good they turn out," Roehrig said. "I've had boys that have gone off to college and came back to visit, telling about the memories they have of the trips we've taken, the scouting events. That's the icing on the cake. I know this is something good. I'm not ready to sit in an old rocking chair. I'm not that kind of a retiree."

Do you know a Hometown Hero - someone in your community dedicated to making it a better place to live and helping others? E-mail Janet Wetzel at jjwetzel@siscom.net, or fax to 513-755-4150.